What are the responsibilities and job description for the IT Specialist (Application Software) position at Food Safety and Inspection Service?
This position is located in the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), Business Solutions Center (BSC). OCIO provides information technology (IT) planning, design, application development, systems administration, telecommunications, information assurance/security, information management, and IT customer support services for FSIS.
Serves as an Information Technology Specialist (Test Team Member) and is responsible for developing, coordinating and conducting software testing.
GS-11:
Specialized Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service that includes hands on testing experience developing, coordinating, and conducting software testing cycles and activities in support of testing programs using Agile methodologies and experience with at least one of the below types of testing using the listed tools:
OR
Education: 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. Degree must be in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, or technology management, or be a 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. OR A combination of education and specialized experience. In this instance, only graduate education in excess of the first 36 semester hours directly related to the work of the position is creditable towards meeting the requirements, along with specialized work experience. The combination must equal 100% of the requirement. For example, if you have 33% of the education requirement, then you will need 67% of the specialized experience requirement.
GS-12:
Specialized Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service that includes: Hands on testing experience developing, coordinating, and conducting software testing cycles and activities in support of testing programs using Agile methodologies and experience with at least one of the below types of testing using the listed tools:
GS-13:
Specialized Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service that includes: Hands on testing experience developing, coordinating, and conducting software testing cycles and activities in support of testing programs using Agile methodologies and experience with at least one of the below types of testing using the listed tools:
Experience: Experience must be IT related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate. Individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below. The employing agency is responsible for identifying the specific level of proficiency required for each competency at each grade level based on the requirements of the position being filled.
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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Serves as an Information Technology Specialist (Test Team Member) and is responsible for developing, coordinating and conducting software testing.
Qualifications:
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including one year of specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.GS-11:
Specialized Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service that includes hands on testing experience developing, coordinating, and conducting software testing cycles and activities in support of testing programs using Agile methodologies and experience with at least one of the below types of testing using the listed tools:
- Automation Testing: Able to code, test and maintain testing automation framework that provides coverage of business 4/14/2026 14:50 EDT Page 3 of 7 functionality for the team and must have experience with at least one programming language such as Java, Python, Ruby, TypeScript/JavaScript.
- Performance Testing: Able to independently develop test scripts, create test scenarios, and execute various types of performance tests (load test, stress test, endurance test) using Load Runner or Jmeter. Ability to monitor and collect result data and provide results to the team.
- 508 Compliance Testing: Knowledge and experience with Section 508 Laws and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and ADA standards. Create and execute 508 test scenarios and test procedures of new and existing applications using tools such as JAWS, aXe Dev tools, NVDA, CCA, ANDI, Lighthouse.
OR
Education: 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. Degree must be in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, or technology management, or be a 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. OR A combination of education and specialized experience. In this instance, only graduate education in excess of the first 36 semester hours directly related to the work of the position is creditable towards meeting the requirements, along with specialized work experience. The combination must equal 100% of the requirement. For example, if you have 33% of the education requirement, then you will need 67% of the specialized experience requirement.
GS-12:
Specialized Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service that includes: Hands on testing experience developing, coordinating, and conducting software testing cycles and activities in support of testing programs using Agile methodologies and experience with at least one of the below types of testing using the listed tools:
- Automation Testing: Able to design, code, test and maintain testing automation framework that provides coverage of business functionality for the team and must have experience with at least one programming language such as Java, Python, Ruby, TypeScript/JavaScript.
- Performance Testing: Able to independently develop test scripts, create test scenarios, and execute various types of performance tests (load test, stress test, endurance test) using Load Runner or Jmeter. Hands on experience in Application Performance Monitoring tools like AppDynamics, Dynatrace, Splunk. Ability to monitor and collect result data, analyze, pinpoint bottlenecks, and provide results to the team.
- 508 Compliance Testing: Knowledge and experience with Section 508 Laws and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and ADA standards. Create and execute 508 test scenarios and test procedures of new and existing applications using tools such as JAWS, aXe Dev tools, NVDA, CCA, ANDI, Lighthouse.
GS-13:
Specialized Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service that includes: Hands on testing experience developing, coordinating, and conducting software testing cycles and activities in support of testing programs using Agile methodologies and experience with at least one of the below types of testing using the listed tools:
- Automation Testing: Able to design, code, test, deploy and maintain testing automation framework that provides coverage of business functionality for the team and must have experience with at least one programming languages such as Java, Python, Ruby, TypeScript/JavaScript.
- Performance Testing: Able to lead end-to-end Performance Testing tasks, including project planning, prepare test strategy, test data, estimations, script development, execution, analysis, and sign-off. Hands on experience on Performance Testing tools like Load Runner or Jmeter and experience on Application Performance Monitoring tools like AppDynamics, Dynatrace, Splunk. Ability to monitor and collect result data, analyze, and pinpoint bottlenecks and guide developers in fixing performance issues.
- 508 Compliance Testing: Knowledge and experience with Section 508 Laws and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and ADA standards. Create and execute 508 test scenarios and test procedures of new and existing applications using tools such as JAWS, aXe Dev tools, NVDA, CCA, ANDI, Lighthouse.
Experience: Experience must be IT related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate. Individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below. The employing agency is responsible for identifying the specific level of proficiency required for each competency at each grade level based on the requirements of the position being filled.
- 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.
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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Salary : $74,678