IT Specialist (AI)

Summary

This position is in the Office of Finance and Administration, Office of the Chief Information Officer, IT Engagement and Strategy Division, Enterprise Design Section. About this organization: OFA This is an office-centered position--you must physically report to one of the duty stations stated in this announcement on a regular basis (location TBD after candidate selected).

Duties

You will: Serve as the agency senior technical authority for establishing and advancing an enterprise-wide artificial intelligence (AI) strategy, ensuring alignment with mission objectives, statutory obligations, and evolving federal requirements. Guide the agency in designing and implementing sophisticated AI solutions by steering technical teams in the creation, engineering, and deployment of advanced analytical models and automation capabilities that enhance mission and enterprise operations. Lead collaborative, cross-disciplinary efforts to ensure the agency's AI systems are designed, deployed, and managed responsibly throughout their full operational lifecycle. One or more positions may be filled (in the organization advertised and/or in other organizations), if appropriate to the position. Requirements

#LI-Onsite You must be a U.S. citizen. If you are selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary period. This position is designated as High Risk and requires a background investigation. Unless an appropriate background investigation is already on record with the Office of Personnel Management, you must undergo a background investigation. All conditions of the pre-employment security process must be met before an official letter of employment can be issued with a report for duty date. REAL ID requirements became effective on 05/07/25. If you are selected for this position and plan to use your driver's license or identification card during the onboarding process (i.e., for employment eligibility verification or to obtain your EPA identification card), the document must be a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's license or identification card that includes the REAL ID-compliant star marking, or must be an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL). You will receive information about alternative acceptable documents (e.g., passport) prior to onboarding. For more information about REAL ID, see Dept. of Homeland Security and REAL ID FAQs. If you are selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure form within 30 days of your first day of employment and annually thereafter. Qualifications

You must meet qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. To qualify for the GS-15 level, you must meet the minimum proficiency level for each of the following required competencies: Attention to Detail (Level 4 - Advanced) Customer Service (Level 4 - Advanced) Decision Making (Level 3 - Intermediate) Information Management (Level 4 - Advanced) Interpersonal Skills (Level 4 - Advanced) Oral Communication (Level 3 - Intermediate) Problem Solving (Level 4 - Advanced) Teamwork (Level 4 - Advanced) Technical Competence (Level 4 - Advanced) In addition, you must have the equivalent of 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 level defined as leading cross functional technical teams in the development and implementation of AI architectures, standards, and technical roadmaps; establishing and managing AI governance and risk management practices; and aligning AI solutions with enterprise data, cybersecurity, and modernization strategies. You will need the following competencies in order to perform the duties of this position successfully: Strategic Thinking Problem Solving Risk Management Creativity and Innovation Technology Management Information Technology Architecture* Oral Communication Written Communication Data Literacy and Analysis* Technical Competence* *You will be evaluated on these critical competencies. 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. *If you have part-time work experience, read this: Part-Time Experience.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Under the provisions of the Direct Hire Authority, competitive rating and ranking of applicants and veterans' preference do not apply. You will be evaluated, as described below, to ensure you meet the qualification requirements listed in this vacancy announcement; your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials and your responses on the application questionnaire. To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13040717 If you are eligible for consideration, one or more subject matter experts will systematically review your resume to determine if you meet the specialized experience requirements and therefore ensure you possess the competencies required for successful performance in this position (see the Qualifications section for a list of the critical competencies being evaluated)--this is a pass/fail assessment that does not produce a numerical score. (NOTE: If applicable for the grade advertised, we will review your supporting documents to determine if you have education that can be substituted for the specialized experience.) All eligible applicants who pass this assessment process will be forwarded to the selecting official for consideration. If you are referred for consideration, you may be subject to additional assessments during the selection process (e.g., technical writing sample or other work sample, job knowledge test, case scenario analysis, scientific data assessment, structured interview, etc.). If you are selected, we will review your resume and supporting documents to ensure you meet any additional qualification requirements (e.g., educational requirements), if applicable. Benefits

Join EPA in protecting human health and the environment and enjoy many work life quality options! Working for the EPA offers you a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. To learn more about us, visit Life and Careers at EPA. If you are selected for this position, situational telework may be approved by your supervisor if you meet eligibility requirements, as allowable by agency policy and/or applicable collective bargaining agreement. EPA policy only allows telework to be approved situationally. Situational telework is for work or assignments of specific limited duration on an occasional, emergency, or ad hoc basis. NOTE: If you are an EPA employee who currently works at a remote work location (i.e., full-time telework), your approval for remote work does not transfer to this position, subject to Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act. Other Information

Except in special circumstances, those new to the federal government will be hired at the starting salary (step 1) of the applicable grade range listed in the Overview section. Are you a Displaced Federal Employee? If so, please read the Required Documents section and visit the EPA website for additional information: CTAP/ICTAP EPA participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. For additional information: E-Verify. If you are selected, travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid by EPA. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting to work in this position will be your responsibility. This position is not in the bargaining unit.