Posting 23-26

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all qualified candidates.

Note: All qualified candidates. First consideration may be made 14 days after the opening date. This is a career ladder opportunity with promotion potential to grade 12 level. Candidates selected at the grade 11 may be non competitively promoted to the grade 12 level upon the recommendation of the supervisor based on classification requirements, satisfactory performance and qualifications of the employee.

Duties:

1. Works with the supervisor to provide Linux operating system management for CF servers and distributed computing systems. Participates in the planning and implementation of the CF Linux System management policy and the purchase of CF servers and client workstations. Deploys hardware and software, develops procedures, and writes software or scripts as necessary to operate and manage a distributed workstation environment. Keeps up-to-date with Linux hardware, operating systems, software, and security developments and trends. Investigates, tests, and documents operating system changes. Ensures user applications and software will work correctly under new operating systems prior to installation.

2. Works with CF Linux staff to maintain system software on the servers and distributed client workstations. This includes initial configuration of the hardware and installation of OS on client workstations, integration of the workstations with CF servers, configuration of client software services on the workstation as needed, and monitoring of the client workstation. Works with the other CF Linux system managers to install system software, provide system software support consultation, and install application software.

3. Manages user system accounts. Helps scientific and technical staff with operating system questions and problems. Helps staff use scientific applications, editors, command line applications, and web browsers.

4. Fulfills other system management, contract management, and programming duties and responsibilities as requested by the Supervisor of the CF Linux Support Group.

In addition to the duties listed above, duties at the grade 12 may include but are not limited to:

1. Develops system security plans and procedures for Linux Monitors the system for security breaches. Monitors the network news services for announcements of potential security problems. Take appropriate action to avoid a security breach. In the event of a security breach, has plans for restoring uncompromised system software. Coordinates with CF and SI Security personnel.

2. Maintains system software on the CF Linux servers and distributed client workstations. This includes initial configuration of the hardware and installation of OS on client workstations, integration of the workstations with CF servers, configuration of client software services on the workstation as needed, and monitoring of the client workstation. Works with the other CF Linux system managers to install system software, provide system software support consultation, and install application software.

Qualifications:

For all positions individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below.
1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

AND

Candidates for grade 11 must possess minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 9 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as: Linux OS management, NFS, LDAP, and Shell Programming

Candidates for grade 12 must possess minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 11 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as:Linux Security, Google Compute Engine Virtual Machines, Qemu KVM, and Perl, Python

or

Education:
All academic degrees and coursework must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions. Undergraduate or Graduate Education: Degree in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management or degree that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified above and required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or networks.

Grade 11: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree
or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. 

For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccination requirements and its impact on your application, click on Smithsonian Institution’s Frequently Asked Questions.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: We will only accept applications online for this position. To view the complete vacancy posting, requirements and the procedures to apply, please visit USAJOBS

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in our workplace.