SUMMARY

The Minor Planet Center (MPC) at the CfA, is sanctioned by the International Astronomical Union, and works within the Solar Stellar Planetary Sciences Division to process, archive, and publish all astrometric and radar observations of the Solar System’s small bodies. The MPC seeks to hire an IT Specialist to perform Software Development.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

For all positions, individuals 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.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. The applications that meet the basic qualification will be evaluated further against the following criteria:
1. Ability to apply theories, concepts, principles, and methodologies of software development discipline sufficient to: plan, evaluate, and carry out assignments supporting the science goals of the team
2. Advanced knowledge of and skill in developing software using Python for Linux environments
3. Advanced knowledge of and skill in interfacing to relational databases (SQL)
4. Expert knowledge and skill in using Git and GitHub (or similar SCM services) for software source control
5. Advanced knowledge and skill in using containers (e.g Docker) in a cloud environment
6. Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing
Applicants, who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States, must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Join us in “Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery.”
Resume/CV should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week. College Transcript should be provided if using education for qualification.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact hr@cfa.harvard.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: www.si.edu/oeema.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/

• Functions as a software IT Specialist to develop and maintain Python and web-based software applications and services related to the Minor Planet Center
• Contributes to the planning and implementation of required unit tests and applies continuous integration to both existing and new software projects
• Collaborate with scientists and software development staff as needed
• Plays a major role in regular software planning and status reporting activities
• Contributes to the planning and implementation of tasks required for the improvement and upkeep of Minor Planet Center software development best practices
• Performs other duties as assigned