The position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC); Office of the Chief of Operations; Director, Utilities and Power Plant Operations; Assistant Director, Operations Division. The incumbent is responsible for communicating the functional requirements and specifications to the Information Technology Division (ITD) relating to the functional needs, operational reliability, and administration of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) located at the Capitol Power Plant (CPP).
Summary
The position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC); Office of the Chief of Operations; Director, Utilities and Power Plant Operations; Assistant Director, Operations Division. The incumbent is responsible for communicating the functional requirements and specifications to the Information Technology Division (ITD) relating to the functional needs, operational reliability, and administration of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) located at the Capitol Power Plant (CPP).
This position is emergency essential. The CPP operates around the clock to provide steam for heating and chilled water for air conditioning to the buildings of the U.S. Capitol including the House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court. The specialist is required to report to work during emergencies, failure of plant machinery and equipment and inclement weather situations to support the critical mission of the Capitol Power Plant. The tour of duty is normally scheduled Monday through Friday during the work week.
Performs progressively more complex and responsible duties on a gradual basis leading to the full performance level. The duties listed are a GS-13.
Major Duties
Serves as a specialist in the functional design, implementation, maintenance, and/or operation of CPP ICS for assigned operations. Assists with the development of a plan of action or project plan to develop functional specifications necessary to carry out the requirements of the CPP ICS.
Provides assistance in solving operational issues and implementing organizational and procedural changes. Conducts systematic studies to identify long-term and short-term needs of serviced equipment. Provides guidance on the limitations and capabilities of the equipment infrastructure and how it can support particular modifications or enhancements.
Will routinely perform the following tasks:
Set up workstations with computers and necessary peripheral devices (routers, printers, etc.)
Check computer hardware (HDD, mice, keyboards, etc.) to ensure functionality
Install and configure appropriate software and functions according to specifications
Develop and maintain local networks in ways that optimize performance
Ensure the security and privacy of networks and computer systems
Provide orientation and guidance to users on how to operate new software and computer equipment
Organize and schedule upgrades and maintenance without deterring others from completing their work
Perform troubleshooting to diagnose and resolve problems (repair or replace parts, debugging, etc.)
Maintain records/logs of repairs, fixes, and maintenance schedules
Identify computer or network equipment shortages and place orders
Makes recommendations to management on nontechnical procedural changes necessary to modify equipment processing to resolve alarms and operational impediments.
Reviews the effect of recommended modifications on other CPP ICS and requirements for external reporting.
The incumbent will assist ITD staff with developing procedures for securing ICS to prevent vulnerabilities and unauthorized access per AOC policy, coordinating with ITD Information Security and CPP staff. The incumbent participates in implementing new technologies to ensure that the ICS and supporting infrastructure are secure, reliable, and accessible. The incumbent takes action to correct and mitigate any risks identified by ITD staff during routine scans and evaluations of the CPP ICS.
Utilizes practical knowledge of systems engineering, project management concepts and methods, best practices, and enterprise architecture concepts and principles. Makes decisions and solves problems regarding the appropriate implementation of new ICS equipment and modifications to existing ICS. Manages, analyzes, and resolves complex issues and problems.
Leverages knowledge of specialized ICS communications hardware, software, and operational processes to make decisions that significantly improve the operations of the infrastructure. Defines, coordinates, plans, and satisfies user requirements for ICS systems by reviewing, developing, or interpreting industry communications policies and procedures.
Works with others to develop supplemental procedural documents required for effective guidance and control of assigned areas.
Tests the operational system's backup and recovery strategies. Serves as a technical focal point for the maintenance and services performed on the ICS. Responsible for planning, coordinating, modifying, implementing, and troubleshooting all aspects of the ICS in order to meet customer needs. Work pertains to maintaining and managing the ICS located at the CPP.
Assists in the development of quality control criteria, profile reports, alarm reports, and various system queries to perform continuous review of the ICS and maintain accuracy, control, and reliability of data maintained in the ICS.
Coordinate security protocols in accordance with standard operating procedures to implement new security policies. Reviews and implements local policies regarding system access, network rights, and physical access to systems and equipment. Implements policy relating to system storage requirements.
Provides input to the Continuity of Operation Plan (COOP) procedures for ICS disaster recovery.
Your resume and question responses must demonstrate the job-related KSAs.
You must meet the definition of specialized experience.
You must be able to pass a drug test.
The work requires the specialist to obtain and maintain Contracting Officers Technical Representative (COTR) training in accordance with AOC policies.
Qualifications
You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review on the OPM web site at OPM qualification standards
GS-09
Qualifying on Specialized experience: is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.
Candidates for the GS-09 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower GS-07 grade level in the Federal service.
Specialized experience is defined as experience in three or more of the following five items: (1) Acting as an expert in two or more of the following areas: design, operation, maintenance, and administration of Industrial Control Systems (ICS); (2) Assisting in the development of control logic and/or graphics of an ICS during installation of new system, or modifying control logic and/or graphics of existing ICS control to accommodate changes to the plant instrumentation and equipment; (3) Updating firmware or system software on all components in an ICS; (4) Performing routine system backups or performing a system restoration from a backup of an ICS; and (5) Communicating complex technical requirements and alternatives to non-technical personnel, including end users and senior management.
Requirements
A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a related field is required.
Or
Ten (10) years of experience in industrial control systems (ICS) are required.
The following CompTIA Certifications (or approved equivalent) will be mandatory to have and maintain:
CompTIA A+
GS-11
Qualifying on Specialized experience: is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.
Candidates for the GS-11 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower GS-09 grade level in the Federal service.
Specialized experience is defined as experience in four or more of the following five items: (1) Acting as an expert in two or more of the following areas: design, operation, maintenance, and administration of Industrial Control Systems (ICS); (2) Assisting in the development of control logic and/or graphics of an ICS during installation of new system, or modifying control logic and/or graphics of existing ICS control to accommodate changes to the plant instrumentation and equipment; (3) Updating firmware or system software on all components in an ICS; (4) Performing routine system backups or performing a system restoration from a backup of an ICS; and (5) Communicating complex technical requirements and alternatives to non-technical personnel, including end users and senior management.
Requirements
In addition to meeting the requirements of this position at a GS-09 level:
A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a related field is required.
Or
A certification in CompTIA A+
GS-12
Qualifying on Specialized experience: is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.
Candidates for the GS-12 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower GS-11 grade level in the Federal service.
Specialized experience is defined as experience in all five of the items: (1) Acting as an expert in two or more of the following areas: design, operation, maintenance, and administration of Industrial Control Systems (ICS); (2) Assisting in the development of control logic and/or graphics of an ICS during installation of new system, or modifying control logic and/or graphics of existing ICS control to accommodate changes to the plant instrumentation and equipment; (3) Updating firmware or system software on all components in an ICS; (4) Performing routine system backups or performing a system restoration from a backup of an ICS; and (5) Communicating complex technical requirements and alternatives to non-technical personnel, including end users and senior management.
Requirements
In addition to meeting the requirements of this position at a GS-11 level:
A Master's Degree in Computer Science or a related field.
Or
A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a related field and five (5) years of experience in industrial control systems (ICS) are required.
The following CompTIA Certifications (or approved equivalent) will be mandatory to have and maintain:
CompTIA A+
CompTIA Network+
Education
GS-09:
A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a related field is required. Or
Ten (10) years of experience in industrial control systems (ICS) are required.
The following CompTIA Certifications (or approved equivalent) will be mandatory to have and maintain:
CompTIA A+
GS-11:
In addition to meeting the requirements of this position at a GS-09 level:
A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a related field is required. Or
A certification in CompTIA A+
GS-12:
In addition to meeting the requirements of this position at a GS-11 level:
A Master's Degree in Computer Science or a related field. Or
A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a related field and five (5) years of experience in industrial control systems (ICS) are required.
The following CompTIA Certifications (or approved equivalent) will be mandatory to have and maintain:
CompTIA A+
CompTIA Network+
Additional information
Welcome Veterans. The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) gives veterans' preference rights in the legislative branch to certain veterans as applied by the Congressional Accountability Act. Veterans' preference is applied on this vacancy announcement. If you are a veteran and have been separated under honorable conditions, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility; SF-15, if applicable; and Department of Veterans Affairs documentation of disability, if applicable. For more information, please visit OPM vet guide
If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with theSelective Service System. If you are exempt from registration under Selective Service Law, you must provide appropriate proof of exemption. Please visit the Selective Service System website for more information.
DRUG TESTING: The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is a Drug Free Workplace. As part of the AOC’s suitability assessment, a candidate tentatively selected for a position who is not currently an AOC employee is required to submit to screening for illegal drug use. Satisfactory completion of a drug test is a condition of employment with the Agency. A candidate must test negative prior to being eligible for appointment into a position. We will schedule, provide, and cover the cost for the drug test.
The selectee(s) under the vacancy announcement for this position is subject to a criminal record check by the U.S. Capitol Police and satisfactory adjudication to be eligible for employment at the Architect of the Capitol.
The Architect of the Capitol is an E-VERIFY Participant. E-VERIFY is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment authorization in the United States. If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the DHS Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-VERIFY" electronic system. For more information on E-Verify, please visit http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/gc_1185221678150.shtm
The Architect of the Capitol is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, genetic information, sexual orientation and/or disability. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
Moving expenses are not authorized.
Relocation expenses are not authorized.
Probationary Period- A newly appointed selectee(s) is subject to the completion of a one-year trial/probationary period, regardless of whether or not a trial/probationary period has been completed previously with the Architect of the Capitol or another Federal agency.
This vacancy announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies in any of the jurisdictions of the Architect of the Capitol. All application materials become the property of the Architect of the Capitol.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
A variety of health insurance plans; retirement system with investment options; paid holidays; paid sick and annual (vacation) leave; life insurance; incentive systems; subsidized transportation; training and development opportunities, etc.
The Architect of the Capitol offers eligible employees opportunity to participate in the Student Loan Repayment Program.
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.
Review your resume and responses carefully. Your eligibility for consideration and qualifications for the position will be determined based upon a review of your detailed resume and your responses to job specific self-assessment questions.
Your resume will be evaluated based on evidence of your ability to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) for this position, possession of any specialized experience, and how well your background and experience relates to the self-assessment questions in the job announcement. The self-assessment questions relate to the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies:
Skill and knowledge to act as an administrator for CPP ICS used to generate steam, chilled water and electricity.
Ability to read a variety of engineering diagrams including equipment layout, plan view, flow diagrams, P&ID diagrams, electrical schematics, equipment O&M manuals and service manuals.
Ability to provide technical assistance related to CPP ICS to Meter Shop and Operations employees and various contractors.
Ability to interpret instructions, specifications and blueprints.
Knowledge of the trade occupational hazards and safety precautions while working in confined spaces.
Practical knowledge of enterprise architecture and administration necessary for analyzing system relationships, making decisions and solving problems regarding appropriate implementation.
Skill in oral and written communications to present findings and recommendations to all levels; justify and defend decisions and recommendations; and to represent the command at briefings, meetings or other required functions.
Your responses to the self-assessment questions serve as the basis for your initial rating. You will receive a numerical score based on your responses to these questions. Next, your responses will be evaluated by a Human Resources Specialist and/or a subject matter expert against the information provided in your resume and optional cover letter. Your resume must support your answers to the self assessment questions. Falsifying your background, education, and/or experience is cause for not hiring you or disqualification for further consideration.
Please note that a complete application is required for consideration. (Please review the “Required Documents” section of this job announcement to see what must be included in a complete application).
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.
A variety of health insurance plans; retirement system with investment options; paid holidays; paid sick and annual (vacation) leave; life insurance; incentive systems; subsidized transportation; training and development opportunities, etc.
The Architect of the Capitol offers eligible employees opportunity to participate in the Student Loan Repayment Program.
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.
The Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) job application process is designed to ensure you only provide information necessary to evaluate your qualifications and eligibility for the position vacancy.
To apply for this position, you only need to submit: a) your resume and b) answers to the online vacancy assessment questionnaire. The online questionnaire contains eligibility and screening questions and other relevant information. No additional documentation or attachments are required at the time of application.
Your resume should list your education, training and work experience including job titles, employment dates, duties and accomplishments.
Nothing further is required until it is requested by AOC’s Human Capital Management Division. If additional documentation is required for the position, you will be asked to provide it during the interview or selection process. At that time, you may be asked to submit documentation to support statements made in your resume.
For example, you may be asked to provide a copy of your diploma, college transcripts, or proof of Federal employment status. If the position requires licensure or certification, you will be asked to provide proof at the time of selection.
If Veterans’ preference is claimed, you will be asked to submit proof (DD-214, and, if claiming a 10-point preference, a SF-15 and the proof required by that form).
Failure to provide the required documents will end further consideration and/or result in the withdrawal of any tentative job offers.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
You MUST apply online. FORMS RECEIVED BY FAX, EMAIL OR U.S. POSTAL SERVICE DELIVERY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
If you are a new user to the USAJobs Site and have never registered for an account; you will first need to create an account profile with your basic contact information and a resume to begin applying. You must be a registered USAJobs user AND you must be signed-in to your account in order to apply for this position. For help setting up an account or for general help using USAJobs, go to USAJobs Help Page.
NEED HELP? If you experience any difficulties with the application site, help is available! If you have problems completing your on-line application, contact the Monster Hiring Management Help Desk at 1-866-656-6831 or by e-mail at MGSHELP@monster.com. The help desk is available Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. You may call and leave a voice mail message at all other times.
All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJobs “Saved Documents” feature. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may visit our Employment Center for technical assistance in entering your application. The Employment Center is located at 441 Second & D Streets S.W., Washington, D.C., Room H2-178, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may call (202) 226-7000 for directions.
Architect of the Capitol
United States Capitol
Washington, District of Columbia 20515
United States
Next steps
You will receive a notice generated by the USAJobs System when you have successfully submitted your application. We will review your application and transcript(s) (if you are qualifying based on education) to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements.
You can check the status of your application by logging into http://www.usajobs.gov. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application has changed by logging into your USAJobs Account, editing your profile and changing the ‘Notification Settings’ to indicate that you want to be notified by email when the status changes. Information regarding the status of your application should be updated in the system within 2 weeks after the closing date of this job announcement.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) job application process is designed to ensure you only provide information necessary to evaluate your qualifications and eligibility for the position vacancy.
To apply for this position, you only need to submit: a) your resume and b) answers to the online vacancy assessment questionnaire. The online questionnaire contains eligibility and screening questions and other relevant information. No additional documentation or attachments are required at the time of application.
Your resume should list your education, training and work experience including job titles, employment dates, duties and accomplishments.
Nothing further is required until it is requested by AOC’s Human Capital Management Division. If additional documentation is required for the position, you will be asked to provide it during the interview or selection process. At that time, you may be asked to submit documentation to support statements made in your resume.
For example, you may be asked to provide a copy of your diploma, college transcripts, or proof of Federal employment status. If the position requires licensure or certification, you will be asked to provide proof at the time of selection.
If Veterans’ preference is claimed, you will be asked to submit proof (DD-214, and, if claiming a 10-point preference, a SF-15 and the proof required by that form).
Failure to provide the required documents will end further consideration and/or result in the withdrawal of any tentative job offers.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
You MUST apply online. FORMS RECEIVED BY FAX, EMAIL OR U.S. POSTAL SERVICE DELIVERY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
If you are a new user to the USAJobs Site and have never registered for an account; you will first need to create an account profile with your basic contact information and a resume to begin applying. You must be a registered USAJobs user AND you must be signed-in to your account in order to apply for this position. For help setting up an account or for general help using USAJobs, go to USAJobs Help Page.
NEED HELP? If you experience any difficulties with the application site, help is available! If you have problems completing your on-line application, contact the Monster Hiring Management Help Desk at 1-866-656-6831 or by e-mail at MGSHELP@monster.com. The help desk is available Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. You may call and leave a voice mail message at all other times.
All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJobs “Saved Documents” feature. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may visit our Employment Center for technical assistance in entering your application. The Employment Center is located at 441 Second & D Streets S.W., Washington, D.C., Room H2-178, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may call (202) 226-7000 for directions.
Architect of the Capitol
United States Capitol
Washington, District of Columbia 20515
United States
Next steps
You will receive a notice generated by the USAJobs System when you have successfully submitted your application. We will review your application and transcript(s) (if you are qualifying based on education) to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements.
You can check the status of your application by logging into http://www.usajobs.gov. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application has changed by logging into your USAJobs Account, editing your profile and changing the ‘Notification Settings’ to indicate that you want to be notified by email when the status changes. Information regarding the status of your application should be updated in the system within 2 weeks after the closing date of this job announcement.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
