Clarification from the agency

Nationwide: All Members of the Washington Army National Guard, or U.S. Citizens willing to join the Washington Army National Guard.

A GS-0335-7, COMPUTER ASSISTANT:

• Responsible for limited specialized projects and assignments involving development, test, implementation, and modification of computer programs and operating procedures.
• Provides support to information technology (IT) specialists by performing coding, testing, and limited programming for a variety of applications.
• Maintains documentation and program databases.
• Receives and processes requests to write, upgrade, or modify small program modules which are part of a larger system of interrelated programs that have previously been designed and implemented.
• Independently identifies the work to be done, plans, and carries out the steps necessary for developing applications programs using a higher level programming languages, providing for variations in recurring runs and special reports.
• Considers a variety of factors in program applications work such as: developing input requirements for programs from detailed logic charts and related information developed by computer specialists, drawing basic program flow charts, applying higher level programming languages, initiating testing, assembling test data, debugging programs, and submitting user requests with recommended finished module to specialist.
• Determines the actions required by taking into account applicable instructions, references, objectives, customer desires, established program logic, and system constraints.
• Maintains a few modules that frequently require variations in production requirements.
• In support of specialists, solves problems and responds to requests to advise on issues related to defining information requirements, desired formats, and the amount and kind of data combinations and arithmetic manipulation required.
• Adapts or develops new work procedures and instructions for application by self and others.
• Installs and maintains hardware.
• Verifies that all equipment attachments and power support items are approved and are in compliance with existing regulations, directives, and vendor specifications.
• Documents user computer equipment and supply requirements for their procurement.
• Records the temporary and/or permanent transfer of hardware. Performs inventory of hardware.
• Researches current industry literature to identify the availability of equipment such as computer systems, printers, monitors, modems, and/or associated equipment.
• Maintains stocked parts to ensure prompt service and arranges for replacement parts.
• Works with IT specialists to accomplish complete component testing/validation of hardware ranging from user items to resident host system.
• Installs, upgrades, and maintains software.
• Performs system software control and library functions.
• Develops new and/or modified procedures for the operation of the software library and configuration management procedures.
• Determines whether new software is needed or if existing programs can be enhanced.
• Installs or removes software packages to include operating system, office automation, and special purpose software.
• Loads appropriate printer drives for each software package to ensure compatibility with attached printer.
• Answers technical questions using Provides guidance and assistance to customers. Assists customers in the application of system capabilities when the customer has unusual or unique processing requirements that are difficult to formulate.
• Advises and assists users inside and outside of the immediate organization in the effective operation of numerous software packages and the use of all available equipment. Detects patterns/common causes for recurring problems to determine where standardized solutions are needed. Identifies user requests or problems and determines solution by taking action such as manipulating files, modifying applications programs, developing or modifying system command language control files, or resolving software or hardware problems.
• Assists in the administration of a variety of databases maintained in the state residing on multiple hardware platforms.
• Assists a database administrator with the modification of storage structure by adding, removing or relocating files and structures.
• Following the direction of a database administrator identifies bottlenecks and takes corrective action as directed to resolve problems and ensure consistency.
• Assists in the administration of a variety of systems and applications maintained n the state.
• Works with a System Administrator in troubleshooting problems and implementing changes on multiple, widely diversified computer platforms.
• Assists with the diagnosis of system failures, taking corrective actions as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

Conditions of employment

MILITARY REQUIREMENTS:

Military Grades: E1-E5

Compatible Military Assignments: Immaterial, 00F

- Applicants need not be assigned to the position or possess the MOS to apply or be considered for selection. Selected applicant must be assigned to a compatible Military position and attain MOS within 1 year of appointment action.

- Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.

- All soldiers, civilian employees, and contractor employees who drive Army-owned or leased vehicles must complete the Army Avoidance Course (AAC) training when they start working for the Army. Must have a valid Washington state and military driver's license. Must be able to obtain a Government Travel Card (GTC) and be able to attend all schools deemed necessary by the supervisor.

- Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.

- Must maintain membership in the WA Army National Guard for continued employment.

- Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position.

- This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.

- Position requires ability to establish effective professional working relationships with coworkers and customers, contributing to a cooperative working environment and successful accomplishment of the mission.

- May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours; overtime may be required.

- The duties and responsibilities of your job may significantly impact the environment. You are responsible to maintain awareness of your environmental responsibilities as dictated by legal and regulatory requirements, your organization, and its changing mission.

Qualifications

GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
Experience, training, or education which demonstrates the applicant's ability to follow directions, procedures, or systematic work methods which gives evidence of the candidate's ability to perform this work. Experience using computer and automation systems.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
Must have at least 12 months of experience, training, and education showing possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to fully perform the duties of the position to be filled Or 1 year equivalent to at least next lower grade level.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. You may also be excluded from consideration if you indicate that you are unwilling to accept the lower grade and a determination is made that you are not qualified at the higher grade. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Verbiage displayed on your resume or application must contain your own words. You may refer to position descriptions, i.e. the general and specialized experience located within the vacancy announcement, to assist with describing work experiences; however, resumes or applications received in verbatim will not be considered. In your resume you will need to address the general and specialized experience listed above. Please use as much detail as needed, giving dates (months and years) of the experience, position title and how the experience was gained. This information is needed to determine if you are qualified for the position.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics). NOTE: You do not have to respond to the KSA's separately but your resume should contain sufficient information to demonstrate possession of the KSA's.

• Knowledge of ADP standards, policies and techniques approved for use in the state to test, implement and modify programs and operating instructions.
• Basic understanding of systems software, hardware and networking in use throughout the state to identify and isolate routine problems between system software, hardware and networking applications.
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of programming logic; system and higher level languages used in limited programming; and operating system input/output methods, software, and existing applications.
• Knowledge of subject matter information requirements to coordinate with users and acquire information about subject matter content, processing purposes, program objectives, and similar information for use in module and modification programming.
• Knowledge of programming techniques appropriate to recognize program modification requirements that can be designed and implemented without impact on total system logic or processing effectiveness, and to initiate redesign (patch) of those program segments.
• Knowledge of records requirements for use in writing brief summaries of own programming, processing control, documentation, library maintenance, and other work efforts to provide finished input to program records for local use and for the guidance of others.