Lead Information Technology Specialist (ENTARCH)

Summary

This position is for a Lead Information Technology Specialist (ENTARCH) located in the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) at the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). In this role, the incumbent will lead a team of IT specialists responsible for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the Agency's network infrastructure.

Duties

Office of the Chief Information Officer The Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) is responsible for ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of FHFA's information systems and assets. The Office maintains the Agency's information technology (IT) infrastructure; oversees the IT infrastructure program; develops and maintains custom applications and data repositories; manages technology resources, investments, and assets; establishes IT strategic plans, policies, and procedures; supports business partners; and manages the Agency's records and information management program. Position Overview The Lead Information Technology Specialist (ENTARCH) will provide authoritative technical advice, guidance, and recommendations to management and other technical specialists on critical network support issues; apply emerging technologies and new developments to complex or previously unresolved problems; and make decisions or recommendations that influence significant Agency IT policies, programs, and operations. Major Duties & Responsibilities Lead and conduct special projects related to IT network maintenance and security, including the assessment of Agency needs and requirements, project planning, and oversight of projects underway. Identify critical deficiencies, recommend/initiate key improvements, and manage the implementation of improved processes, systems, and tracking mechanisms in collaboration with IT stakeholders. Perform the network administration for the Agency's infrastructure, both cloud-based and on-site, including the installation, configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting of IT equipment. Provide technical expertise and design/initiate innovative courses of action to ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and security of network assets. Manage network migrations and deployments to ensure network systems are functional, secure, and stable. Identify and effectively remediate all types of risks, including those deemed previously unsolvable. Develop operational policies, procedures, requirements, practices, and metrics for delivery of network services. Collaborate directly with staff across the Agency to assess needs and establish programs, policies, or other plans to ensure that FHFA staff have the connectivity needed to accomplish Agency goals. Lead the team in identifying, distributing, and balancing workload and tasks among employees in accordance with established workflow, skill level, and/or occupational specialization. Make adjustments to accomplish the workload in accordance with established priorities to ensure timely accomplishment of assigned team tasks. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications

You may qualify for your desired series and grade level if you meet the following qualification requirements: BASIC REQUIREMENTS: To be eligible for the 2210 series, you must have 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. In addition to meeting the basic requirements listed above, applicants must also meet the following minimum qualifications for their desired grade level: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum Qualification EL-14: Applicants must have 52 weeks (one-year) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level as described below. Experience: I qualify for the EL/GS-14 because I have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the EL/GS-13 or equivalent demonstrating work experience with the statements described below. Examples of specialized experience include: Leading large scale network operations and modernization efforts, providing senior technical guidance on core infrastructure areas such as routing, switching, firewalls, traffic management, and cloud connected networks to ensure secure, stable, and high-performance enterprise systems. Designing, implementing, and troubleshooting complex network architectures involving multi-site data centers, cloud platforms, identity-based access controls, and modern security technologies, ensuring reliable connectivity and strong protection across diverse environments. Managing or playing a leading role in major network upgrades, system migrations, continuity failovers, and production cutovers by developing detailed implementation, testing, and rollback plans. Resolving difficult network, security, and cloud connectivity issues through deep analysis and structured problem solving. Leading multidisciplinary technical teams by assigning and balancing workloads, coaching staff on advanced troubleshooting and design methods, coordinating with engineering, security, and operations groups, and presenting technical recommendations that shape enterprise infrastructure strategy. 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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

This position is being advertised using the Direct Hire Authority granted by OPM. For this reason, veteran's preference does not apply to this announcement. You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): Accountability Attention to Detail Customer Service Decision Making Flexibility Influencing/Negotiating Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Reading Comprehension Reasoning Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork The USA Hire Assessments includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. We recommend that you preview the online questions for this announcement before you start the application process. To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13082230 All of the information you provide will be verified by a review of the work experience and/or education as shown on your application forms, by checking references or through other means, such as the interview process. This verification could occur at any stage of the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for rating you ineligible. In accordance with the Fair Chance Act, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) may not request, in oral or written form, that an applicant for an appointment to (FHFA) disclose criminal history record information before the appointing authority extends a tentative offer to the applicant. Allegations of FHFA violations of this Act may be submitted to [email protected] or to Fair Chance Act Complaints, Office of Human Resources Management, Employee Relations Branch, FHFA 400 7th Street, SW Washington DC 20219 within 30 days from the agency employee's alleged non-compliance with the law. Other Information

An Overview of FHFA's Benefits provides a summary of benefits for the current fiscal year. If selectee is a current FHFA employee; their benefits remain the same. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx). Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to Federal employees who have been involuntarily separated or whose positions are surplus. To receive selection priority, you must: (1) meet CTAP/ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified with a score of 90 or above; and (3) submit required documentation. For more information, visit: For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp. FHFA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, disability, age (40 or older), genetic information, parental or marital status, prior protected EEO activity, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: FHFA provides accommodations to applicants with disabilities unless it would create an undue hardship. To request an accommodation, contact [email protected]. All requests are reviewed case by case. Ethics: FHFA employees are subject to government-wide ethical standards of conduct, financial disclosure requirements, and post-employment prohibitions. In addition, certain FHFA employees are prohibited from accepting compensation from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for a two-year period after terminating employment with FHFA. Furthermore, to avoid financial conflicts-of interest or the appearance of conflicts-of-interest, FHFA employees may need to divest or sell certain assets they, their spouse, or minor children own or control, including securities issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or the Federal Home Loan Banks. Employees who work on Federal Home Loan Bank issues may need to sell or divest financial interests with any of the Federal Home Loan Bank members, which may include stock in bank holding companies, insurance companies, and other financial services firms. Questions regarding these requirements and prohibitions should be directed to the Office of General Counsel at (202) 649-3088.