Skip to main content
U.S. flag
Back to results
 

IT Specialist (APPSW)

Department of Defense
Defense Finance and Accounting Service
Information & Technology Directorate, Payroll Services, ZTB

Summary

Overview

Help
Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
12/15/2025 to 12/29/2025
Salary
$47,547 to - $131,826 per year

View Pay Tables: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/

Pay scale & grade
GS 5 - 12
Locations
Many vacancies in the following locations:
Indianapolis, IN
Limestone, ME
Rome, NY
Cleveland, OH
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Temporary - Not to Exceed 1 Year
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
12
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
DFAS-DHA-ML-12849397-26
Control number
852363400

This job is open to

Help

Clarification from the agency

All US citizens.

Duties

Help
  • This position is in a COBOL (COMMON BUSINESS-ORIENTED LANGUAGE) programming language training cadre.
  • Selected applicants will initially spend approximately 6 months learning COBOL (COMMON BUSINESS-ORIENTED LANGUAGE) and related software development disciplines. Then 6 months on the job practical experience.
  • Additional disciplines may include, but are not limited to, Job Control Language (JCL), Customer Information Control System (CICS), IBM DbB2, Integrated Database Management System (IDMS), Agile, DevSecOps (Development, Security, Operations).
  • Supports a team of software engineers engaged in program analysis, design, development, testing, implementation, and documentation for major accounting and finance systems.
  • Duties will be developmental in nature when the position is filled below the full performance level.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship or National
  • Background Investigation
  • Suitable for Federal Employment
  • Registered for Selective Service (if applicable)
  • In accordance with the DoD 8140 policy series, the position may be subject to completing Foundational Qualifications within 9 months and completing Residential Qualification requirements within 12 months.
  • This national security position, which may require access to classified information, requires a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination.
  • MUST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE COBOL (COMMON BUSINESS-ORIENTED LANGUAGE) AGENCY LED TRAINING
  • ADDITIONALLY, upon entering the position, you will be required to successfully complete DAU IBM COBOL Basics course at: https://dau.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/onlineContent/ebb7c2c8-d4f1-5af7-8b06-72f641e893bc

Qualifications

Human Resources will determine your qualifications for each entry grade level based on your interest and the additional following criteria. Resumes for federal government positions need more detailed work descriptions and accomplishments than a typical private sector resume. Please be sure to clearly describe the full scope of your work experiences in your resume. Combinations of education and experience may also be sufficient.

ESSAY SELECTION REQUIREMENT:

  • In addition to OPM qualifications stated below, management requests submission of an essay, approximately 500 words long, highlighting your information technology background and experience.
  • Essay content should include: Why are you interested in participating in this COBOL training program and how do you think it would help DFAS achieve its mission 'to be a valued partner in financial management by delivering first class services and products'?
  • You MUST submit this essay in order to be selected.
  • Essays should be submitted as an additional attachment in your application package, at the time of application.
FOR ENTRY AT THE GS-05 THROUGH GS-11
Basic Requirement: Applicants must have IT-related experience demonstrating the following competencies appropriate to, or above, the level of this position. Your resume and work experience should clearly support your ability to meet these competencies and will be evaluated as part of the entire application process.
  • Attention to Detail- experience reviewing my own information technology-related work or data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency with standards. My work or the data that I produce is typically reviewed by my supervisor or another colleague
  • Customer Service- experience having brief contact with customers to provide information about available information technology products and services and providing customers with standard products or routine services to address information technology needs
  • Oral Communication- experience informing my supervisor and other IT staff of the status of information technology systems, projects, or daily operations, including the status of information technology systems, projects, or daily operations, including the communication of basic technical information to a non-technical audience
  • Problem Solving- identifying or selecting from a number of alternatives to address routine information technology-related issues by gathering and applying information from standard sources that provide a limited number of solutions
IN ADDITION TO THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE for the GS-05, 07, 09, 11:

For Entry at the GS-05 Level: One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade in the federal service (GS-04), which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required.
Specialized experience is defined as: Performing routine tasks involving basic information system work, such as making minor adjustments or examining system parts. With guidance, planning the steps needed to finish tasks.

For Entry at the GS-07 Level:One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade in the federal service (GS-05), which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required.
Specialized experience is defined as: Carrying out assignments consisting of tasks, such as minor modifications to parts of an information system; analysis of the interrelationships of pertinent components of the system; planning the sequence of actions necessary to accomplish the assignment.

For Entry at the GS-09 Level:One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade in the federal service (GS-07), which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required.
Specialized experience is defined as: Carrying out assignments consisting of tasks, such as minor modifications to parts of an information system; analysis of the interrelationships of pertinent components of the system; planning the sequence of actions necessary to accomplish the assignment; and personal responsibility for at least a segment of the overall project.

For Entry at the GS-11 Level:One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade in the federal service (GS-09), which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required.
Specialized experience is defined as: Accomplishment of computer project assignments that required a range of techniques such as developing modifications to parts of an information system; planning the sequence of actions necessary to accomplish the assignment; adaptation of guidelines or precedents to the needs of the assignment.

FOR ENTRY AT THE GS-12
Basic Requirement: Applicants must have IT-related experience demonstrating the following competencies appropriate to, or above, the level of this position. Your resume and work experience should clearly support your ability to meet these competencies and will be evaluated as part of the entire application process.
  • Attention to Detail- experience reviewing my own information technology-related work or data and have been asked by others to review their work or data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency with standards
  • Customer Service- experience maintaining relationships with customers, assessing current information technology needs of customers, and developing or identifying information technology products and services that are tailored to meet customer needs
  • Oral Communication- briefing mid-level management and IT staff on the status of information technology systems, projects, or daily operations, including the communication of technical information to a non-technical audience
  • Problem Solving- identifying alternatives to address complex information technology-related issues by gathering and applying information from a variety of sources that provide a number of potential solutions
IN ADDITION TO THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE for the GS-12:

For Entry at the GS-12 Level:One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade in the federal service (GS-11), which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required.
Specialized experience is defined as: Accomplishment of computer project assignments that required a range of techniques; conducting analyses and recommending resolutions of issues; identifying and defining business or technical requirements applied to the design, development, implementation, integration, configuration, testing, and support of software or information systems.

This position is developmental and selections may be made at the GS-05, GS-07, GS-09, GS-11, GS-12 entry grade levels. Once eligibility and qualification requirements are met, selectees will be eligible for promotion at management discretion to the GS-07, GS-09, GS-11, GS-12 grade levels without further competition.

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

You may qualify for consideration if meeting time-in grade, specialized experience, education requirement, 90 days after competitive appointment requirement, and all other qualification requirements within 30 calendar days after the closing date of the announcement, unless otherwise indicated on the announcement.

Education

Substitution of Education for Experience:

For Entry at the GS-05: Bachelor's Degree or higher 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.

For Entry at the GS-07: One year of graduate education in computer science, engineering, info science, info systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or tech management; or a bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement (S.A.A) that provided a minimum 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields above and required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or networks, may be substituted to meet the specialized experience requirement. S.A.A. is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.

For Entry at the GS-09: Qualifying Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of graduate education leading to a Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree in computer science, engineering, info science, info systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or tech management or degree that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified above & required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or networks.

For Entry at the GS-11: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in computer science, engineering, info science, info systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or tech management or degree that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified above & required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or networks

.For Entry at the GS-12: Education is not substitutable for specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level.

**Combination of education and experience is not applicable for this Job Series.

**YOU MUST SUBMIT TRANSCRIPTS IF YOU ARE SUBSITUTING EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED.

Additional information

  • MUST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE COBOL (COMMON BUSINESS-ORIENTED LANGUAGE) AGENCY LED TRAINING TO REMAIN IN THE POSITION.
  • Upon entering the position, you will be required to successfully complete DAU IBM COBOL Basics course at: https://dau.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/onlineContent/ebb7c2c8-d4f1-5af7-8b06-72f641e893bc
  • This job announcement uses the USA Hire Assessment to evaluate applicants. For more information, visit USA Hire Assessment.
  • For Reasonable Accommodation Requests, see the How You Will Be Evaluated section.
  • Telework availability will be based upon the mission requirements and supervisory determination.
  • This position is being filled under the Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense via delegated authority by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Veteran's Preference: Veteran's preference does not apply under this Direct Hire Authority (DHA).
  • Selections are subject to restrictions resulting from the DoD Program for Stability of Civilian Employment.
  • As a condition of employment, you may be required to serve a 1 year during which we'll evaluate if continued employment advances public interest. The evaluation considers: performance & conduct; needs & interests of agency; if continued employment advances agency goals; if continued employment advances efficiency of Federal service. At the end of the probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification that continued employment advances public interest.
  • We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 calendar days of the closing date.
  • Position is Non Exempt at the GS-05, GS-07, GS-09 and Exempt at the GS-11, GS-12 from the Fair Labor Standards Act.
  • Priority Placement Program (PPP) Military Spouse Preference (MSP) eligible candidates will receive priority consideration at the highest grade level for which they have applied and been determined best qualified up to and including the full performance level.
  • PPP Application Based Preference Eligibles (Military Reserve and National Guard technicians, Military Reserve and National Guard technicians receiving disability retirement, and Retained Grade employees) will receive priority consideration at the full performance level only.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or be exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov).
  • Retired Civil Service Employee: Employment of retired Federal employees receiving an annuity is subject to the requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) policy guidance. (See DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 300, here).
  • The Security Designation varies dependent upon position and may require a secret clearance or higher. Employment requires a background investigation which may delay starting date. If selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time, the employment offer may be withdrawn. Individuals are required to obtain/maintain a favorable security determination to occupy a sensitive position as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain eligibility to occupy a sensitive position may result in termination. For more information see the security section of Understanding Vacancy Announcements.

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.

How you will be evaluated

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

IMPORTANT NOTE - YOU MUST FOLLOW ALL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. ERRORS OR OMISSIONS MAY AFFECT YOUR RATING.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments.

The USA Hire Assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

You can preview the Assessment Questionnaire here:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12849397

Criminal History Inquiries - If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency @ dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.ssc-cc@mail.mil (this call center group box will be the intake for complaints and will forward to appropriate POCs).

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.