The Commission is looking for a self-motivated, dedicated, and all-around Information Technology Specialist. This position requires a balance of knowledge, ingenuity, and ability with an emphasis on security and performance.
Summary
The Commission is looking for a self-motivated, dedicated, and all-around Information Technology Specialist. This position requires a balance of knowledge, ingenuity, and ability with an emphasis on security and performance.
The incumbent will serve as a member of the Technology Solutions & Services team that reports to the Information Technology Manager. The incumbent will be responsible for maintaining the Commission's Information Technology infrastructure, optimizing the security and performance of hardware and software, while supporting end-users, network operations, and troubleshooting technical issues.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Providing first-line technical support to all Commission staff by diagnosing, troubleshooting, and resolving technical issues in a Windows environment.
Adhering to and enforcing applicable security policies and procedures through routine vulnerability assessments and mitigation of IT devices and peripherals.
Performing routine maintenance, upgrades, configuration, and troubleshooting of Windows computers and laptops, mobile devices, printers, scanners, monitors, and peripherals.
Managing IT equipment and supply inventories, conducting audits, and coordinating equipment upgrades, replacements, data wiping, shipments, transfers, and disposal.
Performing routine Windows operating system maintenance, security updates, and desktop application updates.
Maintaining conference room IT equipment and services and providing technical support and training for Commission staff and conference room events.
Maintaining network and desktop printers and scanners and managing the automated National Fax (NFAX) service.
Managing VoIP desktop telephone assignments, configuration, and maintenance, including user support and troubleshooting.
Maintaining and organizing network cabling and data jacks for office and cubicle configurations, in coordination with network engineers to configure connections between network switches and physical data ports.
Assisting Technology Solutions & Services team members with the administration and support of Active Directory, Group Policy, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and Microsoft 365.
Clearly communicating technology-related instructions to Commission staff, both orally and in writing.
Evaluating, testing, and implementing new operating systems, software, hardware, and mobile devices.
Performing other automation-related duties or assisting with special projects as directed by management.
Applicants must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university in information technology or a related field of study. Applicants must have experience working in a team environment; a strong work ethic; and specialized work experience as a helpdesk support specialist or in an equivalent position providing customer service, with three (3) years of experience required to qualify for JS-09, four (4) years of experience required to qualify for JS-11, and four (4) years of experience required to qualify for JS-12. One (1) year of specialized work experience equivalent to the previous level in the federal service is required. For example, one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-08 level is required to qualify for appointment at the JS-09 level.
Specialized experience is defined as progressively responsible work experience that has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities that will enable the individual to successfully perform the duties of this position, and that is typically in or related to the work of this position.
Qualifications
TECHNICAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must have:
Experience provisioning, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting Windows desktop and laptop computers, printers, monitors, and other IT peripherals, including hardware, software, connectivity, and device-related issues. Knowledge of conference room audiovisual (AV) equipment is highly desirable.
Experience providing end-user support for Microsoft 365 applications and services, including Outlook/Exchange, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with the ability to troubleshoot user, configuration, access, and connectivity issues.
Experience with managing and supporting voice and video telecommunications technologies such as VoIP telephones and video teleconferencing equipment.
Experience providing end-user support for Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and secure remote access, including troubleshooting connectivity, authentication, and access issues.
Experience identifying, assessing, prioritizing, and remediating cybersecurity vulnerabilities across enterprise IT systems and networks, including vulnerability scanning, patch management, security configuration, risk assessment, and validation of corrective actions.
Knowledge and understanding of enterprise technology solutions and systems administration, including Microsoft Active Directory, Group Policy, Domain Name System (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), file and print services, user and computer account management, authentication and access controls, and network resource management.
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of network administration principles, protocols, and technologies, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, routing, switching, network segmentation, and firewall configurations.
Ability to develop and maintain accurate technical documentation and transfer knowledge necessary to sustain implemented IT capabilities.
Experience analyzing IT processes and implementing automation and other improvements to increase efficiency, reduce operational workload, and enhance service delivery.
Attention to detail and organizational skills to handle multiple tasks efficiently while maintaining accurate support documentation.
PREFERRED SKILLS
Highly competitive applicants will have the following:
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to provide technical assistance to Commission staff with varying technical proficiency levels.
Ability to work independently or as part of a team to manage IT projects, analyze and resolve technical problems, and ensure timely delivery of IT objectives.
Hands-on experience imaging, configuring, and deploying Windows computers.
Basic knowledge of automation scripting, including PowerShell.
Experience managing and supporting mobile devices using Mobile Device Management (MDM) systems.
Experience using Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tools to monitor, maintain, troubleshoot, and support IT systems and devices remotely.
Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and ISO 27001.
Familiarity with cloud computing platforms such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI).
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
The selected applicant must reside in or relocate to the Washington DC metropolitan area.
This position is in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of positions in the competitive Civil Service.
All information is subject to verification. Applicants are advised that false answers or omissions of information on application materials or inability to meet the following conditions may be grounds for non-selection, withdrawal of an offer of employment, or dismissal after being employed.
Selection for this position is contingent upon completion of OF-306, Declaration for Federal Employment during the pre-employment process and proof of U.S. citizenship or, for noncitizens, proof of authorization to work in the United States and proof of entitlement to receive compensation. Additional information on the employment of non-citizens can be found at: https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/non-citizens. For a list of documents that may be used to provide proof of citizenship or authorization to work in the United States, please refer to http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-9.pdf.
The Commission participates in E-Verify and will confirm your authorization to work in the United States.
A background security investigation is required for all selectees. Appointment will be subject to a selectee's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements may be grounds for appropriate personnel action. A background security reinvestigation or supplemental investigation may be required at a later time.
All new Commission employees must identify a financial institution for direct deposit of pay before appointment, mandated by the Federal Compensation Act.
All new Commission employees, those converted from a temporary appointment to a permanent appointment, and all rehired former Commission employees are required to serve a one-year probationary period. The probationary period begins on the effective date of the employee's appointment, conversion, or rehire.
Education
Applicants must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university in information technology or a related field of study.
Additional information
BENEFITS
The Commission participates in the following federal benefits: The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program; the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program, federal retirement, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and the federal leave program. In addition, the Commission participates in the Judiciary's Flexible Spending Program for dependent care, health care, and commuter reimbursement, the government-wide Long Term Care Insurance Program, unemployment, and compensation benefits.
The Commission offers a monthly transit subsidy to employees who use mass transit to commute to and from work, subject to the availability of funds. The Commission offers alternative work schedules (AWS), which are fixed work schedules that enable full-time employees to complete the basic 80-hour biweekly work requirement in less than 10 workdays.
The position is eligible for regular telework (not full-time) for employees who meet the requirements of an approved telework arrangement in which an employee performs official duties at home or at an approved telework site.
The Commission also offers training opportunities to employees through LinkedIn Learning, and the Judiciary's Online University, which offers academic credit and professional credit programs through web-based learning. These training tools assist Commission employees with taking online courses in a flexible way, by offering training courses in the areas of: staff training and development; credit toward undergraduate degree programs; continuing education and non-credit certificate programs; executive education; contract training; credit credentials courses for continuing professional education and credit for individuals who hold credentials and achieve certifications associated with several globally recognized sponsored organizations.
The Commission is conveniently located next to Union Station on Capitol Hill, and is easily accessible by public transportation, including the Metro, and the MARC and VRE commuter trains. In addition to the federal benefits package, the Commission's location in the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building offers various amenities such as a health unit, credit union, day care center, food services, and free on-site fitness center.
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.
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.
The Commission evaluates applicants through a structured interview process. Applicants may also be screened for some jobs through a narrative/application review, and/or a preliminary remote interview. Applicants who do not address the mandatory and preferred qualification requirements in their application materials as stated in the "How to Apply" section of this vacancy announcement will be disqualified from consideration and must re-apply before the closing date to be considered for employment. A candidate may be considered even if they do not meet the preferred qualifications, so long as those qualifications are addressed in their application materials.
The Office of Human Resources:
Reviews the applicant's application to ensure the proper materials are submitted.
Ensures that the application addresses all the qualification requirements as stated in the vacancy announcement (mandatory and preferred).
Determines whether the applicant meets the mandatory qualification requirements for the position and notifies the applicant about the status of their application.
Applicants who meet the mandatory qualification requirements will be considered, and their application materials will be forwarded to the screening panel for review.
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.
In order to be considered, all applicants must submit an electronic resume (limited to 2 pages) and cover letter that together address all the mandatory and preferred qualification requirements listed in this announcement, and if available, provide a recent job performance evaluation. Applicants are responsible for citing mandatory qualifications such as J.D. degree, bar membership, and experience to include institution name, state(s) for bar, and date(s) on their respective resumes. Failure to supply details will constitute incomplete applications. All mandatory qualifications requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Applicants will also need to complete the online occupational questionnaire. All applications must be submitted at www.usajobs.gov.
United States Sentencing Commission
One Columbus Circle NE Suite 2-500
Washington, DC 20002
US
Next steps
Applicants who meet the mandatory qualification requirements will be considered and their application materials will be forwarded to the screening panel for review. Applicants who do not meet the mandatory qualification requirements for the position are automatically disqualified from consideration. In addition, some applicants may be tested using various assessment tools not listed on the vacancy announcement to verify an applicant's experience, knowledge, and training directly related to the job to identify the best qualified applicants for consideration and selection.
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.
In order to be considered, all applicants must submit an electronic resume (limited to 2 pages) and cover letter that together address all the mandatory and preferred qualification requirements listed in this announcement, and if available, provide a recent job performance evaluation. Applicants are responsible for citing mandatory qualifications such as J.D. degree, bar membership, and experience to include institution name, state(s) for bar, and date(s) on their respective resumes. Failure to supply details will constitute incomplete applications. All mandatory qualifications requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Applicants will also need to complete the online occupational questionnaire. All applications must be submitted at www.usajobs.gov.
United States Sentencing Commission
One Columbus Circle NE Suite 2-500
Washington, DC 20002
US
Next steps
Applicants who meet the mandatory qualification requirements will be considered and their application materials will be forwarded to the screening panel for review. Applicants who do not meet the mandatory qualification requirements for the position are automatically disqualified from consideration. In addition, some applicants may be tested using various assessment tools not listed on the vacancy announcement to verify an applicant's experience, knowledge, and training directly related to the job to identify the best qualified applicants for consideration and selection.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
