Foreign Service Diplomatic Technology Officer (FP 2885)

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.

Duties

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.

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. 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, in