Summary

*Applicants who applied under posting 23-106 will be considered and do not need to reapply.

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is part of what is arguably the largest and most diverse astrophysical institution in the world, where the staff carries out a broad program of research in astronomy, astrophysics and earth and space sciences. If you would like to join this exciting organization, apply today!

This job is open to

• The public
  
  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

This position is open to all qualified candidates with U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Resident status. Applicants that applied under 23-106 will be considered.
This is a career opportunity with promotion potential to the grade 13. If selected at the grade 12 level candidates may be non competitively promoted to the next grade level, up to the grade 13 upon the recommendation of the supervisor based on classification requirements, satisfactory performance and qualifications of the employee.

Duties

This is the position of Information Technology (IT) Specialist in the Chandra Operations Control Center (OCC) of the High Energy Astrophysics Division (HEAD) at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The employee will take a lead role in performing all aspects of computer network management on a network of Windows and Linux workstations and servers and serves as a resource of expertise for other staff. The employee is responsible for network maintenance and security, user accounts and services (such as on-line user documentation and user training), and utilities, scripts and system procedures.

Duties at the grade 12 may include, but are not limited to:

1.Install, maintain and troubleshoot Cisco and other networking equipment.

2.Monitor and troubleshoot network elements to ensure that problems are discovered and resolved in a timely manner.

3.Design, recommend, and implement network security improvements. Resolve security problems. Stay current with Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) advisories and vendor-supplied security alerts, and implement security modifications as needed.

4.Evaluate OCC computing needs and network performance. Plan new services and expanded roles for the network. Design and implement network improvements such as system backup and recovery strategies, network performance enhancement, and optimization of system resources (disk, CPU, memory).

5.Provide user support. Serve as point of contact for OCC computer users requiring assistance or instruction in the use of the OCC local area network. Write utilities and scripts to improve the user experience.

6.Maintain current knowledge of hardware and software products, including those from Cisco and other manufacturers, as well as Windows and Linux products and public domain utilities.

7.Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

In addition to the above duties at the grade 13 may include but are not limited to:

1. Act as Lead Systems Administrator by providing technical direction and serving as a main point of contact for system information and procedures.
2. Interfaces with other Chandra group leaders, computer specialists, engineers, and scientists in evaluating needs for the LAN and system software, defining requirements, developing implementation plans, and supporting software design and development, Configuration Management, testing and integration, and other OCC and site needs.
3. Support Windows and Linux servers and desktops. Develop plans for implementing new services and expanding roles of servers.
4. Responsible for LAN security by staying abreast of Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) advisories and vendor-supplied security problems and fixes. Designs, recommends, and implements security improvements and security problem resolutions.
5. Conceive, implement, and make recommendations based on studies relating to OCC computing needs and performance including system backup and recovery strategy, LAN performance, optimization of systems resources (disk, CPU, memory), application evaluation, writing utilities such as shell scripts to provide LAN resource information to users, and others as required by the supervisor.
6. Interface with manufacturers of hardware and software to provide up-to-date information on available products. This includes review of Windows/Linux products, those available from third parties, and public domain utilities.
7. Serve as point of contact for OCC computer users requiring assistance or instruction in the use of the OCC LAN.
8. Fulfills other systems related responsibilities as requested by supervisor.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Pre and Post appointment background check
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period
• Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer required for salary payment
• First consideration may be made 14 days after the opening date

Qualification requirements must be met within 30 days of the job opportunity announcement closing date.

For qualification standards please view: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs2200/2210-altA.asp

Qualifications

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.

and

Candidates for grade 12 must possess minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 11 in the normal line of progression for this occupation which should demonstrate skill in leading the organization of a large complex system of computers into a cohesive network; skill in leading network and system design and working with complex external interfaces; skill in developing procedures; skill in interfacing with external groups as a lead; and the accomplishment of independently completing computer project assignments requiring a wide range of knowledge of computer requirements and techniques where the applicant analyzed a number of alternative approaches in the process of advising management concerning major aspects of system design that are most appropriate for a given project. Skill working in a mixed environment with Windows and Linux is key.

Candidates for grade 13 must possess a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 12 in the normal line of progression for this occupation which should demonstrate 24/7 situational awareness for Linux IT systems; experience monitoring all IT systems for health and network connectivity, to include experience with IT monitoring tools and applications; experience providing network and system administration in support of initial triage and incident response to identified outages; and experience providing web development, web/portal administration, and web services standards and development. Candidates must possess hands-on experience with CentOS and/or Red Hat Enterprise Linux servers and workstations, Cisco (or similar) networking equipment including layer 3 switches, with a fundamental understanding of switched IP networks. Candidates should have experience setting up and configuring Apache, Tomcat, sendmail, sftp, OpenLDAP, virtual servers, backups and disaster recovery. Experience with VMware and vSAN is a plus. Candidates must have the ability to express themselves both orally and in writing and the ability to work effectively as a team member in an operations environment.

Additional information

The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses but may pay a recruitment bonus.

The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity

For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccination requirements and its impact on your application, click on Smithsonian Institution's Frequently Asked Questions

• 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, commuter benefits, health/life insurance, and accidental insurance.
  
  Review our 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.

Your application will be evaluated first for the basic qualifications described above. The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:

• Expert knowledge of current network technologies including Ethernet and wireless, and expert knowledge and extensive experience in their implementation on a variety of computer platforms.
• Expert knowledge of Cisco networks with emphasis on system management and monitoring. Expert knowledge and skill in network management practices and procedures for networks requiring high availability.
• Expert knowledge of network security concepts and technologies
• Knowledge of system backup and recovery technologies. Skill in assessing and responding to anomalous system behavior including network failure, and ability to devise and implement recovery plans for such events.
• Expert knowledge of evaluating network equipment, security and performance, and skill in design and implement improvements.
• Skill in interpersonal relations and in oral and written communications

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

• 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, commuter benefits, health/life insurance, and accidental insurance.
  
  Review our 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.
• Required Documents
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  
  Your application package must include the following documents:
  
  • Detailed resume
  • School transcripts, if you are using education to qualify for the position.
  • Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable.
  
  
  
  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.
• How to Apply
  
  Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. If you are applying for this position and do not have a social security number, please contact Mary Hebert, at 617-496-7816.
  
  Please Note:
  
  • You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button.
  • Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system generated coversheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package.
  • Clicking the "DONE" tab does not submit your application. The "DONE" tab allows you to exit the system and save your information for completion at a later time. To submit your application, click the "FINISH" tab.
  • The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
  
  
  Agency contact information
  
  
  
  Mary Hebert
  
  Phone
  
  617-496-7816
  
  Fax
  
  617-495-7263
  
  Email
  
  mhebert@cfa.harvard.edu
  
  Address
  
  SMITHSONIAN
  
  Human Resources
  
  60 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138
  
  Mail Stop 17
  
  Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
  
  United States
  
  Next steps
  
  You will receive an e-mail to acknowledge that your application has been received. Please be aware that the confirmation e-mail could reside in your "junk" or "bulk" mail folder depending on your filters.
  The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks. We will send you an e-mail to update you as we go through phases of the application review process. You may also check your application status by logging into www.usajobs.gov and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS;" e-mailing vacancy.info@si.edu; or by contacting the Office of Human Resources Representative listed.
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

Your application package must include the following documents:

• Detailed resume
• School transcripts, if you are using education to qualify for the position.
• Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable.

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.

How to Apply

Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. If you are applying for this position and do not have a social security number, please contact Mary Hebert, at 617-496-7816.

Please Note:

• You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button.
• Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system generated coversheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package.
• Clicking the "DONE" tab does not submit your application. The "DONE" tab allows you to exit the system and save your information for completion at a later time. To submit your application, click the "FINISH" tab.
• The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

Agency contact information



Mary Hebert

Phone

617-496-7816

Fax

617-495-7263

Email

mhebert@cfa.harvard.edu

Address

SMITHSONIAN

Human Resources

60 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138

Mail Stop 17

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138

United States

Next steps

You will receive an e-mail to acknowledge that your application has been received. Please be aware that the confirmation e-mail could reside in your "junk" or "bulk" mail folder depending on your filters.
The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks. We will send you an e-mail to update you as we go through phases of the application review process. You may also check your application status by logging into www.usajobs.gov and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS;" e-mailing vacancy.info@si.edu; or by contacting the Office of Human Resources Representative listed.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Financial suitability
• Selective Service
• New employee probationary period
• Signature and false statements
• Privacy Act
• Social security number request