INFORMATION MANAGEMENT TECHNICAL SPECIALIST (LAN/WAN) |  |
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
United States Department of State
An Equal Opportunity Employer
How to Apply
Announcement No: IMTS/D-2007-1
Opening Date: December 10, 2007
Closing Date: August 1, 2008
| Position Title: | FOREIGN SERVICE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT TECHNICAL SPECIALIST (LAN/WAN) |
| Grade and Starting Salary Range: | FP-5: $41,122 - $60,389 |
| Number of Vacancies: | The Department of State is developing a rank-order List of Eligible Hires for Information Management Technical Specialists. The specific number to be hired will depend on the needs of the Foreign Service. |
| Area of Consideration: | All Sources. Applicants must be U. S. citizens between the ages of 21 and 59 and able to qualify for a top secret security clearance. |
| Location: | The Department of State in the Washington, DC metropolitan area; Ft. Lauderdale, FL; and 31 Foreign Service posts throughout the world where technicians are assigned. |
THE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT TECHNICAL SPECIALIST CAREER:
The U.S. Department of State is the lead foreign affairs agency formulating and implementing the President's foreign policy and representing U.S. interests throughout the world. Foreign Service Information Management Technical Specialists (IMTS) are responsible for the installation, repair, and maintenance of a wide range of digital equipment.
The ability to adapt to changing physical environments, work with differing levels of technology, and keep abreast of the latest developments and innovations in the Information Technology field are characteristics of the Department of State Information Management Technical Specialists (IMTS).
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following are examples of the types of duties and responsibilities assigned to Information Management Technical Specialists. IMTS are assigned to 31 overseas locations, as well as the Washington, DC metro area and Ft. Lauderdale, FL, from which they travel extensively. The duties vary according to location, the size of the post, and the requirements of the specific diplomatic mission. This list is neither exhaustive nor in priority order; however, IMTS Specialists:
- Design, install, and maintain various telecommunications and computer systems.
- Design, install, and maintain client/server-based local and wide area networks (LANs and WANs).
- Provide regional technical assistance to overseas missions via telephone, e-mail and on-site visits.
- Provide oversight for assorted hardware procurement, logistics, and maintenance programs.
- Perform technical site surveys to determine structural and technical requirements.
- Conduct fault isolation and technical control of digital network components.
In the execution of any of these duties and tasks, IMTS personnel may frequently be required to:
- Occasionally work in confined areas such as crawlspaces, attics, utility pits, tunnels, manholes and other confined spaces.
- Work from heights to include rooftops, ledges, bucket trucks, scaffolding and extension ladders.
- Perform manual installation operations to include hammer drilling, core drilling, pulling wire and cable, running and installing conduit and terminating various cables.
- Move and handle heavy objects such as crates, equipment racks and other building materials as required.
- Break open shipping crates, perform proper inventories of the contents and noting/reporting deficiencies.
- Following established safety regulations, work in and around electrical service panels and Uninterruptible Power Source (UPS) units. These duties include changing batteries, taking electrical measurements and making appropriate electrical connections as required
LAN/WAN Specialists must have in-depth technical knowledge of telecommunications and computer equipment and must be knowledgeable in testing techniques and problem resolution. They must hold CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT/ASSIGNMENTS:
After a three-week orientation and 17 to 23 weeks of job specific training in the Washington, DC area, new Information Management Technical Specialists (IMTS) will be assigned to either a domestic or an overseas location based on the needs of the Foreign Service. The first two assignments will be up to two years. During this initial tour of duty, each new employee could also be required to complete several weeks of specialized vendor training at various facilities in the United States and overseas. Failure to successfully pass and complete required new hire training, including specialized vendor assessment testing/certification during the first two-year assignment, could be grounds for separation from the Foreign Service.
After the first two directed assignments, employees may request assignment in one of 31 overseas locations where there are vacancies. Assignments, domestic and overseas, will be for periods of 2-4 years. Overseas, employees can expect to travel extensively to area posts and to serve in any Information Technology area depending on the needs of the embassy/consulate served. Future assignments are made in consultation with the employee, taking into consideration the needs of the Department, the particular interests/skills of the employee, career development requirements, family circumstances, and individual preferences.
All Specialists are evaluated, in writing, once a year with the employee participating in this process. The evaluations form the basis for promotions, which are made by a panel of more senior employees that meet every year. Foreign Service career candidates are considered for tenure by a Tenuring Board after they have acquired a minimum of two years' experience in the Service as a Specialist career candidate and they have been administratively promoted to grade FS-04.
TRAINING:
Since technology changes constantly, frequent training is part of the Information Management Technical Specialist's career. The Department has its own School of Applied Information Technology (SAIT) with a staff of 65 and a multi-million-dollar budget. Courses at SAIT range from the Microsoft suite of products to networking essentials, data communications, satellite operations. IMTS are also sent to outside vendor training institutions. Developmental and specific technology courses are taken in preparation for new assignments. Besides technology training, IMTS are also provided opportunities to take developmental courses. These include, but are not limited to, management and leadership courses at the George P. Schultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center, as well as other schools and universities in the Washington, DC area.
INITIAL SALARY AND SALARY INCREASES:
Initial salaries are determined in accordance with paragraph 1 or 2 below, whichever provides the greater benefit.
- Initial salaries for new employees range from FP-6 (step 5 to step 14) to FP-5 (step 5 to step 14) depending on such factors as education received from accredited institutions of higher learning. To determine the specific grade/step, the candidate's education and specialized experience are considered. Higher grades/steps are given when qualifications exceed the minimum requirements described below. Salaries are determined at the time offers of employment are made.
- Entry-level salary for current or former Federal civilian employees will be set at the rate, within the Foreign Service grade to which they are appointed, that is nearest to their previous base salary, provided the work performed in the previous position is relevant to information management technical activities.
- Information Management Technical Specialists appointed at class FP-6 will be administratively promoted to class FP-5 following completion of 12 months in class with satisfactory performance and from class FP-5 to FP-4 following completion of 18 months in class with satisfactory performance. Further promotions are competitive and based on merit. Promotions to the next higher grade equal approximately six percent of base salary. Each year, employees in steps 1-9 whose performance is satisfactory will receive a step increase (approximately three percent of base salary). Those in steps 10-13 receive a step increase every 2 years. Meritorious step increases are awarded to outstanding performers.
- Based on their locations, employees may be eligible to receive additional pay and allowances. At a number of locations in the U.S., employees receive locality pay. Overseas, employees receive housing or a housing allowance. Depending on the overseas post, employees may also receive hardship pay, danger pay, education, and cost of living allowances.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF DUTIES:
Information Management Technical Specialists must be willing to work independently without supervision. They are very often their own technical engineers and must be innovative, especially when working at isolated overseas posts. They are frequently required to make on-site repairs or devise novel solutions to equipment problems in the field. They may be required, and must be willing, to work on equipment outside their area of specialty, should the need arise. Information Management Technical Specialists are required to travel frequently to posts in their region of responsibility. They may be required to travel approximately 60 percent of the time, or more, from a regional office to constituent posts. They are also required to travel to locations where unhealthful and hazardous conditions exist.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
LAN/WAN: Hands-on experience in the planning, installation, maintenance, and repair of the following types of equipment and systems: LAN/MAN/WAN environments, communications protocols to include X.25, X.400, TCP/IP and Ethernet, high-speed circuits, commercial satellite terminal, TDM/FDM multiplexers, CSU/DSU, modems, fiber optics, routers, switches, peripheral devices (laser printers, scanners) and associated cryptographic systems. Must be knowledgeable in the use of associated test equipment for testing and trouble resolution. Experience must be directly related to these systems with at least 60 percent of the time in the maintenance and repair of these systems.
DESIRED EXPERIENCE:
LAN/WAN: Experience installing and repairing cryptographic equipment and knowledge of Tempest Standards and Red/Black installation criteria. Applicants should possess a working knowledge of Windows 2000, Windows NT, MS Office, MS Exchange, MS BackOffice, and UNIX. Microsoft certified applicants (MCP/MCSE) are preferred. UNIX, SQL, Oracle and Lotus Notes experience is also desirable.
Qualifying experience must have been acquired within the past six years.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
| Grade Level | Education | Specialized Experience |
|---|---|---|
| FP-05 | BS Degree (Related Degree) AAS Degree (Related Degree) Technical Certificate(s) or 26 weeks of Specialized Training |
and 0 years* and 2 years and 3 years |
| FP-06 | BA/BS Degree (Related Minor) AAS Degree or Equivalent Technical Certificate(s) or 26 weeks of Specialized Training Technical Certificate(s) Or 10 weeks of Specialized Training |
and 0 years* and 0 years* and 1 year and 2 years |
| * See Specialized Experience Requirements paragraph above. | ||
BS Degree: Studies must directly relate to the duties described in this vacancy announcement; study and/or degrees must be in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics Engineering, Electronics Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering, or other related fields.
AAS Degree: Studies must directly relate to the duties described in this vacancy announcement; courses of study and/or degrees must be in Electrical and Electronics Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology, or other related fields.
Technical Certificates/Product Certificates: Technical Certificate(s) from an accredited technical school (military or commercial) and/or training in fields directly related to the duties described in this vacancy announcement; courses of study and/or certificates must be in one of the specialties listed under "Specialized Experience Required."
Product Certification of the Following Industry-Recognized Products: Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE); Cisco Certified Internet-working Expert (CCIE); Certified Novell Engineer (CNE); Certified Computing Professional; A+; Certified Lotus Professional (CLP): IDNX or GDC Multiplexers; Telephone Certificates from Mitel, Nortel, GTE or, AT&T; Radio or Satellite Certificates from Motorola, GE, Harris, Collins, Magnavox, McKay, or TWC; Licenses to include FCC and NARTE.
College or university students are welcome to apply one year prior to graduation. Official transcripts must be provided prior to appointment.
MANDATORY SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
- Ability to think logically and objectively, demonstrating resourcefulness and judgment.
- Ability to express oneself both orally and in writing.
- Ability to work and deal effectively with others; tact and the ability to obtain cooperation and confidence from supervisors and subordinates in performing official duties.
- Ability to work with minimum job supervision and a willingness to accept responsibility.
- Ability to read and interpret schematic diagrams to detect circuit problems.
- Ability to use oscilloscopes, multimeters, and other test equipment that are used in the applicant's area of specialty.
- Ability to install and repair various equipment in the applicant's area of specialty.
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT TECHNICAL SPECIALIST
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTIONNAIRE AND AUTOBIOGRAPHY:
Purpose: The purpose of this questionnaire is to obtain information to help determine if applicants meet minimum qualifications on the basis of work, specialized training, and volunteer experiences, and to rate those that qualified for selection for further consideration at the Assessment Center.
Instructions:
- Using plain white paper and either a typewriter or word processor, individually address each of the four items listed below, limiting each response to 300 words or less. Describe how you have used the following abilities and/or knowledge, referencing the source from which the work-related experience was acquired. Your examples can be drawn from any part of your experience, but they must describe things that you, personally, have done.
- In supplementary questionnaire format, submit an autobiography of 300 words or less, discussing your personal history, your interests and hobbies, and your motivation for a Foreign Service Career. You should compose your replies carefully, as one of the skills required of an Information Management Technical Specialist is the ability to write clearly and concisely.
QUESTIONNAIRE ITEMS:
- Practical Problem Solving: Using your technical knowledge of networks and voice communications, describe what you consider to be the best example of a situation where you had to find an innovative solution to a practical problem. Indicate who was affected by the problem and in what way, and the nature of the difficulties faced.
- Organizing Your Own Work: Give an example of a situation that shows your ability to think logically, analyze problems, communicate with others, and apply sound judgment, particularly where you had to meet tight deadlines or work long hours. Indicate the complexity of the task you were organizing and the consequences if you had failed to meet your deadline.
- Handling Conflicting Priorities: Give one example which best illustrates a situation where you had to handle several different tasks at once and where it was important to ensure the quality of your work performance was maintained at a high standard. Indicate any resources you had to organize, and the pressure you were under to change, the order of priority.
- Withstanding the Rigors of Overseas Life: What experiences have you had which might suggest you could handle the difficulties of overseas life? List any experience of living, working or traveling abroad and any evidence of aptitude for foreign languages.
PROCEDURES FOR APPLYING:
We are not currently accepting applications for this position. Please subscribe to our mailing list to receive email updates regarding this vacancy.
The following materials are required for a complete application package. They become the property of the Department of State and will not be returned.
- Completed U.S. Department of State Application for Employment (DS-1950).
— Completed Employment Data Form on DS-1950 (This is an optional form which requests information to be used for statistical purposes only) on pages 6 and 7. - Official transcripts, plus any other official documentation which includes all courses taken, grades, semester or quarter hours earned, cumulative grade point average/s for all courses taken, class standing/s, and major. Transcripts are not required if no training or education is claimed.
- Product certificates and technical certificates.
- Responses to the Autobiography and Supplementary Questionnaire.
Applications will be considered as the completed packages arrive in the Department. The Department of State will be hiring a number of candidates yearly.
These documents should be submitted and addressed to:
U.S. Department of State
Attn: Information Management Technical Specialist/Digital Program
Application Evaluation Branch
5th floor, Room H-518
2401 E Street, NW
Washington, DC 20522
For additional information please refer to our web site at careers.state.gov or e-mail IMTSVacancyInfo@state.gov or telephone (202) 261-8857.
Applications which are received through the State Department’s inter-office mail system or mailed in Government-franked envelopes, will not be processed. Executive Branch agencies are barred by 5 US Code 3303, as amended, from accepting or considering prohibited recommendations and are required to return any prohibited political recommendations to sender. In addition, as mandated by 5 US Code 310, sons and daughters of federal employees cannot be granted preference in competing for these employment opportunities.
THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE IS COMMITTED TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND FAIR AND EQUITABLE TREATMENT FOR ALL WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX, RELIGION, AGE, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, DISABLING CONDITION, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, MARITAL STATUS, OR PRIOR STATUTORY, CONSTITUTIONALLY PROTECTED ACTIVITY. THE DEPARTMENT PROVIDES REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES. APPLICANTS REQUIRING A REASONBLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY PART OF THE APPLICATION OR HIRING PROCESS SHOULD SO ADVISE THE DEPARTMENT. ALL DECISIONS FOR GRANTING REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS ARE MADE ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS.