Information Technology Specialist (Applications Software

Organizational Location

This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Information and Technology, Border Enforcement and Management Systems Directorate, located in Ashburn, VA. Additional selections may be made for other organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.

Individuals qualifying based of experience must have Information Technology (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.

Along with the four competencies listed above you must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience described below to qualify based on experience.

You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
Applying application software design and systems engineering theories, concepts, and methods to design, develop, and implement mission-focused applications that support organizational goals. Applying project management principles and methods to plan and deliver IT application projects in compliance with established office policies and procedures. Interpreting and applying IT software concepts, standards, and methods to ensure applications remain compliant with organizational and enterprise IT requirements.

Providing technical advice and guidance on complex application software designs, including assessing design options across multiple IT disciplines and incorporating cybersecurity laws, regulations, principles, and controls.

NOTE:

Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, Ameri Corps) 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.

You must:
Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 07/31/2026. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees.

If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., mari