The U.S. Department of State is developing a rank-ordered list of eligible hires for a limited number of Diplomatic Technology Officer positions. Learn more about Foreign Service careers at https://careers.state.gov.
There is more to joining the Foreign Service than just salary. Refer to the Benefits section for more information on total compensation.
This is a 2885 Foreign Service position equivalent to the 2210 Civil Service occupation series.
Summary
The U.S. Department of State is developing a rank-ordered list of eligible hires for a limited number of Diplomatic Technology Officer positions. Learn more about Foreign Service careers at https://careers.state.gov.
There is more to joining the Foreign Service than just salary. Refer to the Benefits section for more information on total compensation.
This is a 2885 Foreign Service position equivalent to the 2210 Civil Service occupation series.
Occasional travel - Foreign Service Specialists and their immediate families spend the majority of their careers assigned to U.S. overseas missions. At times, specialists may need to travel independently, without family, to hardship posts for short or extended periods of time.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—After completing orientation and initial training in Washington, D.C., employees are generally assigned to two sequential tours, typically two years each, directed by the Department. These assignments may be overseas or in the United States. After the initial two tours, assignments will be for periods of one to three years overseas or in the United States.
Appointment type
Permanent - Permanent after tenure granted by a Foreign Service Specialist Tenure Board.
Must be a U.S. citizen. Candidates should read the entire announcement to ensure they meet all requirements.
Candidates may reapply one year after their most recent date of application submission for the same position.
Candidates may not apply if a State Department Suitability Review Panel denied suitability in the last two years for any position, (except if the denial was for a DS Special Agent (SA) candidate whose denial was based solely on the unique requirements for SAs).
Foreign Service Diplomatic Technology Officers (DTO) manage the Department’s Diplomatic Technology (DT) programs and systems worldwide.
The duties of DTOs vary depending on the size of the post or office and the specific diplomatic mission. Across overseas posts and domestic offices, the following examples illustrate the types of duties and responsibilities typically performed by a DTO:
Customer Service Skills:
Provide support to users of information management services, including configuring and optimizing software.
Train users on new software applications and provide guidance on updated IT policies and procedures.
Encourage and facilitate end-user participation in technology and technical decision-making.
Information Technology Skills:
Administer computer systems and manage system performance, including network setup and system startup, operation, and shutdown.
Manage user access: onboard and train personnel, troubleshoot and resolve issues, track and report incidents, support users, and install or replace equipment and components.
Operate and maintain both classified and unclassified IT systems including client/server environments, desktops, messaging platforms, web technologies, database and virtual servers supporting LAN/WAN.
Oversee telecommunication network services.
Manage communications infrastructure, including cabling, circuits, video conferencing, communications flow, coordinate with host country officials, and wireless/Wi-Fi programs.
Manage voice communication services. telephone and radio systems, mobile device programs, equipment provisioning, and VoIP technologies.
Install, maintain, and troubleshoot network infrastructure, telephone systems, local and regional radio, and crisis communications systems at U.S. missions.
Provide technical expertise and rapid response support to missions with urgent technology needs.
Information Management Skills:
Implement IT projects by gathering requirements, designing solutions, and supporting development and deployment.
Procure IT products and services, test and deploy solutions, and maintain IT inventory and procurement processes.
Oversee cloud requirements and support collaboration tools and IT services.
Manage pouch operations, the diplomatic post office, and telephone operator programs.
Supervise locally employed staff, including system administrators, mailroom personnel, telephone and radio technicians, and switchboard operators.
Assign work and manage individual performance.
Serve as a member of the embassy or consulate management team and perform additional duties as directed or required by mission needs.
Support emergency planning and response, including management of emergency wireless and digital communications.
Ensure emergency destruction capabilities and maintain alternate processing sites.
Information Security:
Maintain internal controls for Department of State automated information systems.
Safeguard classified documents, communications equipment and workspaces.
Promote and enforce communications security practices.
Configure and update security settings; monitor security; and manage physical security and network security.
Oversee telephone system security.
Support cybersecurity requirements and centralized server systems across multiple posts.
Manage the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) program.
Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate your potential to perform in progressively more responsible positions in the information technology field. We will evaluate your work experience for level of responsibility and length of experience.
To qualify as specialized experience, 60% or more of the duties must be related to:
System Maintenance: Upgrade, repair, and replace hardware and software components.
Network Configuration: Configure network devices such as switches and routers.
Customer Service and System Administration: Provide substantial helpdesk/customer service support and perform System Admin functions such as managing accounts, setting permissions, and configuration of systems.
Windows Technology: Apply working knowledge of current Windows Server and Windows client technology, MS Office Suite, SharePoint administration
User Management: Add, delete, and assign users to roles; manage patches and maintain servers.
Virtual and Cloud Systems: Configure and administer virtual network environments and cloud systems.
Program Management: Manage IT projects.
Data Analytics: Use Data Analytics tools to make informed, data driven decisions that identify and prioritize technical needs and requirements
Cybersecurity: Detect and respond to threats, educate users, review logs, respond to events, ensure compliance, and apply patches and updates. Detect and respond to threats, educate users, review logs, respond to events, ensure compliance, and apply patches and updates.
Endpoint Devices: Apply working knowledge of endpoint devices such as desktops, laptops, mobile phones, and other devices to deliver proper service to customers.
Audio/Video Equipment: Operate and configure audio/video teleconference equipment.
Network Environments: Apply knowledge of customary approaches, techniques, and requirements appropriate for evaluating, analyzing, planning, installing, operating, maintaining, managing, or improving LAN/MAN/WAN environments and WIFI.
Telecommunications: Apply in-depth technical knowledge of VoIP and other computer-based office telephone exchanges and systems; understand fiber optical cables and media cables such as CAT5 and CAT6; install and terminate all cables in accordance with building industry standards.
Radio Systems: Survey, install, maintain, and repair radio systems, including HF/VHF/UHF land mobile and avionics.
RF Systems: Use associated test equipment proficiency and technical knowledge of RF systems, Federal Communications, or radio licenses
Industry Standards: Demonstrate familiarity with industry standards and certifications such as BICSI Installer Level 2 and EIA/TIA grounding systems is desirable.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities The Department bases its hiring decisions on extensive job analysis research that identifies the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) and other attributes that lead to successful performance in this position. Hiring officials will evaluate each candidate’s education level, work experience, and other qualifications against these KSA-based criteria.
Knowledge of Information Technology: including IT telecommunications, radio systems, cloud computing, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software, IT technology assessment, systems integration, information security, cybersecurity, virtualization, PBX and VoIP convergence, IT shared services, data analytics and data management, project management principles, IT planning, IT acquisition processes, techniques for leveraging IT to satisfy business needs, problem and resolution tracking procedures, customer service theory and techniques, process and operations management, and management theory.
Specialized Skills in IT Modernization: including integrating local IT missions with Global IT vision, translating business needs into technical solutions, IT asset management, IT project management, information security, customer service, presenting technical concepts in layperson terms, enterprise systems, desktop and peripherals, network infrastructure, mobile services, and video conferencing.
Strategic Leadership, Complex Operational Management and Technical Proficiency: You must demonstrate critical thinking, active learning, instructing, active listening, coordination, service orientation, persuasion, monitoring, equipment selection, time management, installation, learning strategies, complex problem solving, systems evaluation, personnel resource management, systems analysis, material resource management, judgment and decision making, financial resource management, equipment maintenance, mathematics, negotiation, technology design, repairing, operations monitoring, operation and control and quality control analysis.
English language proficiency: To perform the duties of a DTO, you must consistently meet a high standard for English, both grammar (structure, spelling, and punctuation) and syntax (structure, clarity, and succinctness).
Knowledge of complex digital and voice communications systems: including classified and unclassified computers, printers, multiplexers, fiber optic isolation devices, Local and Wide Area Network (LAN/WAN) systems, satellite communication systems, cryptographic systems, building electrical wiring, power distribution boxes, and electrical codes.
Teamwork: You must work and interact effectively with others, demonstrating tact while obtaining cooperation and confidence from supervisors and subordinates when performing official duties.
Work Independently: You must work with minimum supervision and willingly accept responsibility.
Adaptability and Professional Requirements
You must adapt to changing physical environments, work with varying levels of technology, and stay current with the latest IT developments and innovations. You must also demonstrate cross-cultural awareness, tolerate travel and on-call duties, accept overseas assignments, work in varying environments, accept assignments based Foreign Service needs, tolerate living away from family, maintain attention to detail, and exhibit dependability and integrity.
The Diplomatic Technology Officer (DTO) position demands significant physical capabilities. To execute your duties and tasks, you must:
Essential Physical Requirements
Mobility and Flexibility
Crawl under desks, office furnishings, and other objects.
Work in confined spaces such as crawlspaces, attics, and communication closets.
Walk and climb stairs regularly.
Bend, twist, reach, stoop, crouch, and climb throughout the workday.
Stand and work on your feet for extended periods.
Strength and Endurance
Lift up to 70 pounds and carry up to 50 pounds.
Push, pull, and drag heavy objects and equipment.
Carry equipment up and down stairs.
Visual Acuity
See small objects such as fonts, wires, and computer components.
Work under low illumination.
Distinguish fine details on electronic components.
Auditory Skills
Hear voices clearly in noisy offices, on poor phone connections, at low volumes, and from soft-spoken individuals.
Distinguish words spoken with heavy accents.
Monitor computer equipment audibly to detect faulty conditions such as noise from servers or hard drives.
Manual Dexterity
Pull wires, cables, and ropes while climbing and working on ladders.
Coordinate precise movements with your hands and fingers to assemble electronic components.
Use hand tools such as screwdrivers and pliers.
Feel and manipulate small objects with your hands and fingers.
Type quickly for extended periods.
Environmental Adaptability
Work in adverse environmental conditions, including extremes of heat, cold, wet, dirt, and dust.
Work erratic, unusual, and unexpected hours, including long shifts.
Travel frequently and manage jetlag, temperature change and humidity variations.
Education
At the time of application, applicants must possess one of the following to be considered for the FP-05 grade:
Served in a U.S. Military IT Specialty Code, or Civil Service IT Specialty, or as an IT contractor to the U.S. government, and 2 years specialized experience. A list containing U.S. military occupational specialty codes or designators is provided for your reference only. Please note that this list is not all inclusive.
Minimum 36 months "fully successful" employment in a State Department Expanded Professional Associates Program- Information Management (EPAP-IM) or Expanded Professional Associates Program – Diplomatic Technology (EPAP-DT) position at FP-06 level, or any grade above, and met the training requirements in place at the time of prior EPAP-IM or EPAP-DT employment; or
Minimum 36 months "fully successful" employment in a State Department Information Management Assistant position at the FP-06 level, or any grade above, and met the training requirements equivalent to an EPAP-IM or EPAP-DT.
HS Diploma or GED Certificate and 5 years of specialized experience; or
AA or AS or higher in an IT-related field; or
AA or AS or higher degree in a non- IT field and 2 years of specialized experience; or
IT-related degree or training must be in the following: Information Technology Management, Telecommunications Management, Computer Information Systems, Information Systems, Information Security, Networking, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, Cloud Computing, IT Acquisition and Control Management, IT Business processes, Computer Support Specialist, IT Project Management, Data Science/Analytics, Software Engineering/Development, Health Information Management, Video Game Design, Management Information Systems; or other related computer networking fields.
At the time of application, applicants must possess one of the following to be considered for the FP-04 grade:
Served in a U.S. Military IT Specialty Code, or Civil Service IT Specialty, or as an IT contractor to the U.S. government, and 3 years of specialized experience. A list containing U.S. military occupational specialty codes or designators is provided for your reference only. Please note that this list is not all inclusive.
HS Diploma or GED Certificate and 5 years of specialized experience; and 1 current certification in an IT-related field (for example: A+, N+, CSMA, CCNP or CISSP); or
AA or AS in an IT field and 4 years of specialized experience; or
BA or BS in an IT-related field and at least 3 years of specialized experience; or
BA or BS or higher in a non-IT field and 5 years of specialized experience, and 1 current certification in an IT-related field (for example: A+, N+, CSMA, CCNP or CISSP); or
MA or MS or higher in an IT-related field and at least 1 year of specialized experience; or
IT-related degree or training must be in the following: Information Technology Management, Telecommunications Management, Computer Information Systems, Information Systems, Information Security, Networking,, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, Cloud Computing, IT Acquisition and Control Management, IT Business processes, Computer Support Specialist, IT Project Management, Data Science/Analytics, Software Engineering/Development, Health Information Management, Video Game Design, Management Information Systems; or other related computer networking fields.
Education from a program or institution within the United States must be accredited at the time of program completion by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation.
Foreign Education
Education completed in foreign high schools, colleges, or universities may be used to meet the education requirements. All foreign education transcripts must be interpreted by an accredited organization specialized in interpreting foreign education credentials that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE). Foreign education transcripts not interpreted by an accredited organization will not be recognized and the candidacy will not continue. Note: The accredited interpretation must include the summary and the foreign education transcripts.
Please refer to the Required Documents Section on how to submit the required educational documentation for this position.
Additional information
*EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION PROGRAM (E-Verify) – Verification of employment eligibility in the United States is required. U.S. law requires companies to employ only individuals who may legally work in the U.S. – either U.S. citizens, or foreign citizens who have the necessary authorization. This agency utilizes E-Verify to compare information from the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) records to confirm employment eligibility. If the employee’s information does not match DHS and/or SSA records, the employee is given an opportunity to resolve the problem. If eligibility cannot be verified, employment will be terminated.
**The Department of State Suitability Review Panel and standards are defined in Chapter 3 of the Foreign Affairs Manual. For more information please visit: https://fam.state.gov/
***For more information about Veteran’s Preference and how it is applied in the selection process, please click link.
No candidate will be considered who has previously been separated from the Foreign Service under sections §607, §608, or §610 or §612 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu of separation under these provisions. In addition, no candidate will be considered who has previously been separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section §306 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu thereof.
A Foreign Service Specialist separated pursuant to Sections 306, 607, 608, 610, 612, may not re-apply to be in the same skill code but may apply for another skill code or to be a Foreign Service Generalist. A Foreign Service Generalist separated pursuant to Sections 306, 607, 608, 610, 612 may not re-apply as a generalist but may apply to a Foreign Service Specialist vacancy.
Executive Branch agencies are barred by 5 U.S. Code 3303 as amended from accepting or considering prohibited political recommendations and are required to return any prohibited political recommendations to sender. In addition, as mandated by 5 U.S. Code 3110, relatives of federal employees cannot be granted preference in competing for these employment opportunities.
It is the policy of the Federal government to treat all employees with dignity and respect and to provide a workplace that is free from discrimination whether discrimination is based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity or pregnancy), national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, membership in an employee organization, age, sexual orientation, or other non-merit factors.
The Department of State provides reasonable accommodation to qualified candidates with disabilities. Procedures vary by test type, and all candidates must request reasonable accommodations in advance. See here for more information.
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.
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.
Benefits include health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, and paid leave. Overseas benefits include tax-free housing overseas, tax-free education allowance for dependent children between K-12 overseas, and an unrivaled opportunity to see the world and experience different cultures.
The salary listed comes from the Foreign Service Overseas and Washington pay scales. DTOs are hired at the FP-04 or FP-05 grade based on education and experience. The starting step is determined in part by highest educational level achieved and also professional experience level beyond the minimum qualifications. Individuals already working in government positions may be appointed based on highest previous rate as a federal employee. For information on salary, please click link.
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.
We will evaluate candidates on their total background, including experience, education, awards, training, and self-development as these relate to the position. We will select candidates only from among those who possess the best qualifications. Part-time work experience will be prorated accordingly.
The U.S. Department of State prohibits candidates from plagiarizing any portion of their employment application materials to include responses to questions in which candidates must provide a narrative response. Candidates must create their own responses originally and not copy or adapt them from other sources. The Department analyzes candidate submissions for plagiarism and will discontinue any individual’s candidacy if found to have violated this plagiarism policy.
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.
Benefits include health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, and paid leave. Overseas benefits include tax-free housing overseas, tax-free education allowance for dependent children between K-12 overseas, and an unrivaled opportunity to see the world and experience different cultures.
The salary listed comes from the Foreign Service Overseas and Washington pay scales. DTOs are hired at the FP-04 or FP-05 grade based on education and experience. The starting step is determined in part by highest educational level achieved and also professional experience level beyond the minimum qualifications. Individuals already working in government positions may be appointed based on highest previous rate as a federal employee. For information on salary, please click link.
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.
When requested, candidates with qualifying DTOT scores must submit the following documentation to demonstrate they possess the educational level and specialized skills required for this position. Candidates should add *@state.gov as a trusted sender. Neither the Department of State nor Pearson Vue are responsible for the failure of candidates’ internet service provider to deliver e-mail messages.
Official or unofficial college or university transcripts. Progress reports and grade reports will not be accepted. Candidates should not submit university diplomas in lieu of higher education transcripts.
All documents must comply with the following requirements to be accepted:
Must be in PDF format. Any other format will be rejected.
Must be an attachment. Documents sent via link or secured message, in any other non-attachment format, or sent directly from credential evaluation services will be rejected.
Must have no missing pages.
Must be legible.
Transcripts must include candidate’s full name, school’s name, degree and date awarded/conferred. Candidates with a name change should submit an official document reflecting the change.
All foreign education transcripts must adhere to additional requirements. See Foreign Education Information in the Education Requirements section.
Submit Veteran’s Preference documentation in PDF format for candidates aged 60 to 64 when requested.
If claiming Veteran’s Preference, a copy of the candidate’s DD-214 "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" that must include the candidate’s Character of Service must be submitted when requested. If claiming a 10-point Veteran’s Preference, the candidate’s VA letter and SF-15 must be submitted in addition to the DD-214. A certification from the armed forces is required only if a veteran has not yet received the DD-214. It must confirm that the service member is expected to be discharged under honorable conditions within 120 days and include service dates, expected discharge date, character of service, and any applicable disability rating.
Follow the instructions to complete and submit the online application.
a. Answer all self-assessment questions.
b. Include work history with a description of your work duties, accomplishments, skills, and knowledge for the past ten (10) years.
c. Your application is automatically saved as you proceed through it. You may interrupt the application process and return to it until you submit it.
d. Complete, review, and submit the application.
e. After you complete and submit the above, this becomes your online application and will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position.
f. You have six months to complete the application process outlined in this announcement and must take the DTOT. If you have not done so within six months, you must restart the application process.
4. Select an appointment to take the DTOT at one of Pearson Vue’s test centers. The test is an important part of the selection process, covering the Job Knowledge, English Expression, and Situational Judgment necessary to perform the functions of this position.
If you are having technical difficulty with the application process, please contact the Pearson Customer Service Desk by calling 1-866-389-8339 (toll free), or by utilizing the Chat function at www.pearsonvue.com.
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20520
United States
Next steps
Pearson forwards candidates’ test results as well as their applications to the Department of State on a quarterly basis. After the Department of State receives the information, the Department will notify all applicants via the e-mail they provided during the application process of the next steps in the process. We recommend adding the Department of State domain (@state.gov) as an approved sender to your inbox.
Due to the high volume of applications, we ask all candidates to remain patient and await communication. It is not uncommon for several months to pass before candidates are informed of the application results.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
When requested, candidates with qualifying DTOT scores must submit the following documentation to demonstrate they possess the educational level and specialized skills required for this position. Candidates should add *@state.gov as a trusted sender. Neither the Department of State nor Pearson Vue are responsible for the failure of candidates’ internet service provider to deliver e-mail messages.
Official or unofficial college or university transcripts. Progress reports and grade reports will not be accepted. Candidates should not submit university diplomas in lieu of higher education transcripts.
All documents must comply with the following requirements to be accepted:
Must be in PDF format. Any other format will be rejected.
Must be an attachment. Documents sent via link or secured message, in any other non-attachment format, or sent directly from credential evaluation services will be rejected.
Must have no missing pages.
Must be legible.
Transcripts must include candidate’s full name, school’s name, degree and date awarded/conferred. Candidates with a name change should submit an official document reflecting the change.
All foreign education transcripts must adhere to additional requirements. See Foreign Education Information in the Education Requirements section.
Submit Veteran’s Preference documentation in PDF format for candidates aged 60 to 64 when requested.
If claiming Veteran’s Preference, a copy of the candidate’s DD-214 "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" that must include the candidate’s Character of Service must be submitted when requested. If claiming a 10-point Veteran’s Preference, the candidate’s VA letter and SF-15 must be submitted in addition to the DD-214. A certification from the armed forces is required only if a veteran has not yet received the DD-214. It must confirm that the service member is expected to be discharged under honorable conditions within 120 days and include service dates, expected discharge date, character of service, and any applicable disability rating.
Follow the instructions to complete and submit the online application.
a. Answer all self-assessment questions.
b. Include work history with a description of your work duties, accomplishments, skills, and knowledge for the past ten (10) years.
c. Your application is automatically saved as you proceed through it. You may interrupt the application process and return to it until you submit it.
d. Complete, review, and submit the application.
e. After you complete and submit the above, this becomes your online application and will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position.
f. You have six months to complete the application process outlined in this announcement and must take the DTOT. If you have not done so within six months, you must restart the application process.
4. Select an appointment to take the DTOT at one of Pearson Vue’s test centers. The test is an important part of the selection process, covering the Job Knowledge, English Expression, and Situational Judgment necessary to perform the functions of this position.
If you are having technical difficulty with the application process, please contact the Pearson Customer Service Desk by calling 1-866-389-8339 (toll free), or by utilizing the Chat function at www.pearsonvue.com.
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20520
United States
Next steps
Pearson forwards candidates’ test results as well as their applications to the Department of State on a quarterly basis. After the Department of State receives the information, the Department will notify all applicants via the e-mail they provided during the application process of the next steps in the process. We recommend adding the Department of State domain (@state.gov) as an approved sender to your inbox.
Due to the high volume of applications, we ask all candidates to remain patient and await communication. It is not uncommon for several months to pass before candidates are informed of the application results.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
