POSITION OVERVIEW

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is seeking an Information Technology Support Specialist to join the Information Technology Office (ITO). The Information Technology Support Specialist reports directly to the IT Support Manager. The incumbent provides technical support to judges, chambers staff, and court staff in the areas of installing, configuring, troubleshooting, and repairing IT hardware and software applications, O365 administration, server and network support, and telecommunication systems support for VoIP and cellular phones. The Information Technology Support Specialist supports major national systems, off-the-shelf software applications, and systems developed and/or customized for local use. The incumbent is also responsible for training judges and court personnel in the use of automated systems and provides support for courtroom technology systems.
Representative duties are intended to illustrate the major duties and responsibilities that are performed by this position. Representative duties may be adjusted, and additional duties may be added, based on the operational needs of the court. Responsibilities may include but are not limited to (please see the website for more information): Information Technology Support Specialist: CAFC-25-12 (pdf).

QUALIFICATIONS

Specialized Experience

Entry Level

• CL-25 ($55,940 - $90,898): Candidates must possess a high school diploma (or equivalency) and a minimum of one (1) year of specialized experience providing progressively responsible technical support in the information technology field equivalent to the CL-24 (GS 8) OR a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field from an accredited college or university and superior academic achievement as listed below.
• CL-26 ($61,603 - $100,097): Candidates must possess a minimum of two (2) years of specialized experience providing progressively responsible technical support in the information technology field. One year of specialized experience may be substituted by a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field from an accredited college or university and superior academic achievement as listed below. At least one year of specialized experience must have been at or equivalent to the CL-25 (GS 9).

Experienced Level

• CL-27 ($67,660 - $110,012): Candidates must possess a minimum of three (3) years of specialized experience providing progressively responsible technical support in the information technology field. One year of specialized experience may be substituted by a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field from an accredited college or university and superior academic achievement as listed below. At least one year of specialized experience must have been at or equivalent to the CL-26 (GS 10).
• CL-28 ($81,117 - $131,826): Candidates must possess a minimum of four (4) years of specialized experience providing progressively responsible technical support in the information technology field. One year of specialized experience may be substituted by a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field from an accredited college or university and superior academic achievement as listed below. At least two years of specialized experience must have been at or equivalent to the CL-27 (GS 11).

Superior Academic Achievement

• An overall “B” grade point average equaling 2.90 or better of a possible 4.0; AND/OR
• Standing in the upper third of the class; AND/OR
• “3.5” average or better in the major field of study, such as Computer Science or a related field that would prepare a candidate well to perform in this position; AND/OR
• Election to membership in Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma XI, or one of the National Honorary Scholastic Societies meeting the minimum requirements of the Association of College Honor Societies, other than Freshman Honor Societies.
• Completion of one academic year (18 semester or 27 quarter hours) of graduate study at an accredited college or university. A degree program in in computer science, information systems, or a related field is preferred.

Required Competencies

• Strong customer service skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to function as a team player in a fast-paced, team-oriented office environment.
• Possess a demeanor and appearance appropriate for a professional office environment.
• Proficiency with Windows desktops in a networked environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications (including Word, Outlook, Excel and Teams)
• Ability to install, configure, update, and troubleshoot computer hardware and peripherals (including cell phones and tablets).
• Knowledge of IT security best practices and the ability to understand and follow IT security policies and procedures.
• Ability to up lift 50+ pounds of IT equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Microsoft Entra ID.
• Experience with Microsoft Intune.
• Experience installing and configuring A/V systems (including troubleshooting).
• Experience using Microsoft SharePoint.
• Experience with VoIP phone systems.
• Experience with configuring devices for remote access over a VPN.
• IT certifications.
• Experience using servers and desktops in a virtualized environment.

EDUCATION

At a minimum, candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent.

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.

NEXT STEPS

Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted and must travel at their own expense if an on-site interview is necessary. The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, commence interviews immediately, withdraw the announcement, or fill the position at any time, any of which actions may occur without notice.
The position will report to downtown Washington, DC; however, limited telework may be available on an ad hoc basis and/or according to agency policy. Employees of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit are excepted service, at-will appointments. Federal government civil service classifications or regulations do not apply. All offers of employment are provisional pending successful completion of a background check or investigation and a favorable employment suitability determination. Initial and continued appointment in this position is conditioned on a favorable moderate risk, five-year background investigation (renewed every five years). An unfavorable investigation at any point during employment may lead to removal. This position is subject to Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit.
Must be a U. S. citizen or eligible to work in the United States. Non-citizens may be interviewed and considered for employment, but employment offers will only be made to individuals who qualify under one of the exceptions in 8 U.S.C.§ 1324b(a)(3)(B). Under 8 U.S.C.§1324b(a)(3)(B), a lawful permanent resident seeking citizenship may not apply for citizenship until he or she has been a permanent resident for at least five years (three years if seeking naturalization as a spouse of a citizen), at which point he or she must apply for citizenship within six months of becoming eligible and must complete the process within two years of applying (unless there is a delay caused by the processors of the application). Non-citizens who have not been permanent residents for five years will be required to execute an affidavit that they intend to apply for citizenship when they become eligible to do so.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is an Equal Opportunity Employer.