Information Technology Specialist

Duties
The individual selected for this position will:

• Identify, analyze, and recommend solutions to problems occurring with project processing.
• Create and/or modify existing programs using PostScript, Clipper, dBase, Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), Structured Query Language (SQL), and Microsoft Office Suite to meet procedural specifications and provide management with controls needed to monitor job specifications, progress, costs, timeliness, etc.
• Transfer files, i.e. databases, PostScript files, and text files from various sites applying secure FTP and Title 13 standards.
• Import databases for processing files through certified United States Postal Service (USPS) software. Apply USPS rules and regulations to each individual file to take advantage of maximum postal discounts, reduce work requirements, and expedite mail delivery.
• Create code using PostScript page description programming language for document design and the imaging of variable data on document design and the imaging of variable data on documents for print-on-demand printers and automated finishing equipment.
• Create files in required formats for printing on specific printers, i.e. high speed ink jet and laser printers.
• Maintain/update databases.
• Track and control files received and created to meet Title 13 and IRS confidentiality specifications; Back-up, archive, and recover files as needed.
• Design forms using PostScript, Uniform software, and Visual Basic Scripting Language (VBL) to meet strict printing, finishing, check-in, data capture, and postal specifications.
• Perform quality control of output.
• Assist in testing new hardware and/or software enhancements, and in setting priorities.
• Occasionally create graphic designs in paper and/or digital format for business documents, charts, graphs, presentations, overhead transparencies, manuals, flyers, brochures, direct mail proposals, specialized catalogs, reports, banners, labels, posters, etc. in black and white, full color and highlight color.

Qualifications
Time in Grade: Current and former Federal civilian employees must have held a position at the Grade 05 for at least 52 weeks in the Federal Service for promotion to the Grade 07.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
Applicants qualify at the Grade 05 level if they possess one year of general experience that is IT related; this experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience relating to the competencies listed below.
Applicants qualify at the Grade 07 level if they possess one year of specialized experience that equips them with the skills needed to perform the job duties and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Such experience is typically gained in the IT field or through the performance of work where the primary concern is IT. This specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the Grade 05 level to meet the qualification requirements in the Federal Service. Examples include experience that demonstrates the ability to perform basic computer analysis, network, and/or equipment assignments; maintaining and modifying existing programs, coding programs or subroutines from overall systems logic developed by other computer specialists.
EDUCATION SUBSTITUTION:
Grade 05: Bachelor's 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.
Grade 07: 1 full year of graduate level education or superior academic achievement 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.
S.A.A. is based on(1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.
1. Class standing -- Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.
2. Grade-point average (G.P.A.)-- Applicants must have a grade-point average of:
a. 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or
b. 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.
3. Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society -- Applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies. These honor societies are listed by the Association of College Honor Societies.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., PeaceCorps, 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.
Qualification requirements contained in this vacancy announcement are based on U.S. Office of Personnel Management Qualification (OPM) Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on OPM's website at: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications.