Foreign Service Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summary
The U.S. Department of State is developing a rank-ordered list of eligible hires for a limited number of Diplomatic Technology Officer positions. Learn more about Foreign Service careers at https://careers.state.gov.
There is more to joining the Foreign Service than just salary. Refer to the Benefits section for more information on total compensation.
This is a 2885 Foreign Service position equivalent to the 2210 Civil Service occupation series.
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Duties
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Foreign Service Diplomatic Technology Officers (DTO) manage the Department's Diplomatic Technology (DT) programs and systems worldwide.
The duties of DTOs vary depending on the size of the post or office and the specific diplomatic mission. Across overseas posts and domestic offices, the following examples illustrate the types of duties and responsibilities typically performed by a DTO:
Customer Service Skills:

• Provide support to users of information management services, including configuring and optimizing software.
• Train users on new software applications and provide guidance on updated IT policies and procedures.
• Encourage and facilitate end-user participation in technology and technical decision-making.

Information Technology Skills:

• Administer computer systems and manage system performance, including network setup and system startup, operation, and shutdown.
• Manage user access: onboard and train personnel, troubleshoot and resolve issues, track and report incidents, support users, and install or replace equipment and components.
• Operate and maintain both classified and unclassified IT systems including client/server environments, desktops, messaging platforms, web technologies, database and virtual servers supporting LAN/WAN.
• Oversee telecommunication network services.
• Manage communications infrastructure, including cabling, circuits, video conferencing, communications flow, coordinate with host country officials, and wireless/Wi-Fi programs.
• Manage voice communication services. telephone and radio systems, mobile device programs, equipment provisioning, and VoIP technologies.
• Install, maintain, and troubleshoot network infrastructure, telephone systems, local and regional radio, and crisis communications systems at U.S. missions.
• Provide technical expertise and rapid response support to missions with urgent technology needs.

Information Management Skills:

• Implement IT projects by gathering requirements, designing solutions, and supporting development and deployment.
• Procure IT products and services, test and deploy solutions, and maintain IT inventory and procurement processes.
• Oversee cloud requirements and support collaboration tools and IT services.
• Manage pouch operations, the diplomatic post office, and telephone operator programs.
• Supervise locally employed staff, including system administrators, mailroom personnel, telephone and radio technicians, and switchboard operators.
• Assign work and manage individual performance.
• Serve as a member of the embassy or consulate management team and perform additional duties as directed or required by mission needs.
• Support emergency planning and response, including management of emergency wireless and digital communications.
• Ensure emergency destruction capabilities and maintain alternate processing sites.

Information Security:

• Maintain internal controls for Department of State automated information systems.
• Safeguard classified documents, communications equipment and workspaces.
• Promote and enforce communications security practices.
• Configure and update security settings; monitor security; and manage physical security and network security.
• Oversee telephone system security.
• Support cybersecurity requirements and centralized server systems across multiple posts.
• Manage the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) program.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment

• Be a U.S. citizen and accept assignments based on the needs of the FS.*
• Be able to obtain/maintain a Top Secret.
• Be able to meet the minimum medical qualification standard.
• Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.**
• Be at least 20 years old at application and 21 years old to be appointed.
• Be appointed prior to age 60 (preference eligible veterans excepted).***

Please do not submit the application through USAJobs.
Please submit application and register to take the Diplomatic Technology Officer Test (DTOT) at: https://gov.pearsonvue.com/dtot.html
Qualifications
Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate your potential to perform in progressively more responsible positions in the information technology field. We will evaluate your work experience for level of responsibility and length of experience.
To qualify as specialized experience, 60% or more of the duties must be related to:

• System Maintenance: Upgrade, repair, and replace hardware and software components.
• Network Configuration: Configure network devices such as switches and routers.
• Customer Service and System Administration: Provide substantial helpdesk/customer service support and perform System Admin functions such as managing accounts, setting permissions, and configuration of systems.
• Windows Technology: Apply working knowledge of current Windows Server and Windows client technology, MS Office Suite, SharePoint administration
• User Management: Add, delete, and assign users to roles; manage patches and maintain servers.
• Virtual and Cloud Systems: Configure and administer virtual network environments and cloud systems.
• Program Management: Manage IT projects.
• Data Analytics: Use Data Analytics tools to make informed, data driven decisions that identify and prioritize technical needs and requirements
• Cybersecurity: Detect and respond to threats, educate users, review logs, respond to events, ensure compliance, and apply patches and updates. Detect and respond to threats, educate users, review logs, respond to events, ensure compliance, and apply patches and updates.
• Endpoint Devices: Apply working knowledge of endpoint devices such as desktops, laptops, mobile phones, and other devices to deliver proper service to customers.
• Audio/Video Equipment: Operate and configure audio/video teleconference equipment.
• Network Environments: Apply knowledge of customary approaches, techniques, and requirements appropriate for evaluating, analyzing, planning, installing, operating, maintaining, managing, or improving LAN/MAN/WAN environments and WIFI.
• Telecommunications: Apply in-depth technical knowledge of VoIP and other computer-based office telephone exchanges and systems; understand fiber optical cables and media cables such as CAT5 and CAT6; install and terminate all cables in accordance with building industry standards.
• Radio Systems: Survey, install, maintain, and repair radio systems, including HF/VHF/UHF land mobile and avionics.
• RF Systems: Use associated test equipment proficiency and technical knowledge of RF systems, Federal Communications, or radio licenses
• Industry Standards: Demonstrate familiarity with industry standards and certifications such as BICSI Installer Level 2 and EIA/TIA grounding systems is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The Department bases its hiring decisions on extensive job analysis research that identifies the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) and other attributes that lead to successful performance in this position. Hiring officials will evaluate each candidate's education level, work experience, and other qualifications against these KSA-based criteria.
Knowledge of Information Technology: including IT telecommunications, radio systems, cloud computing, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software, IT technology assessment, systems integration, information security, cybersecurity, virtualization, PBX and VoIP convergence, IT shared services, data analytics and data management, project management principles, IT planning, IT acquisition processes, techniques for leveraging IT to satisfy business needs, problem and resolution tracking procedures, customer service theory and techniques, process and operations management, and management theory.
Specialized Skills in IT Modernization: including integrating local IT missions with Global IT vision, translating business needs into technical solutions, IT asset management, IT project management, information security, customer service, presenting technical concepts in layperson terms, enterprise systems, desktop and peripherals, network infrastructure, mobile services, and video conferencing.
Strategic Leadership, Complex Operational Management and Technical Proficiency: You must demonstrate critical thinking, active learning, instructing, active listening, coordination, service orientation, persuasion, monitoring, equipment selection, time management, installation, learning strategies, complex problem solving, systems evaluation, personnel resource management, systems analysis, material resource management, judgment and decision making, financial resource management, equipment maintenance, mathematics, negotiation, technology design, repairing, operations monitoring, operation and control and quality control analysis.
English language proficiency: To perform the duties of a DTO, you must consistently meet a high standard for English, both grammar (structure, spelling, and punctuation) and syntax (structure, clarity, and succinctness).
Knowledge of complex digital and voice communications systems: including classified and unclassified computers, printers, multiplexers, fiber optic isolation devices, Local and Wide Area Network (LAN/WAN) systems, satellite communication systems, cryptographic systems, building electrical wiring, power distribution boxes, and electrical codes.
Teamwork: You must work and interact effectively with others, demonstrating tact while obtaining cooperation and confidence from supervisors and subordinates when performing official duties.
Work Independently: You must work with minimum supervision and willingly accept responsibility.
Adaptability and Professional Requirements
You must adapt to changing physical environments, work with varying levels of technology, and stay current with the latest IT developments and innovations. You must also demonstrate cross-cultural awareness, tolerate travel and on-call duties, accept overseas assignments, work in varying environments, accept assignments based Foreign Service needs, tolerate living away from family, maintain attention to detail, and exhibit dependability and integrity.
The Diplomatic Technology Officer (DTO) position demands significant physical capabilities. To execute your duties and tasks, you must:
Essential Physical Requirements
Mobility and Flexibility

• Crawl under desks, office furnishings, and other objects.
• Work in confined spaces such as crawlspaces, attics, and communication closets.
• Walk and climb stairs regularly.
• Bend, twist, reach, stoop, crouch, and climb throughout the workday.
• Stand and work on your feet for extended periods.

Strength and Endurance

• Lift up to 70 pounds and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Push, pull, and drag heavy objects and equipment.
• Carry equipment up and down stairs.

Visual Acuity

• See small objects such as fonts, wires, and computer components.
• Work under low illumination.
• Distinguish fine details on electronic components.

Auditory Skills

• Hear voices clearly in noisy offices, on poor phone connections, at low volumes, and from soft-spoken individuals.
• Distinguish words spoken with heavy accents.
• Monitor computer equipment audibly to detect faulty conditions such as noise from servers or hard drives.

Manual Dexterity

• Pull wires, cables, and ropes while climbing and working on ladders.
• Coordinate precise movements with your hands and fingers to assemble electronic components.
• Use hand tools such as screwdrivers and pliers.
• Feel and manipulate small objects with your hands and fingers.
• Type quickly for extended periods.

Environmental Adaptability

• Work in adverse environmental conditions, including extremes of heat, cold, wet, dirt, and dust.
• Work erratic, unusual, and unexpected hours, including long shifts.
• Travel frequently and manage jetlag, temperature change and humidity variations.

Education
At the time of application, applicants must possess one of the following to be considered for the FP-05 grade:

• Served in a U.S. Military IT Specialty Code, or Civil Service IT Specialty, or as an IT contractor to the U.S. government, and 2 years specialized experience. A list containing U.S. military occupational specialty codes or designators is provided for your reference only. Please note that this list is not all inclusive.
• Minimum 36 months "fully successful" employment in a State Department Expanded Professional Associates Program- Information Management (EPAP-IM) or Expanded Professional Associates Program - Diplomatic Technology (EPAP-DT) position at FP-06 level, or any grade above, and met the training requirements in place at the time of prior EPAP-IM or EPAP-DT employm