Summary The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is a major bureau of the Smithsonian Institution that is responsible for the acquisition, curation, and preservation of collections of objects and specimens of natural history, which tells the history of the planet and a record of human interaction with the environment and one another. Responsibilities The Information Technology Specialist (Database Administrator) is located in the Informatics and Data Science Center (IDSC), National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), and reports to the IDSC Digital Stewardship Lead and is responsible for the design, development and administration of databases related to the Research and Collections Information System (RCIS) and other research and collections-based database projects requested by other NMNH departments. As such, the database administrator is a technical resource to database development project teams. In this position, you will: Independently support the administration of the Research and Collections Information System (RCIS) databases by monitoring system performance, performing routine maintenance, and ensuring reliable day-to-day operations across database environments. Assist in the design, development, and implementation of database applications by gathering user requirements, contributing to functional specifications, and supporting testing and validation throughout the system development lifecycle. Apply established data standards, governance practices, and security controls to maintain data integrity, consistency, and compliance with Smithsonian and NMNH policies. Analyze and resolve routine to moderately complex system and data issues, evaluate system performance, and provide recommendations to improve functionality, reliability, and integration. Communicate with users, project teams, and stakeholders to provide technical support, coordinate system updates and changes, and assist in promoting consistent database practices across collaborating organizations. Requirements Conditions of Employment Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation May need to complete a Probationary Period Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service. Conditions of Employment Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions on OPM website. Qualifications Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as experience performing database administration and development duties that include supporting the management and optimization of relational and NoSQL databases such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB; assisting in the design, integration, and testing of data driven systems; applying established data governance practices and security controls; analyzing and resolving routine to moderately complex technical issues across database platforms; and communicating technical information and requirements to team members and stakeholders under established processes. 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. Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week. In addition to meeting the Specialized Experience for all positions, individuals must have 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: Anticipates and meets the needs of both internal and external business partners and customers (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). Provides information or assistance. Delivers high-quality products and services; is committed to continuous improvement. Effectively manages customer relationships. Oral Communication: Makes clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals and groups. Listens effectively; clarifies information, as needed. Speaks and writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner that is appropriate to the audience. Facilitates an open exchange of ideas to ensure all group input is considered. Handles technical, sensitive, or controversial topics with agility involving executives/managers as appropriate. Problem Solving: Identifies and analyzes problems, weighs relevance and accuracy of information, generates and evaluates alternative solutions, and makes sound recommendations. Education Education cannot be substituted in lieu of Specialized Experience for this grade level. Additional Information This position is included in the bargaining unit. Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period. Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid. Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.
