IT Specialist (Network/SysAdmin)

JobSummary

The IT Specialist (Network/SYSADMIN) is responsible for the SMA, Hilo, HI network, system, virtual machine and data storage administration. The incumbent is responsible for the operation of complex systems in a functioning astronomical observatory.

LowGrade

12

HighGrade

12

PromotionPotential

12

OrganizationCodes

OT/SM03

Relocation

False

HiringPath

• public

MCOTags

TotalOpenings

1

AgencyMarketingStatement

The Submillimeter Array (SMA) is a joint project of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics (ASIAA), headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. Comprised of eight relocatable antennas and associated instrumentation, the SMA is an interferometer array for astronomical observations at submillimeter wavelengths, 180 GHz to 420 GHz. The SMA is a technically specialized scientific research facility in continuous operation, 24 h per day. Support offices and laboratories are located in Hilo, Hawaii, while the telescope itself is located near the summit of Maunakea at 4075 m (13375 ft) altitude.

TravelCode

1

ApplyOnlineUrl

https://jobs.monstergovt.com/hment/ros/rosDashboard.hms?O=1&J=54460

DetailStatusUrl

https://jobs.monstergovt.com/hment/ros/rosDashboard.hms?O=1&J=54460&S=1

MajorDuties

• Linux Network administration. The SMA relies on complex network infrastructure based on the linux operating system for telescope operations. Linux network administration duties include: oversight of network operations and rapid response to outages; linux terminal command line based configuration of switches, routers, and firewalls to maintain network security; optimizing routing paths; documenting network architecture; planning, designing, and costing network improvements or expansions; specification, acquisition, and installation of network hardware; maintaining network hardware; network software and security upgrades using linux and command line tools; and coordination with IT staff at other Maunakea observatories, the University of Hawaii, the SAO, and the Smithsonian. Linux System administration. The SMA is controlled by a heterogenous collection of computers, primarily Red Hat Linux systems. Linux system administration duties include: oversight of computing operations and rapid response to outages; monitoring system status for anomalies or security issues; system configuration via the linux terminal and command line; linux system software and security upgrades; oversight of software license and support contracts; analysis of computing requirements; and planning, designing, and costing improvements or expansions. Linux Virtual machine administration. The primary SMA linux servers are virtualized and run on linux servers. VM administration duties include: deployment of linux VMs and containers; analysis of server loads and balancing them with VM resources; migration of VMs between physical hosts; system software and security upgrades; maintenance of VM hosts; specification, acquisition, and installation of VM host hardware; and planning, designing, and costing improvements or expansions. Data storage administration. SMA observations produce data at a rate that can exceed 1 TB per night. Data storage administration duties include: maintenance of data storage servers and backup systems using the Linux command line, including cloud storage; specification, acquisition, and installation of storage hardware; planning, designing, and costing improvements or expansions; and oversight of cloud storage contracts.

Education

Education is not substitutable for specialized experience at this grade level.

Requirements

Must have a valid State driver's license as you must travel between Hilo and Maunakea using SMA (government) vehicles. You may be required to provide a copy of your driver's license if contacted for an interview. Incumbent must pass a high altitude physical examination (condition of employment). Frequent trips will be necessary to the SMA telescope on Maunakea at 4075 m (13375 ft) altitude, which experiences a broad range of weather conditions, including rain, snow, and high winds. Travel to the telescope over the mountain access road can be hazardous. Some outdoor work is involved, for example to adjust systems in the antenna cabins. The SMA facilities include laboratory and industrial settings that require cognizance and observance of documented precautions regarding heavy equipment, cutting and welding operations, high voltage, chemicals, LN2 or other cryogens, and other potentially hazardous conditions, materials, or practices. Personal Protective Equipment must be worn when required.

Evaluations

Your application will be evaluated first for the basic qualifications described above. The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria: Knowledge of and skill in administration of complex data networks comprising Linux systems using Linux command line tools and the Linux terminal. Experience with and skill in administration of Linux servers. Skill in administration of Linux virtual machine hosts sufficient to balance server loads. Knowledge of and skill in administration using Linux command line tools and Linux shell of data storage systems. Knowledge of computer programming sufficient for Linux system administration tasks. Ability to communicate technical information effectively to diverse audiences. Applicants who meet or exceed minimum qualifications will be assigned to one of three category groups based on job-related criteria: Best Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements and excels in most of the job related competencies above. Better Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements and satisfies most of the job related competencies above. Good Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements, but does not satisfy most of the job related competencies above to a substantive degree. This category rating process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three", but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. A selecting official may make selections from the highest quality category (Best Category) provided no preference eligible in that category is passed over to select a non-preference eligible in that category unless the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 3317(b) or 3318(b) are satisfied. Preference eligibles who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher. Applicants who have not submitted a resume in the USAjobs system and/or have not answered all of the vacancy questions will not be considered for this position. Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week. Important Note: Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire or other assessment tool for consistency. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your resume, you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience. Your resume should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed. You may preview questions for this vacancy.

HowToApply

Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. Please Note: You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you). You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process; OR You may manually fax required documents. Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system generated coversheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package. The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below.

WhatToExpectNext

At the end of the application process you will be able to create and save a PDF file that contains your responses to the assessment questions. You may save this file as initial receipt of your application. After the job announcement closes, you will receive an email from the Smithsonian with confirmation of receipt. The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks. We will send you an e-mail to update you as we go through phases of the application review process. You may also check your application status by logging into www.usajobs.gov and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS;" e-mailing vacancy.info@si.edu; or by contacting the Office of Human Resources Representative listed. Additional Information: The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses but recruitment incentives may be authorized.

RequiredDocuments

Your application package should include the following documents: Detailed resume created in the USAJOBS Resume Builder. Proof of Veteran's Preference - DD214 (Member 4 Copy), if you are a veteran. Additionally, applicants claiming 10-point preference must complete Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, as well as additional documentation required by the SF-15, such as a VA letter. Unofficial school transcripts, if the position has an education requirement or if you are using education to qualify. If selected for the position, you must provide an official transcript before appointment. Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable.

Benefits

BenefitsUrl

https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/hr/benefits/fed/table.html

OtherInformation

KeyRequirements

• Pre- and post-appointment background investigation
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
• U.S. citizenship
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
• Must have a valid State driver's license
• Passing a high altitude physical examination is a condition of employment.

WithinArea

False

CommuteDistance

0

ServiceType

01

AnnouncementClosingType

01

AgencyContactEmail

mhebert@cfa.harvard.edu

AgencyContactPhone

617 496 7816

SecurityClearance

Other

DrugTestRequired

False

PositionSensitivitiy

Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk

AdjudicationType

• Credentialing