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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # IT Specialist (Operating Systems) - **Company:** U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY - **Location:** Washington, DC, United States (Remote available) - **Salary:** $102,415.0 - $158,322.0 - **Contract:** Temporary contract - **Skills:** HTML, Cyber Security, Information Systems, Databases, Data Centers, Data Visualization, Information Management, Transport Layer, Visual Systems, SC Clearance, Information Technology, Operational Systems - **Published:** November 3, 2026 - **Apply:** https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13099356 ## About the Role Operating Systems, Information Technology & Information Systems, Government Organizations, HTTPS (HyperText Transport Protocol Secure), Operating Systems, Information Technology & Information Systems, Homeland Security, Computer Security, Management of Information Systems/Technology (MIS), Fitness, * You must possess U.S. Citizenship or be a U.S. National. * You must have reached the minimum age (18) at the time of application. * You must complete a favorable Background Investigation (BI). * Selective Service registration is required. * Must obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance. * Must possess a FAC COR Level II certification or obtain certification within 18-months of appointment. If you fail to meet the conditions of employment or any other pre-employment requirements, such as missing any of the scheduled appointments, the hiring agency may rescind their tentative offer of employment., FOR ALL IT POSITIONS: To qualify, you 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. (SV-I band) In addition to competencies above: * Technical Competence - Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or on-the-job experience to perform ones job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues. * Information Management - Identifies a need for and knows where or how to gather information; organizes and maintains information or information management systems. In addition to the minimum qualifications described above, you must meet the following requirement(s) to be considered qualified for the position: To qualify for the SV-H band (equivalent to GS-12), you must have one year of specialized experience at the SV-G band or GS-11 in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector. Specialized experience is defined as experience that has equipped you with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience is defined as: * Experience supporting the deployment and configuration of IT systems, applications, or infrastructure service for end-users, devices, or locations, helping improve service availability and user access. * Experience monitoring backup and recovery operations for IT systems or environment, identifying recurring job failures, and helped implement corrective actions that improved backup-success rates. * Experience collaborating with the technical team, vendor, or program office to troubleshoot an integration or performance issue involving an IT system or service, contributing to a successful resolution. To qualify for the SV-I band (equivalent to GS-13), you must have one year of specialized experience at the SV-H band or GS-12 in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector. Specialized experience is defined as experience that has equipped you with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience is defined as: * Experience leading and supporting the installation, configuration, testing, maintenance, patching, upgrading, and release of enterprise IT systems and services. * Experience contributing to technical projects involving Microsoft-based and UNIX/Linux environments, database platforms, storage, backup and recovery, mobile device management, and data-center infrastructure. * Experience identifying, documenting, presenting with recommendations on technical and functional requirements for IT systems, including system interfaces, dependencies, performance requirements, and integration considerations. * Experience creating reports and dashboards by gathering requirements, identifying business rules and reporting criteria to deliver data visualizations and written products to management and stakeholders. Credit for experience is given based on a 40-hour workweek. Part-time experience is credited on a part-time ratio, i.e., working 20 hours per week for two months equals one month of experience. No additional credit is given for overtime. National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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., As part of the USAHire computer-based assessments, you will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): * Accountability * Attention to Detail * Customer Service * Decision Making * Flexibility * Influencing/Negotiating * Information Management * Integrity/Honesty * Interpersonal Skills * Learning * Oral Communication * Problem Solving * Reading Comprehension * Reasoning * Self-Management * Stress Tolerance * Teamwork * Technical Competence (For SV-I band only) In addition to the above, the following job-related competencies will be evaluated based upon the information provided in your resume: * Oral Communication * Problem Solving * Technical Competence * Information Management ## Description * Sign in * My jobs * Profile * Resumes & documents * Notifications * Talent networks * Sign out * My jobs * Profile * Resumes & documents * Notifications * Talent networks * Sign out * Events * Help Center * Search, Help This IT Specialist (Operating Systems) position is located in (2) two branches in the Information Technology Division, Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Duties include but are not limited to: * Supports a variety of information technology (IT) infrastructure operations, engineering, and system projects such as installation of new operational technical environments or engineering support of various systems capabilities, patches, upgrades and releases using advanced knowledge and experience. * Performs technical analysis and reviews a wide range of information systems in terms of design, development, implementation, approval, and periodic evaluation as well as providing a variety of operational systems to TSA with minimal supervision. * Leads support functions and promotes the protection of the IT infrastructure by incorporating IT security and cybersecurity requirements, technologies, and processes into all engineering projects and activities. * Collaborates with internal/external organizational offices and agencies to support and maintain the operational environment. * Performs asset management/inventory of information technology (IT) resources and evaluates cost/benefit, economic, and risk analysis in the decision-making process. Note: The duties are listed at the full performance level of SV-I band. Descriptions of Program Areas * Systems Deployment & Integration Branch: The incumbent serves as IT Specialist (OP) for the Systems Deployment & Integration branch, responsible for performing as a contributing technical specialist supporting the full range of system life cycle activities including planning, analyzing, developing, implementing, maintaining, testing, and enhancing enterprise-wide information systems. * End User Services Division, Enterprise Support Branch to deliver essential technology support for the TSA Freedom Center and the TSA Continuity of Operations (COOP) facility. In this role, you will ensure the continuous reliability of mission-critical, 24x7x365 Watch Floor operations and collaborate closely with Government Interagency Partners to maintain vital IT and Audio/Visual systems. As a key technical contributor, you will drive the full system lifecycle by actively participating in the planning, procurement, deployment, and maintenance of TSA information systems., Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport.usastaffing.gov/hc/en-us/sections/28980686389652-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information) Expand Hide additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution., Employees who transfer to TSA from an agency that allows employees to maintain an annual leave balance higher than the maximum accumulation for the appointed position will have their leave ceiling set to the maximum accumulation for the appointed position (e.g., United States duty location - 240 hours, foreign duty location - 360 hours, or TSES position - 720 hours). TSA will not make a monetary payment for any leave forfeited under these circumstances. 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 Required Documents Help The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Documentation is needed to verify the eligibilities you are claiming. NOTE: Your resume must clearly demonstrate how you meet this requirement or you will be deemed ineligible. Additionally, copying and pasting information from the announcement into your resume will not adequately convey your qualifications. Resume Requirements: 1. All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages. The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages. 2. Narrative description of duties with start and end dates (including month and year) for work experience. 3. Number of hours worked in a position (i.e., full-time or part-time). If part-time, (i.e., less than 40 hours per week) state the total number of hours worked per week. 4. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your performance level for federal civilian positions (i.e., band or grade). If your resume does not contain this information, your application will be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. Do NOT include photographs (or links to social media such as LinkedIn), inappropriate content, classified information, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc. on your resume. Utilizing the USAJOBS Resume Builder and completing all available fields is strongly encouraged. Detail Documentation: Eligible applicants who wish to qualify for this position based upon experience obtained while serving on a detail with TSA must submit signed copies of the corresponding TSA form 1160, Terms And Conditions For Temporary Internal Assignment -Detail, or an SF-52, Request for Personnel Action, as supporting documentation along with their application otherwise the experience cannot be credited. Veterans: If claiming VEOA or Veterans Preference- submit a copy of the official DD-214, which must include the character of service (i.e., with an Honorable or General discharge). If no DD-214 is available, please submit a memo/certification of military service as outlined in the VOW Act. This will be annotated in block 24 on member copy 2,4, or 7 of the DD-214. If claiming veterans consideration which involves considering your disability rating, you must submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces. Note: All veterans claiming 10-point preference must also submit a SF-15. TSA Employees: Current TSA employees are strongly encouraged to submit the most recent non-Award SF-50, at the time of application, to support eligibility for Status consideration. TSA employees who do not submit the SF-50 with the application must document their current TSA position in their resume and may be required to provide the SF-50 document during the selection process. TSA employees may obtain a copy of their most recent non-Award SF-50 at https://eopf.opm.gov/dhs/. Current or Former Federal Civilian employees (Non-TSA): You must submit a legible copy of a SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action. The SF-50 block 24 must contain a "1" or "2" AND block 34 must contain a "1" or "2." Individuals with Disabilities: Documentation of eligibility for employment under this hiring authority can be obtained from a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional certified by a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory to practice medicine); a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., state or private); or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits. Documentation is used to verify that the individual being hired is indeed a person with an intellectual disability, severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability. Military Spouse Preference:If you are eligible based on one of the below, please submit the following: (1) spouse of an active-duty member of the armed forces: DD214 of spouse, marriage license, and PCS orders showing dependency (if applicable) (2) a spouse of a service member who is 100% disabled due to a service-connected injury: DD214 of spouse, marriage license, and VA Letter or disability determination showing 100% (3) spouse of a service member killed while on active duty: DD214 of spouse, marriage license, documentation from the Armed Forces casualty office 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., * Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. * If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice. * Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. * Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. * Set aside about two (2) hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link. * Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused. Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us., The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance. Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Financial suitability New employee probationary period Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy Selective Service Signature and false statements Social security number request Required Documents Help The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Documentation is needed to verify the eligibilities you are claiming. NOTE: Your resume must clearly demonstrate how you meet this requirement or you will be deemed ineligible. Additionally, copying and pasting information from the announcement into your resume will not adequately convey your qualifications. Resume Requirements: 1. All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages. The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages. 2. Narrative description of duties with start and end dates (including month and year) for work experience. 3. Number of hours worked in a position (i.e., full-time or part-time). If part-time, (i.e., less than 40 hours per week) state the total number of hours worked per week. 4. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your performance level for federal civilian positions (i.e., band or grade). If your resume does not contain this information, your application will be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. Do NOT include photographs (or links to social media such as LinkedIn), inappropriate content, classified information, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc. on your resume. Utilizing the USAJOBS Resume Builder and completing all available fields is strongly encouraged. Detail Documentation: Eligible applicants who wish to qualify for this position based upon experience obtained while serving on a detail with TSA must submit signed copies of the corresponding TSA form 1160, Terms And Conditions For Temporary Internal Assignment -Detail, or an SF-52, Request for Personnel Action, as supporting documentation along with their application otherwise the experience cannot be credited. Veterans: If claiming VEOA or Veterans Preference- submit a copy of the official DD-214, which must include the character of service (i.e., with an Honorable or General discharge). If no DD-214 is available, please submit a memo/certification of military service as outlined in the VOW Act. This will be annotated in block 24 on member copy 2,4, or 7 of the DD-214. If claiming veterans consideration which involves considering your disability rating, you must submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces. Note: All veterans claiming 10-point preference must also submit a SF-15. TSA Employees: Current TSA employees are strongly encouraged to submit the most recent non-Award SF-50, at the time of application, to support eligibility for Status consideration. TSA employees who do not submit the SF-50 with the application must document their current TSA position in their resume and may be required to provide the SF-50 document during the selection process. TSA employees may obtain a copy of their most recent non-Award SF-50 at https://eopf.opm.gov/dhs/. Current or Former Federal Civilian employees (Non-TSA): You must submit a legible copy of a SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action. The SF-50 block 24 must contain a "1" or "2" AND block 34 must contain a "1" or "2." Individuals with Disabilities: Documentation of eligibility for employment under this hiring authority can be obtained from a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional certified by a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory to practice medicine); a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., state or private); or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits. Documentation is used to verify that the individual being hired is indeed a person with an intellectual disability, severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability. Military Spouse Preference:If you are eligible based on one of the below, please submit the following: (1) spouse of an active-duty member of the armed forces: DD214 of spouse, marriage license, and PCS orders showing dependency (if applicable) (2) a spouse of a service member who is 100% disabled due to a service-connected injury: DD214 of spouse, marriage license, and VA Letter or disability determination showing 100% (3) spouse of a service member killed while on active duty: DD214 of spouse, marriage license, documentation from the Armed Forces casualty office 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., The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance. Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Financial suitability New employee probationary period Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy Selective Service Signature and false statements Social security number request Transportation Security Administration The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS Components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. Make an impact; join DHS.