INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST
Grade and Starting Salary Range:

FP-5: $39,448 - $57,931
FP-6: $35,265 - $51,788

Additional Benefits: Tax-Free Housing overseas; Tax-Free Educational Allowance for eligible dependents, etc. (See "Benefits Package" brochure for more information.)
Number of Vacancies:

The Department of State is developing a rank-order List of Eligible Hires for Information Management 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:

Initial training and orientation will be held at the Department of State in Washington, DC, normally followed by two directed two-year assignments overseas. During their career, Information Management Specialists will serve both overseas and domestically - moving at two to four-year intervals.

For more information, contact HR/REE, 202-261-8884. IMSVACANCYINFO@STATE.GOV

All potential applicants are strongly urged to read this entire Vacancy Information to ensure that they meet all of the requirements for this position before applying.

Applicants must be American citizens and at least 20 years old to apply and at least 21 years of age to be appointed. By law, all career candidates must be appointed to the Foreign Service prior to the month in which they reach age 60.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

The U.S. Department of State is the lead foreign affairs agency formulating and implementing the President's foreign policy and representing United States interests throughout the world. The Department carries out this mission at over 250 Embassies and Consulates around the world, offices in the metropolitan Washington, DC area and other locations in the United States.

Foreign Service Information Management Specialists (IMS) are responsible for information resource management programs and information technology worldwide. The work is diverse and challenging. IRM employees support a vast spectrum of computer technology. They are responsible for managing and administering a worldwide telecommunications network, maintaining the telephone and wireless programs at overseas embassies and consulates, managing the Diplomatic Pouch and Mail operations and performing other duties such as supporting visits of high-level officials, including the President.

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 IT field are characteristic of Department of State Foreign Service Information Management Specialists.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

At various times, and at locations around the world or at domestic locations, the following are examples of the types of duties and responsibilities assigned to Information Management Specialists. The duties vary according to the size of the post and the requirements of the specific diplomatic mission. This list is neither exhaustive nor in priority order:

Administer and operate classified and unclassified computer LANs; install, operate and maintain new hardware and software applications; and ensure computer operations are consistent with current Department of State and federal government operating and security policies and practices.

Administer and operate classified and unclassified telecommunications network equipment; including cryptographic equipment, multiplexers, modems, routers, switches and satellite equipment; install, operate and maintain network hardware and software, troubleshoot and restore outages within the network.

Duties at each post will differ and may not include network administration.

Provide assistance to users of information management services, including training users in the use of new software applications and guidance/assistance with new or amended information technology-related policies and procedures.

Administer the Embassies' and/or Consulates' classified and unclassified telephone and wireless programs including the installation of new equipment, maintenance and repair of equipment, and guidance/assistance to personnel in the proper use of these systems.

Administer the Embassies' and/or Consulates' emergency communications network, including the installation, testing, maintenance and deployment of various wireless and satellite emergency communications systems.

Administer and prepare classified and unclassified Diplomatic Pouch and Mail programs at overseas locations including managing Embassy/Consulate mailroom operations. Process the sending and receiving of official correspondence through the Diplomatic Pouch program, and assisting Diplomatic Couriers.

Monitor and implement security controls on state automated information systems both overseas and domestically. Support operations in the area of cyber security, contingency plan, general security operations and risk management.

The Department of State began creating Diplomatic Post offices (DPOs) at overseas posts which will phase out all APO/FPO mail facilities. DPO's are fully-functioning US post offices and separated from traditional post mailroom facilities. A Foreign Service IMS will manage DPO directly or indirectly.

Serve as part of the Embassy/Consulate's administrative team. Perform additional duties outside of normal information management activities as determined by Embassy or Consulate management or as dictated by specific circumstances.

INITIAL CAREER DEVELOPMENT/ASSIGNMENTS:

After an initial training period of several months in the Washington DC area, new Information Management Specialists (IMS) are assigned by management to their first two assignments for two years each to a position overseas. Subsequent assignments, either overseas or domestic, will typically be for periods of 2-4 years. Employees can expect to serve in any information technology area depending on the needs of their embassy or consulate. Specialists are part of the Embassy/Consulate administrative team. They may have the opportunity to participate in non-technical Embassy work and in social and community activities as part of the Embassy family. After the first two assignments, employees may request assignments in virtually any Embassy or Consulate worldwide. 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 employees are evaluated, in writing, once a year. The employee participates in this process. The evaluations form the basis for promotions, which are made by a panel of more senior employees, every year. In addition to the formal training program, Information Management Specialists advance in their career by performing well and taking progressively more responsible assignments.

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 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 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 this year. Courses at SAIT range from the Microsoft suite of products (Windows 2003, Exchange 2003, etc.) to networking essentials, data communications, satellite operations, and PBX installation/maintenance. IM Specialists may also be sent to outside training institutions. Training begins with a 17-week introductory course for all new hires. Failure to successfully complete any aspect of this training could be grounds for separation. Later, Specialists take courses in specific software and/or equipment to prepare for new assignments. Besides technology training, IM specialists may also be provided opportunities to take additional developmental courses during assignments. These include, but are not limited to, management and leadership courses at the George P. Schultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center, and 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.

1. Initial salaries for new employees range from grade FP-6 through FP-5 depending on such factors as education received from accredited institutions of higher learning and specialized experience. To determine the specific grade/step, the candidate's education and specialized experience must be in excess of that which is required to qualify for the appointment grade as described in the Addendum, Section III, Education and Specialized Experience Requirements. Salaries are determined at the time offers of employment are made.

2. 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 the base salary rate of their previous salary, provided the work performed in the previous position is relevant to information management activities.

Information Management Specialists appointed at class FP-6 will be administratively promoted to class FP-5 following completion of 12 months 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. Individuals promoted to the next higher grade receive additional salary equivalent to approximately six percent of the base salary.

In general, individuals with good performance will receive a within-grade increase annually in steps 1 through 9, and bi-annually in steps 10 through 14 of the FS salary schedule, if they have not received an equivalent increase during that period.

Also, the Department has an IT Skills Incentive Program (SIP) which pays IT employees serving in IT specific skill codes/positions, five (being eliminated on July 31st, 2007), ten or fifteen percent of their basic pay based on attainment of specific IT credentials.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Types of qualifying specialized experience and education/training are described in the following paragraphs. College or university students are welcome to apply one year prior to graduation. Official transcripts must be provided prior to appointment.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Specialized experience is professional work that demonstrates the applicant has acquired, and is able to apply specific knowledge, skills and abilities appropriate to Foreign Service Information Management Specialist positions. Qualifying specialized experience (listed in the paragraph "Duties and Responsibilities") must have been acquired within the past six years and must demonstrate potential to perform in progressively responsible positions in the information management field. An applicant's work experience will be evaluated for level of responsibilities and length of experience.

Applicants must provide evidence of experience in the areas of personal computers, local area and wide area networking, COTS office automation software, network operating systems, IT industry standards, network protocols and technology trends.

EDUCATION AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

BA/BS/AA Degree: Studies must directly relate to the duties described in this vacancy announcement; courses of study and/or degrees must be in Computer Science, Information Management, Telecommunications Management, Computer Information Systems, Data Processing or other related computer networking fields.

AA Degree Equivalent: The "Equivalent" degree would include such items as a two-year Technical Certification from an Accredited Technical School. Certification would be in fields directly related to the duties described in this vacancy announcement; courses of study and/or certificates must be in Computer Science, Information Management, Telecommunications Management, Computer Information Systems, Networking, Data Processing or other related computer networking fields.

Technical Certificate/Product Certificates: Technical certificate(s) from an Accredited Technical School (Military or Commercial) in fields directly related to the duties described in this vacancy announcement; courses of study and/or certificates must be in Telecommunications Management, Information Management, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science or other related computer networking fields.

Applicants must have both CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications obtained within the past five years. A CCNA certification can be used in place of the Network+ requirement but must have been obtained within the last three years as of the date of the application.

The Department of State will accept either certificates or score reports with the candidate's CompTIA identification number clearly listed as proof of certification within the last five years. The CCNA certification must be no older than three years and the proof of certification must also have the appropriate Cisco identification number.

Other fields would include certification in Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, Microsoft Certified Solution Developer, Certified Computing Professional, or similar certifications.

Experience must have been acquired within the past six years.

Grade Level Education Specialized Experience
FP-05 BA/BS Degree*
AA Degree*
Technical Certificate(s)
Masters 0 years
2 years
3 years
2 years
FP-06 BA/BS Degree (Related Minor)*
AA Degree (or Equivalent)*
Technical Certificate(s)
No degree
Masters 0 years
0 years
2 years
3 years
1 year
* As described under Educational Requirements.

Credit may be given for graduate work only for studies directly related to the specialist category for which the applicant is being hired such as Masters in Computer Science and Management Information Systems, Information Management, Telecommunications Management, Computer Information Systems, Data Processing or other related computer networking fields.

How you will be Evaluated

Candidates will be evaluated on their total background including experience, education, awards, training, and self-development as it relates to the position. Selection for this position will be made only from among candidates possessing the best qualifications.

How to Apply

We are not currently accepting applications for the IMS vacancy.

Applications must be submitted electronically through the "Gateway to State" system. As part of the online application, applicants will be asked to submit the following required documents:

Required Documents

1. Supplementary Questionnaire:

Purpose: The purpose of the supplementary Questionnaire is to allow an opportunity to describe examples of your experience, which relate to the skills listed below and best show your ability to handle various aspects of information management specialist work. The information you give will be used to help structure your oral examination/interview should you be invited to one.

Instructions: Using plain white paper and using a typewriter or word processor, individually address each of the three (3) numbered 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.
1. Practical Problem Solving: Using your knowledge of PCs, local area networks, and software, 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

2. A two-to-three page typed (double-spaced) narrative autobiography which discusses your:
* Personal background
* General comments on work experience
* Personal interests and hobbies
* Motivation for joining the Foreign Service

In cases where education is substituted for experience, copies of college transcripts, diplomas, etc. must be presented at the time of oral assessment. These materials become the property of the Department of State and will not be returned.

Selected candidates: Please note all travel and other expenses incurred in connection with the oral assessment are the responsibility of the candidate.

Executive Branch agencies are barred by 5 US Code 3303 as amended from accepting or considering prohibited political 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 accommodation to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for any part of the application or hiring process should so advise the Department. All decision for granting reasonable accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis.