Recent Grad IT Specialist, ZP-2210-1/2 (GRAD)

DutiesSummary

This position is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Information Technology Fellowship Program (ITFP). The ITFP is open to students who graduated with an information technology-related degree in the past two years.


Responsibilities

The ITFP is designed to provide recent graduates an opportunity to share their insights and to explore links between their academic degrees and real-work experiences. The recent graduate experience is individualized and tailored to needs of the appointing NOAA line/staff office.

Upon successful completion of the Recent Graduates Program and completion of their academic degree or Certificate program, individuals may be non-competitively converted to a term position or permanent position in the Competitive Service.

NOAA is seeking bright, innovative, results-oriented individuals to join the Recent Graduates Program which is an entry level program that targets individuals who have recently graduated from an accredited educational institution. Successful applicants will be placed in a dynamic, career development program. Throughout the program, you will participate in formal interactive training, job assignments and be provided a mentor to develop competencies applicable to the target position.

NOAA employs a full range of IT Specialist positions in a variety of specialties (Policy and Planning, Network Services, Enterprise Architecture, Data Management, Security, Internet, Systems Analysis, Systems Administration, Applications Software, Customer Support, Operating Systems, etc).

This vacancy may be used to fill other IT Specialist, ZP-2210-1/2 positions throughout NOAA. The position must be alike (e.g. within the same geographic locations, same grade/band and requires the same qualifications as indicated in this vacancy announcement).


• Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. All travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the sole responsibility of the selected employee.


• A one year trial period may be required.


• This position is not in the bargaining unit.
• Tuition Reimbursement may be offered.

MAJOR DUTIES:

The incumbent of this position is a participant in the Pathways Recent Graduate Program serving under an indefinite excepted appointment. Work assignments are clear cut, well planned, and are designed to prepare the employee to perform IT security work auxiliary to the organization. The incumbent independently plans and performs entry level, developmental assignments under periodic technical supervision. The work assigned may involve a variety of IT specialty areas.

• Drafting procedures and supporting templates to help develop certifications and accreditations; performing research regarding compliance with standards, policies, and procedures to support accreditation decisions; applying established quality metrics to assess compliance with NOAA requirements.
• Ensuring IT systems are running optimally and securely; and assisting higher-level specialists in more complex and intricate tasks.
Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status

No

Promotion Potential

3 - There is no obligation to provide future promotions if you are selected. Promotions are dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, meet all the performance requirements, and supervisor’s recommendation to the next grade.

• Job family (Series)

  2210 Information Technology Management

  Similar jobs
  • Internet Security Specialists
  • Specialists, Internet Security

• Requirements

  RequirementsConditions of Employment
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National to apply.
  • Required to pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.
  • Must be suitable for Federal employment.
  • Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov)
  • Must sign a Pathways Programs Participant Agreement.
  • A minimum one year trial period will be required.
  • Must be at least 16 years of age at the time of appointment.
  • Qualifications must be met by closing date of the announcement

  This position requires a low risk clearance.

  This position is being recruited with an opportunity for non-competitive conversion eligibility to a permanent OR term position upon completion of all program requirements. Conversion is not mandatory nor guaranteed (see Other Information).
  
  This position will be filled under the DOC Alternative Personnel System (CAPS). This system replaced the Federal GS pay plan and structure. Under CAPS, positions are classified by career, pay plan, and pay band. The ZP-1 is equivalent to the GS-01/02/03/04/05/06, but is being announced equivalent to the GS-05. The ZP-2 is equivalent to the GS-07/08/09/10. This position will have promotion potential to the ZP-3. The ZP-3 is equivalent to the GS-11/12.
  

  FOR RECENT GRADUATE ELIGIBILITY: The transcript(s) or official letter from the registrar's office must include the date your degree or certificate was conferred. Applications will not be considered without this documentation. NOTE: Copies of degrees, certificates, and diplomas are not considered acceptable documents to determine Recent Graduate eligibility.

  Qualifications

  Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/2200/information-technology-it-management-series-2210-alternative-a/

  To qualify at the ZP-1 or GS-05 level:

  EDUCATON: A bachelor’s degree

  OR

  EXPERIENCE: See IT-related Competencies below.

  To qualify at the ZP-2 or GS-07 level:

  EDUCATION:

  A. One full year of graduate-level education

  OR

  B. Superior Academic Achievement as demonstrated by a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with one of the following. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your application clearly states how you meet one of the provisions below:

  • A grade point average (GPA) of 2.9 or higher based on a 4.0 scale for all completed undergraduate courses, or those completed in the last 2 full years of undergraduate study

  OR

  SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the IT Competencies below, applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZP-1 or GS-05 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:

  • Assisting in IT systems testing and implementation.
  • Aiding with technical and administrative support in management.
  • Aiding in the troubleshooting of IT problems.

  NOTE: Undergraduate or Graduate Education: Degree 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.

  Experience must be IT related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate

  For all positions individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below.

  • Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
  • Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
  • Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
  • Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

  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 directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

  Education

  All academic degrees or course work must be completed in an educational institution that has obtained accreditation from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx.

  College Transcript: Applicants must submit a copy of their college transcript that lists college courses, course title, and number of credit hours. If you have a future graduation date, you must provide a letter from the school registrars's office that includes the name of the student/applicant, the name of the school, and verification of your anticipated graduation date. The transcripts or letter must indicate that the degree has been conferred. You may submit an unofficial copy of the transcript at the initial phase of the application process, but an official certified copy must be received before you can report to duty.
  
  Qualifying Education Institution: Any of the following educational institutions or curricula that have been accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/

  Additional information

  To be eligible for conversion, Recent Graduates must:

  • Successfully complete the one year developmental program.
  • Demonstrate successful job performance.
  • Meet the Office of Personnel Management’s qualifications for the position to which the Recent Graduate will be converted.
  • Complete 40 hours of formal interactive training within developmental period.
  • Sign a Pathways Programs Participant Agreement upon appointment.
  • Meet established goals outlined in the Recent Graduate’s Individual Development Plan (IDP).
  • Recommended by supervisor/manager for conversion to permanent OR term position.

  NOAA participates in e-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees.

  
  
  How You Will Be Evaluated

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

  Your resume, supporting documents and responses to the online questionnaire will be reviewed to determine if you meet eligibility and minimum qualification requirements. Veterans’ preference applies to all selections made under the Pathways authority in accordance with CFR, Part 302.
  
  We will review your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. If you meet the minimum qualifications stated in the vacancy announcement, we will compare your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation to your responses on the scored occupational questionnaire (True/False, Yes/No, Multiple Choice questions) and place you in one of the three pre-defined categories. The categories are “gold”, “silver” and “bronze”. However, your resume or optional cover letter must support your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire, or your score may be lowered. Candidates placed in the “gold” category will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be invited for an interview.
  
  How you will be evaluated for preference eligibility: Within each category, those entitled to veterans’ preference will be listed at the top of the pre-defined category for which they are placed. Preference eligible with a service-connected disability of 10% or more will be listed at the top of the highest quality category (gold) depending on the position and grade level of the job. For more information on Category Rating, please go to Category Rating.
  
  The scored occupational questionnaire will evaluate you on the following competencies; please do not provide a separate written response:

  • Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and methodologies of information technology management, systems quality and information security, and accreditation and certification requirements and procedures.
  • Skill in hardware and software configuration and security systems analysis.
  
  To preview questions please click here.
  
  Background checks and security clearanceSecurity clearance

  Other

  Drug test required

  No

• Required Documents

  Required Documents

  The following documents are REQUIRED and must be received by the closing date of this announcement:

  • Resume showing relevant experience; cover letter optional. Your resume must include information about your paid and nonpaid work experience related to this position including: job title, duration of employment (mm/dd/yy – mm/dd/yy), hours per week, duties and accomplishments, salary, and your education. For work in the Federal service, please include the grade level for the position/s. Your resume may be used to validate your responses to the occupational questionnaire.
  • Education-Please see the following:
  • To verify Pathways Recent Graduate eligibility requirements: Applicants MUST submit a copy of unofficial transcripts or proof that degree is conferred. (Transcripts must show date degree was conferred, name of the student/applicant and the name of the school. The absence of this information will result in an ineligible rating. You will be required to submit a copy of your official college transcript if you are selected.
  • To verify minimum qualification requirements: At the time of application, applicants MUST submit an unofficial transcript or a list of courses that includes the following information: name of accredited institution, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. An official transcript from an accredited educational institution is required if you are selected for the position. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education's website. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation by the closing date of the announcement will result in lost consideration.

  NOTE: You are REQUIRED to submit transcripts or proof of enrollment with your application to verify eligibility requirements for this Internship appointment.
  
  Other Supporting Documents: (Only submit if applicable to you)

  • If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-points veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your Member 4 DD-214 stating disposition of discharge or character of service or other valid proof of eligibility (i.e., statement of service that shows service dates AND character of service). If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. For more information on veterans' preference see http://www.opm.gov/staffingPortal/Vetguide.asp#VeteransEmploymentAct1998
  • Active Duty Service Members- You must submit a statement of discharge/certification of release or an official written document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions no later than 120 days from the date the announcement closes. Enlisted Record Briefs and military identification do NOT qualify as official documentation. If the appropriate information is not submitted to confirm the discharge status, dates of service, etc., you will not be considered for this job opportunity under Veteran Preference procedures. To gain access to your DD-214 online please visit https://www.archives.gov/veterans
  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  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.

• Benefits

  Benefits

  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. Learn more about federal benefits.

  NOAA offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees: http://www.usa.gov/Federal-Employees/Benefits.shtml.

  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.

• Recent graduates

  Individuals who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last 2 years or 6 years for Veterans.

Recent graduates who have completed, within the previous (2) two years, a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution. Exception: A veteran due to military service obligation was unable to apply with 2 years of receiving their degree, will have up to (6) six years after degree completion to apply.