This is the position of Information Technology Specialist (APPSW) Science Education Department, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The employee has applications programming and data management responsibilities for various projects within the Department (SED) that require innovative websites, backend software, and database solutions to meet educational goals.
Summary
This is the position of Information Technology Specialist (APPSW) Science Education Department, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The employee has applications programming and data management responsibilities for various projects within the Department (SED) that require innovative websites, backend software, and database solutions to meet educational goals.
All qualified candidates. First consideration may be made 14 days after the opening date. This is a career ladder opportunity with promotion potential to the grade 12 level. Candidates selected at grade 11 may be non-competitively promoted to the grade 12 level upon the recommendation of the supervisor based on classification requirements, satisfactory performance, and qualifications of the employee.
Develop complex software components and subcomponents/modules to support education and outreach, particularly dynamic web based projects and database-driven websites and services. This will involve the creation of innovative, customized applications that add to SED website capabilities and modifying existing applications to meet evolving requirements. (Specialized applications include those that support the Micro Observatory telescope network database and user account management infrastructure; the Observing with NASA Exhibit Kiosk web-based infrastructure; and content management systems for multimedia-intensive websites that integrate artwork, text, video, sound, and interactive elements). This requires familiarity with the requirements for the entire subsystem of each project.
Maintain, administer, and customize SED’s Moodle Content Management System, ensuring the security of user databases.
Function effectively as part of a team, serving as technical lead for designing, developing, testing, and implementing complex software applications, dynamic web application layouts, relational database systems, and content and user interfaces.
Refine system requirements and develop detailed plans and schedules for new programming projects and software enhancements by consulting project leads, subject matter specialists, external vendors, and internal and external system users about the functionality and types of information.
Design and develop software in a production environment that requires strong knowledge of the capabilities, limitations, and appropriate uses of various programming languages, APls, and scripting tools; and the ability to communicate technical information to non-IT specialized staff.
Duties at grade 12 include those above and:
Refine system requirements and develop detailed plans and schedules for new programming projects and software enhancements by consulting project leads, subject matter specialists, external vendors, and internal and external system users about the functionality and types of information
Manage the design and development of software in a production environment that requires strong knowledge of the capabilities, limitations, and appropriate uses of a variety of programming languages, APls, and scripting tools; and the ability to communicate technical information to non-IT specialized staff.
Implement and provide technical direction for all aspects of the web or code development lifecycle: requirements generation, design, code, verification and test, and maintenance.
Perform logical and physical database design, design data models and database architecture to provide differential account management and access, powerful query and reporting functions, security, maintenance, backup and recovery.
Oversee the verification and testing of all generated software through complete system and user acceptance testing and the transitioning and integration of the software modules to production. Provide ongoing maintenance and oversight of applications, databases, web servers, security, and connectivity.
Oversee the generation of clear and concise documentation of programs and systems so that others can use and/or maintain them. Document software design so that others can develop the software. Coordinate with other programmers on the project team or external vendors, working to integrate and test software systems. Prepare presentations on technical topics for team meetings and/or presentations to external stakeholders. Document procedures, processes, and/or standards13. Perform other duties as required.
For all positions individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below. 1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. 2. Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services. 3. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. 4. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
AND
Candidates for grade 11 must possess a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 9 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as experience writing and maintaining code for dynamic web applications using industry standard development; demonstrated knowledge of HTML, JavaScript, CSS, json, PHP, and relational database systems. Familiarity with authentication and authorization systems and knowledge of the course management platforms such as Moodle are desirable.
Candidates for grade 12 must possess a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 11 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as expert knowledge and experience using industry standard web development tools and programming languages including, but not limited to PHP/MySQL, CSS, AJAX, JavaScript, Python, XML, HTML/XHTML, Perl/CGI, etc.), on Unix, Linux, Mac and PC platforms sufficient to develop alternative solutions to complex programming challenges; proficient knowledge of SQL database systems, course management platforms, and authentication and authorization systems; and demonstrated knowledge of software development project management practices.
or
Education: All academic degrees and coursework must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions. Undergraduate or Graduate Education: Degree in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management or degree that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified above and required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or networks.
Grade 11: PhD. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a PhD. or equivalent doctoral degree.
Additional information
The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity.
For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccination requirements and its impact on your application, click on Smithsonian Institution’s Frequently Asked Questions
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application will be evaluated first for the basic qualifications described above. The applications that meet the basic qualification will be evaluated further against the following criteria:
Grade 11
Demonstrated knowledge and ability to use industry standard web development tools and programming languages including, but not limited to PHP/MySQL, CSS, AJAX, JavaScript, Python, XML, HTML/XHTML, Perl/CGI, etc.), on Unix, Linux, Mac and PC platforms sufficient to develop alternative solutions to complex programming challenges.
Demonstrated knowledge and skill in database design, data modeling and parsing, database management, and data integration and interoperability, especially with, but not limited to, Microsoft SQL server and MySQL
Ability to develop, maintain, configure, monitor, troubleshoot, and manage web services such as site search engines, dynamic web/database applications, security testing protocols, and link checking tools
Ability to support third-party applications such as blog, podcasting, or video casting applications and develop or use APls and other web services to search, consume and interact with the third-party image, news, and video sharing sites.
-Ability to learn quickly and understand emerging industry technologies for a total systems perspective, including a technical understanding of relationships, dependencies, and requirements of hardware and software components for a project.
-Skill in developing new software/documents, modifying existing code, and planning, coding, testing, and maintaining programs that may present complex problems. Includes knowledge of debugging techniques and version control.
Grade 12
Broad knowledge and experience in using industry standard web development tools and programming languages including, but not limited to: PHP/MySQL, CSS, AJAX, JavaScript, Python, XML, HTML/XHTML, Perl/CGI, etc.), on Unix, Linux, Mac and PC platforms sufficient to develop alternative solutions to complex programming challenges.
Broad knowledge of and experience with database design, data modeling and parsing, database management, and data integration and interoperability especially with, but not limited to, Microsoft SQL server and MySQL
Knowledge of software development project management practices, including defining milestones and deliverables, estimating resource requirements, and monitoring and reporting activities against established performance measures.
Knowledge of code versioning tools and repositories such as Git and GitHub
Ability to develop, maintain, configure, monitor, troubleshoot and manage web services such as site search engines, dynamic web/database applications, security testing protocols, and link checking tools
Skill in developing new software/documents, modifying existing code, and planning, coding, testing, and maintaining programs that may present complex problems. Includes knowledge of debugging techniques and version control.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. If you are applying for the position and do not have a social security number please contact Mary Hebert at 617-496-7816.Please Note:
You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button.
Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system generated coversheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package.
Clicking the "DONE" tab does not submit your application. The "DONE" tab allows you to exit the system and save your information for completion at a later time. To submit your application, click the "FINISH" tab.
The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
SMITHSONIAN
Human Resources
60 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138
Mail Stop 17
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States
Next steps
You will receive an e-mail to acknowledge that your application has been received. Please be aware that the confirmation e-mail could reside in your "junk" or "bulk" mail folder depending on your filters. The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully, which may take a few weeks. You may also check your application status by logging into www.usajobs.gov and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS;" or by contacting the Office of Human Resources Representative listed.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. If you are applying for the position and do not have a social security number please contact Mary Hebert at 617-496-7816.Please Note:
You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button.
Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system generated coversheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package.
Clicking the "DONE" tab does not submit your application. The "DONE" tab allows you to exit the system and save your information for completion at a later time. To submit your application, click the "FINISH" tab.
The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
SMITHSONIAN
Human Resources
60 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138
Mail Stop 17
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States
Next steps
You will receive an e-mail to acknowledge that your application has been received. Please be aware that the confirmation e-mail could reside in your "junk" or "bulk" mail folder depending on your filters. The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully, which may take a few weeks. You may also check your application status by logging into www.usajobs.gov and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS;" or by contacting the Office of Human Resources Representative listed.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
