This position is located in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Headquarters (HQ), Information Technology Services Division, Office of ARS Deputy ACIO, NEA Team located in Wyndmoor, PA. In this position, you will provide technical and administrative leadership to manage the computing facility and the state-of-the-art networked IT systems, which include maintaining uninterrupted linkage to outside the information network.

Duties

Serves as the Center authority on the overall design and creation of data processing, scientific computations, communications, and networking systems to support research goals. Oversees and manages IT systems, telecommunications, and security responsibilities for the Center, serving as systems administrator to manage and support IT services. Ensures the systems are operational and conducts analyses of issues and recommends adoption of enhanced approaches to deliver the required services. Constructs platforms for new databases and user input interfaces, ensuring consistency and completeness of metadata, implementation of QA/QC (quality assurance/quality control) standards. Uses modem programming such as C++, R, SAS, Java, Fortran, Visual Basic and Python, in support of data processing, statistical analysis, and modeling. Administers appropriate backups and disaster recovery measures for data management. Allows accessibility to data and information about that data (metadata) to all staff with proper security controls, except where determined to be restricted to specific individuals. Develops, implements, and coordinates activities to ensure, protect, and restore IT systems, services, and capabilities. Designs and implements plans to address issues in order to provide protections for the ERRC computing systems, allow functionality for the research programs, and ensures compliance with the requirements USDA Cybersecurity policies. Monitors and evaluates the systems' compliance with IT security requirements to ensure cyber security meets Federal and NIST guidelines. Ensures staff is appropriately utilized and developed, and adapting his or her leadership style to various situations. Ensures oversight of data transfer and documentation protocols, and maintenance of archival and retrieval protocols.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Time in grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. Basic Requirements: Applicants 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 make recommendations. AND In addition to the basic requirements above, all applicants must also meet the following minimum qualification requirements: Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-13 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-12 which is directly related to the work of this position, and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience designing databases and servers to ensures the research data is properly collected and processed; providing guidance and technical direction to scientists or staff on data requirements and protocols; and using modem programming (e.g. C++, R, SAS, Java, Fortran, Visual Basic and Python) in support of data processing. Physical Demands The work is basically sedentary, but sometimes the work may involve physical demands required to install and maintain computers and related electronic-equipment. Manual dexterity and good hand/eye coordination is required to maintain, repair and install some of the electronic equipment. The work also includes some walking, standing, bending, lifting and carrying of moderately heavy items. Occasional field trips may be required to observe work processes and alternative procedures. Work Environment Work is performed in offices, laboratory, greenhouse, field, or pilot plant in ERRC. Work in laboratories and pilot plants require the wearing of simple personal safety equipment such as safety glasses and hard hats and may have the potential for exposure to irritant chemicals. 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 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

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 5601 Sunnyside Ave Beltsville, MD 20705 US
• Name: Jared Foret
• Phone: 7032599390
• Email: Jared.Foret@usda.gov