This is the position of Information Technology Specialist (Ground System Operator), High Energy Astrophysics Division (HEAD), Chandra Mission Support Team of the Operations Control Center (OCC), Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The incumbent will report to the OCC Lead Console Operator. Activities will include real time flight console support to operate the OCC systems and configure them for support of changing operational requirements.
Summary
This is the position of Information Technology Specialist (Ground System Operator), High Energy Astrophysics Division (HEAD), Chandra Mission Support Team of the Operations Control Center (OCC), Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The incumbent will report to the OCC Lead Console Operator. Activities will include real time flight console support to operate the OCC systems and configure them for support of changing operational requirements.
This position is open to all qualified candidates with U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Resident status.
First consideration may be made 14 days after the opening date.
Serve as the real time point of contact to provide services in operating and resolving problems that may arise with the command and control systems for the Chandra Operations Control Center (Chandra-OCC).
Set up and configure the control center system to support multiple training, verification, and test configurations required to prepare for Chandra flight operations during the operations development phase of the program.
Monitor the state of the OCC Data System including functions dealing with the internal interfaces and telemetry processing.
Implement internal configuration changes, evaluate the impact of the changes, and translate FOT operational requirements into system or tool reconfiguration requirements.
Perform systems administration and configuration control and establish interfaces with all OCC external resources required to support verification, testing, and flight operations.
Support OCC system operations and develop required operations procedures for training and testing to support Chandra launch, and continued orbital operations for the duration of the program.
Develop and maintain console operator procedural documentation that reflects the current implementation of the OCC Data System and FOT/console operator procedures.
Train staff in new techniques and procedures as they develop.
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 the 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 which should demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of ground operations, to be able to function as a technical expert in performing GOT operations, practices, and procedures and support systems engineering duties.
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: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or
3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. 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:
Working knowledge of Unix system management practice and procedures
Knowledge of spacecraft operations and telemetry processing
Ability to provide technical assistance to end users, troubleshoot issues, and resolve problems
Working knowledge of system programming languages such as C, Python, and shell scripts
Skill in analyzing and evaluating data to provide recommendations based on studies relating to system performance, network performance, system security, and equipment and software evaluation to determine needs of users of the system
Skill in oral and written communications and development of documentation, presentations, databases and reports
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. 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
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. Additional Information:
The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses, but may pay a Recruitment Bonus.
The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity.
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. 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
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. Additional Information:
The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses, but may pay a Recruitment Bonus.
The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
