IT Specialist (Application Developer)

Summary

This position is in the Software Factory and Application Delivery Group, Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), Office of the Managing Director(OMD), Federal Communications Commission (FCC) located in Washington, DC. RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL NOT BE PAID. THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL POSITIONS WITHIN 90 DAYS.

Duties

• As Senior Application Developer, the incumbent: Designs, develops, tests, deploys, and maintains FCC enterprise applications using approved low-code and modern development platforms. Leads the technical design of applications from requirements intake through architecture definition, development, integration testing, security review, and deployment, ensuring that all applications are built in accordance with OCIO technology standards, FCC security policies, and Section 508 accessibility requirements. Provides technical leadership and mentorship to junior development staff and contractor development resources, reviewing code, design artifacts, and documentation produced by others for quality, standards compliance, and completeness. Leads and advances the adoption of microservices architecture across the FCC application portfolio, designing new applications as modular, independently deployable services and developing modernization plans for existing monolithic applications that are candidates for decomposition. Evaluates and recommends development platforms, frameworks, and tools that advance the OCIO's modernized infrastructure agenda and reduce technical debt across the application portfolio. Manages the full operational lifecycle of assigned applications after deployment, serving as the technical point of accountability for application availability, performance, and incident response. Manages application retirement for end-of-life systems, coordinating data disposition, stakeholder communication, service catalogue updates, and infrastructure decommissioning with Engineering and Operations.

Qualifications

Interested candidates should be passionate about the ideals of our American republic, committed to upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution, and committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government. Hiring decisions will not be based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. Applicants must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Current Federal employees asking to be considered under Merit Promotion procedures must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Candidates must meet all of the specialized experience requirements outlined below in order to be deemed as qualified. Individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the competencies listed below: Attention to Detail/Customer Service/Decision Making/Information Management/Interpersonal Skills/Oral Communication/Problem Solving/Teamwork/Technical Competence AND In order to be deemed as qualified, candidates must have one year of specialized experience which is equivalent to the GS-13 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as follows: 1. Experience designing, developing, testing, deploying, modernizing, and maintaining enterprise applications using approved low-code, modern development platforms, and cloud-native architectures. 2. Experience with the full application lifecycle from requirements analysis and technical design through development, integration testing, security review, deployment, operations, and retirement. 3. Experience serving as the technical owner for enterprise applications, ensuring application availability, performance, incident response, service level objectives, and continuous operational support. 4. Experience designing and implementing application integrations, APIs, microservices, and containerized solutions while managing dependencies with enterprise systems and cloud infrastructure. 5. Experience implementing DevSecOps, CI/CD pipelines, and software engineering best practices to deliver secure, reliable, and maintainable enterprise applications. 6. Experience ensuring compliance with security, privacy, accessibility, and enterprise architecture standards. 7. Experience producing and maintaining technical documentation, including architecture, system design, operational procedures, integration specifications, and application lifecycle artifacts. 8. Experience collaborating with cross-functional technical teams to translate business requirements into technical solutions and deliver enterprise applications. 9. Experience evaluating and recommending application development technologies, platforms, and architectural approaches to support modernization, improve operational efficiency, and reduce technical debt. 10. Experience providing technical solution design, code and design reviews, mentoring developers, and establishing engineering standards to ensure quality, consistency, and successful project delivery. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: 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. HR Review Individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the competencies listed below. HR will be conducting a scored structured resume review to determine if candidate's resumes demonstrate the required specialized experience and the IT-related competencies. To be eligible for referral to the selecting official, candidates must receive a score of at least 75.56. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: 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.

Education

If applicable, see "Qualifications".

Requirements

See "Qualifications".

Key requirements

• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
• US Citizenship.
• May serve a one year probationary period (if applicable).
• Suitable for employment as determined by a background investigation.
• If selected, a financial disclosure statement may be required.
• Current/former federal employees must provide SF-50 verifying grade/status.
• Current FCC employees must provide SF-50 verifying grade & status.
• Resume must not exceed two pages and must meet resume format criteria.

Evaluations

Optional Four Essay Questions At the time of application, applicants have the option of answering the following four short, free-response essay questions. 1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience. 2. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes. 3. How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired. 4. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position. Applicants will be required to certify that they are using their own words, and did not use a consultant or AI (such as a large language model [LLM]). The responses to each question cannot exceed 200 words per question. DEU What is the Rule of Many If you ask to be considered under DEU, the FCC adheres to the Rule of Many. The Rule of Many means that more than one applicant can be referred to the hiring manager, not just the top few, nor will candidates be placed into scored qualification categories (i.e. Best Qualified, Fully Qualified, Minimally Qualified). Everyone who meets minimum qualifications and scores 75.56 or higher may be referred, even if many applicants qualify. There is no fixed limit on how many people can be referred. What This Means for Applicants You do not need to be the highest scorer You must meet the qualification criteria and receive a score of 75.56 or above Multiple applicants can be considered fairly Selection is based on overall qualifications, not just test scores Veterans preference applies Merit Promotion If you ask to be considered under Merit Promotion, you will be considered in accordance with the agency's merit promotion plan and union agreement. Time in grade restrictions apply. Under Merit Promotion procedures, applicants must meet the qualifications criteria and receive a score of 75.56 or above in order to be deemed as Best Qualified. Candidates who ask to be considered non-competitively also only have to receive a score of 70. HR Review Individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the competencies listed below. HR will be conducting a scored structured resume review to determine if candidate's resumes demonstrate the required specialized experience and the IT-related competencies. To be eligible for referral to the selecting official, candidates must receive a score of at least 75.56. You may preview questions for this vacancy.

How to apply

To apply to this announcement go to the website: https://www.usajobs.gov/Search/Results?a=FC00&k=Federal%20Communications%20Commission Your application, including resume, all supplemental documents, registration information and answers to job specific questions must be received no later than midnight U.S. Eastern time of the closing date. For more information on applying federal jobs, please check this webpage https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/process As outlined in the "Required Documents Details" section of the announcement, resumes must meet be no longer than two pages in length and must meet the resume formatting requirements. If applying online poses a hardship, you may contact either the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement or you may contact the Apply Government Solutions help desk (prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement) via e-mail at [email protected] or you may reach them directly at 866-656-6831. The Apply Government Sollutions Help Desk is available Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm EST. NOTE: To be considered for an announced vacancy in the area of consideration within which the employee is eligible to compete, the employee must apply online using the Commission's automated recruitment system. Employees must submit all necessary application materials identified in the announcement by the specified closing date. If applying as an ICTAP or CTAP candidate... The Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) are programs designed to afford selection priority to well-qualified Federal employees who meet the definition of a “surplus” or “displaced” employee. To be eligible for consideration under CTAP you must meet all of the following criteria: 1) Be a current FCC employee who has received an official notice stating that your position is no longer needed, or that you will be separated by reduction in force (RIF); 2) Have a current performance rating of at least "fully successful" or equivalent as substantiated by the submitted/uploaded performance appraisal. This must be submitted with your application package; 3) Occupy a position in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; 4) Apply for a specific vacancy at or below your current grade level with no greater promotion potential than your current position; 5) Meet the application deadline in the announcement; and 6) Be deemed as "qualified" by meeting all of the required qualification criteria. To be eligible for consideration under ICTAP, you must be a displaced Federal employee and have a current duty station within the local commuting area of this vacancy. You must submit a copy of the appropriate documentation such as a RIF separation notice, a letter from OPM or your agency documenting your priority consideration status with your application package. The following categories of candidates are considered displaced Employees: Current or former career or career-conditional (tenure group I or II) competitive service employees who: Received a specific RIF separation notice; or Separated because of a compensable injury, whose compensation has been terminated, and whose former agency certifies that it is unable to place; or Retired with a disability and whose disability annuity has been or is being terminated; or Upon receipt of a RIF separation notice retired on the effective date of the RIF and submits a Standard Form 50 that indicates "Retirement in lieu of RIF", or Retired under the discontinued service retirement option, or Separated because he/she declined a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area. The additional following types of candidates are considered displaced Employees: Military/National Guard Technician--you were a Military Reserve or National Guard Technician and now receive a special OPM disability retirement annuity. To be eligible for consideration under ICTAP you must: 1) Have a current performance rating of at least "fully successful" or equivalent; 2) Occupy (or have been separated from) a position in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; 3) Apply for a specific vacancy at or below the grade level you are being (or have been) separated from that does not have greater promotion potential than your last position; 4) Meet the application deadline; and 5) Be deemed as "qualified" by meeting all of the required qualification criteria.

What to expect next

Once the announcement has closed and the qualifications review process has been completed, the best-qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring official for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome.

Required documents

Your resume must clearly document how you meet the specialized experience in order to meet the minimum qualification requirements for this vacancy. Some positions require supplemental document(s). All required supporting documents MUST be received by midnight U.S. Eastern Time of the closing date of the announcement, as specified in this announcement. If you do not submit a required document (e.g. transcripts, etc.) your application will be considered incomplete and you will not receive further consideration. Additionally, you may not receive the special consideration, e.g. Vet's Preference, for which you may be eligible without the appropriate supporting documentation. Once you apply to this vacancy you will be prompted by the system to upload the documents. If you are unable to upload the required documentation, contact the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement prior to 5:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. Merit Hiring Plan Resume Requirements In compliance with Executive Order 14170, Reforming the Federal Hiring Process and Restoring Merit to Government Service resumes must not be longer than two pages in length. The resume must address minimum qualifications and other requirements listed in the job announcement. Resumes must include all of the following information outlined below: Contact Information Name and how best to contact you, including email address and phone number. Relevant Work Experience Job Title and Employer (including series and grade for any Federal positions) Start and end dates with month/year (e.g., 05/2019 –08/2022) The number of hours you worked per week Ensure work experience descriptions are aligned with the job announcement and address all required qualifications. Brief descriptions should demonstrate your ability to perform the tasks at the required level as stated in the job announcement. Resumes must be formatted as outlined above. If the two page resume criteria and/or the resume formatting requirement is not met candidates will be rated as ineligible and will not be referred for hiring consideration. The FCC is providing the following applicant resume resources: Applicant Guidance on the Two-Page Resume Limit USAjobs-How to Write a Federal Resume Current or Former Federal Employees ALL CURRENT/FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AND CURRENT FCC EMPLOYEES MUST provide a legible Personnel Action, SF-50, that verifies your status and highest permanently held grade. If an SF-50 is not submitted, the application will be rated as ineligible. CURRENT FCC EMPLOYEES-To request a copy of your SF-50 please send an email to [email protected] ICTAP/CTAP Employees If you are an ICTAP or CTAP eligible employee you must submit (along with your resume): 1. Copy of separation SF-50 documenting ICTAP/CTAP eligibility 2. Copy of your final federal performance appraisal 3. Copy of official Reduction in Force (RIF) notice 4. Copy of any other document which documents your eligibility for CTAP or ICTAP

Benefits

The FCC offers a wide range of employee benefits, including: Health Insurance Life Insurance Dental & Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Accounts Long-Term Care Insurance Holidays and Leave Retirement Thrift Savings Plan Transit Benefit Alternative Work Schedule Telecommuting

Other information

EEO Policy Statement Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement Veterans Information Legal and Regulatory Guidance Other: - Before hiring, an agency will ask you to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. The agency will also ask you to sign and certify the accuracy of all the information in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or you may be fined or jailed. If you are a male over age 18 who was born after December 31, 1959, you must have registered with the Selective Service System (or have an exemption) to be eligible for a Federal job. - If applicable, you will be required to serve a trial period of one year. - In order for you to be employed at the FCC, there are certain Commission and Federal laws governing the financial interests of you and members of your immediate family. If selected for the position, you must submit a financial disclosure statement upon assuming the position. As this position is being advertised under DEU and Merit Promotion hiring procedures, applicants will be rated on the extent and quality of experience and education relevant to the duties of the position using the hiring procedures outlined below. In compliance with the OPM Merit Hiring Plan requirements, please be advised that candidates will not be evaluated, selected or hired based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.