Summary The Information Technology Specialist with primary focus on a database administration for specialized scientific, laboratory, and administrative systems in support of both APHIS and Agricultural Research Service (ARS) users at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in a combined services environment. This position is responsible for database management within the Information Technology unit in Manhattan, KS. Responsibilities The duties may include, but are not limited to: Works with database system dependencies, including storage, networking, and server operating systems. Works with application middleware solutions, including configuration and securing of application environments. Ensures that the data management components remain in good working order and infrastructure issues are promptly addressed. Researches, tests, and proposes new database and data management solutions to meet the ever-changing needs of the NBAF scientific community and its stakeholders. Provides operational support for other necessary system components as they relate to databases, such as laboratory information systems, stakeholder submissions, and quality management. Provides support for application development platforms, including integration and connectivity to database and data management systems. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 grade level) that demonstrates: - Administering and implementing database systems supporting scientific and laboratory computing environments, including systems used for diagnostics, research workflows, laboratory information systems, and high-volume scientific data storage and retrieval. - Implementing and optimizing data architectures and workflows that support compute-intensive laboratory applications like high-performance computing (HPC) workloads, including managing dependencies across storage, networking, virtualization layers, and scientific instrument integration. - Integrating databases with scientific instruments and laboratory automation systems ensuring reliable data flow, system interoperability, and mission-critical operational support. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. In addition, all applicants qualifying based on experience must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below. Applicants must demonstrate possession of these competencies within the body of the resume; no separate statements addressing them are required. 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. 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 There is no education requirement. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee. 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 here. Other special conditions: The incumbent is subject to possible exposure to contagious diseases, pathogens, and other environmental hazards within the laboratories. He/she is expected to have a strong awareness of and willingness to comply with safety rules and regulations. He/she is also expected to wear appropriate personal safety equipment when necessary (safety glasses/goggles, laboratory scrubs, coveralls, rubber boots, etc.) and is expected to disrobe, shower in and shower out, and wear laboratory-issued uniforms when working in high Bio-Security Level 2, 3, and 4 laboratories as a regular part of his/her duties.
