What are the responsibilities and job description for the IT Specialist (Policy and Planning) position at USDA-FSIS?
Duties
Summary
Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual and Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program are available. The position is in the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), Portfolio Governance Center (PGC), Capital Planning, Execution, and Workforce Management Branch (CPEWMB). The PGC/CPEWMB team works collaboratively with USDA Capital Planning and IT Governance Division (CPITGD) and the other FSIS OCIO Divisions to provide oversight and performance reporting for FSIS IT investments.
Requirements
Qualifications
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience as defined below. FOR GS-13 CONSIDERATION: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service that demonstrates experience in capital planning, IT governance, financial management, acquisition support, and business operations in an enterprise information technology environment. Qualifying experience includes performing at least five of the following: Integrating business operations activities across IT programs or portfolios, including analyzing operational issues, identifying performance gaps, and recommending improvements to governance processes or business operations procedures. Applying federal capital planning and investment control (CPIC) principles to assist in preparing, updating, or reviewing IT investment artifacts such as business cases, governance documentation, execution plans, and project justifications. Supporting IT governance processes, including preparing materials for governance boards, coordinating with enterprise architects, program officials, or contract vendors, or reviewing documentation for compliance with established policies, regulations, and guidance. Conducting analyses of IT financial data, including researching cost drivers, monitoring investment performance, reviewing budget execution materials, tracking obligations/expenditures, or identifying discrepancies requiring corrective action to maintain fiscal integrity. Assisting with IT acquisition or contract administration activities, such as compiling requirements, preparing or maintaining acquisition packages, supporting evaluations, or monitoring contractor performance to ensure timely and compliant delivery. Developing or maintaining business operations artifacts, including IT governance templates, standard operating procedures, business processes, analytical reports, or documentation used to support portfolio oversight and mission delivery. Researching and resolving issues related to IT capital planning, financial management, governance, or acquisition, including formulating recommendations and presenting findings to management. Coordinating with higher-level stakeholders-such as USDA oversight offices, enterprise architects, program managers, contractors, or financial personnel-to interpret policy, address operational challenges, or align IT activities with evolving requirements, legislative drivers, or emerging technologies. Supporting portfolio oversight activities aimed at maintaining internal controls, investment transparency, and balanced portfolio performance, including preparing summary reports, dashboards, or compliance assessments. Providing advisory services to managers or IT professionals on business operations, policy interpretation, investment processes, or governance requirements, including participating in meetings, briefings, or working groups. In addition to the above specialized experience requirements, applicants will undergo a structured resume review to determine whether they meet the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) of the 2210 series. Successfully completing the 2210 series USAHire assessment with a passing score will be used as proof of possessing the necessary proficiency in the following competencies: Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Decision Making, Interpersonal Skills, and Teamwork. A panel of subject matter experts will review your resume to determine if you meet the minimum proficiency level (as defined by the 2210 series IOR) for the following competencies: Information Management Oral Communication Problem Solving Technical Competence 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.
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is the public health regulatory agency responsible for ensuring the safety of meat, poultry and processed eggs. USDA is a great place to start or continue your career. For more information on USDA and the Food Safety and Inspection Service, visit FSIS. Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual: Calculated to determine the annual leave accrual rate. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program: For more information please visit: PSLF Program
Summary
Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual and Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program are available. The position is in the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), Portfolio Governance Center (PGC), Capital Planning, Execution, and Workforce Management Branch (CPEWMB). The PGC/CPEWMB team works collaboratively with USDA Capital Planning and IT Governance Division (CPITGD) and the other FSIS OCIO Divisions to provide oversight and performance reporting for FSIS IT investments.
Requirements
Qualifications
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience as defined below. FOR GS-13 CONSIDERATION: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service that demonstrates experience in capital planning, IT governance, financial management, acquisition support, and business operations in an enterprise information technology environment. Qualifying experience includes performing at least five of the following: Integrating business operations activities across IT programs or portfolios, including analyzing operational issues, identifying performance gaps, and recommending improvements to governance processes or business operations procedures. Applying federal capital planning and investment control (CPIC) principles to assist in preparing, updating, or reviewing IT investment artifacts such as business cases, governance documentation, execution plans, and project justifications. Supporting IT governance processes, including preparing materials for governance boards, coordinating with enterprise architects, program officials, or contract vendors, or reviewing documentation for compliance with established policies, regulations, and guidance. Conducting analyses of IT financial data, including researching cost drivers, monitoring investment performance, reviewing budget execution materials, tracking obligations/expenditures, or identifying discrepancies requiring corrective action to maintain fiscal integrity. Assisting with IT acquisition or contract administration activities, such as compiling requirements, preparing or maintaining acquisition packages, supporting evaluations, or monitoring contractor performance to ensure timely and compliant delivery. Developing or maintaining business operations artifacts, including IT governance templates, standard operating procedures, business processes, analytical reports, or documentation used to support portfolio oversight and mission delivery. Researching and resolving issues related to IT capital planning, financial management, governance, or acquisition, including formulating recommendations and presenting findings to management. Coordinating with higher-level stakeholders-such as USDA oversight offices, enterprise architects, program managers, contractors, or financial personnel-to interpret policy, address operational challenges, or align IT activities with evolving requirements, legislative drivers, or emerging technologies. Supporting portfolio oversight activities aimed at maintaining internal controls, investment transparency, and balanced portfolio performance, including preparing summary reports, dashboards, or compliance assessments. Providing advisory services to managers or IT professionals on business operations, policy interpretation, investment processes, or governance requirements, including participating in meetings, briefings, or working groups. In addition to the above specialized experience requirements, applicants will undergo a structured resume review to determine whether they meet the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) of the 2210 series. Successfully completing the 2210 series USAHire assessment with a passing score will be used as proof of possessing the necessary proficiency in the following competencies: Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Decision Making, Interpersonal Skills, and Teamwork. A panel of subject matter experts will review your resume to determine if you meet the minimum proficiency level (as defined by the 2210 series IOR) for the following competencies: Information Management Oral Communication Problem Solving Technical Competence 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.
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is the public health regulatory agency responsible for ensuring the safety of meat, poultry and processed eggs. USDA is a great place to start or continue your career. For more information on USDA and the Food Safety and Inspection Service, visit FSIS. Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual: Calculated to determine the annual leave accrual rate. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program: For more information please visit: PSLF Program