Boulder Data Center Manager
About This Position
NIST/OISM is seeking an IT Specialist (SYSADMN). Serving as a high-level expert responsible for the end-to-end planning, coordination, and execution of complex data center operations for NIST. Ensuring that mission-critical facilities and IT infrastructure remain reliable, secure, and efficient to support both NIST and broader federal agency requirements. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.
Qualifications
Basic Requirements: This standard allows eligibility through meeting either the requirements specified in the section titled Education or the requirements specified in the section titled Experience. Education: All academic degrees and coursework must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions Undergraduate or Graduate Education: Degree in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management or 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. 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.
For all positions 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. Specialized Experience: ZP-III-
In addition to the basic requirements, applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 level (ZP-II at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as experience supporting IT equipment, hardware, and/or software support, or supporting cooling systems, including HVAC, electrical systems, or other infrastructure systems. Experience in the use of Microsoft Office or other enterprise office applications. OR 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D.
OR
equivalent doctoral degree OR Ph.D.
OR
equivalent doctoral degree 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. The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook. If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration
Major Duties
Working as an IT Specialist (Systems Administrator), you will support the computer facility operations in Boulder, Colorado and Gaithersburg Maryland sites, including responsibilities for multiple Boulder computer facilities, IT security, and server support.
This position is critical in maintaining IT services to NIST and other government agencies.
You will perform tasks such as: Maintaining daily computer facility operations and management, such as ensuring all equipment is operational and maintained within normal parameters. Interfacing with data center services customers and management for outreach, for equipment transitions, and for service disruptions. Physically making changes to the data centers, such as installing or removing data center electrical gear, power distribution units, IT equipment, and supporting infrastructure.
Utilizing proper risk management tools to accomplish this task with minimum risk. Patching, auditing, securing, updating, and other IT security functions are expected of data center staff to meet government IT needs. Contributing to the Computer Facilities Operations training program, which will require working odd hours to train the Operations staff who all work shift work.
Writing and updating existing Computer Facility Services Team procedures, documentation, and policies. Managing various projects as assigned, producing project management documentation, managing resources, and ensuring deliverables.
Conditions of Employment
Please prepare a resume no longer than 2 pages; only the first 2 pages will be considered during the review process. Ensure your font is 11 points or larger and upload your resume as a .pdf document. This helps ensure your formatting looks exactly the way you intended.
This position has physical requirements which include but may not be limited to: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds Reaching above the shoulder Use of fingers Both hands required Walking for 1 hour Standing for 1 hour Crawling for 1 hour Kneeling 1 hour Climbing, use of legs and arms Both legs required Operation of a crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle Ability to distinguish basic colors Ability to distinguish shades of colors Hearing (aid may be permitted) This position has environmental factors which include, but may not be limited to: Outside and inside Excessive heat Excessive cold Excessive dampness or chilling Constant noise Electrical energy Working on ladders or scaffolding Working below ground Working alone Protracted or irregular hours of work Other conditions of employment: U.S. Citizenship Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service Suitable for Federal employment Bargaining Unit Position: No
Education
This position allows applicants to qualify with education. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required before a final offer of employment. Use of foreign education for qualifications. An accredited organization must evaluate education completed outside of the U.S. to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S.
Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with course-by-course listing) is required with your application.
How You Will Be Evaluated
Please prepare a resume that is no longer than two pages; only the first two pages will be considered during the review process. Ensure your font is 11 points or larger and upload your resume as a .pdf document. This helps ensure your formatting looks exactly the way you intended.
How you will be evaluated: You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Once the announcement has closed, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed in this announcement. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.
A Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) may be used to review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required specialized experience. SMEs will review ONLY two (2) pages of your resume. SMEs will not review additional information beyond your resume.
Referral: All applicants may be referred to the selecting official for consideration. Under Direct Hire Authority, applicants are not rated and ranked, and veteran preference does not apply. CTAP or ICTAP eligibility: If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee eligible for the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP), you must be determined eligible and rated as well-qualified to receive special selection priority. "Well Qualified" means that
in addition to meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective placement factor(s), if applicable, you must receive a score of 85 or higher. Please review the following site regarding required documents to support CTAP or ICTAP eligibility and additional information regarding this authority - Section 8: Hiring Paths at NIST | NIST
Additional Information
This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here! We may share your application package with other selecting officials. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.
Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions.
You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY to be considered for this position. All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations. A probationary period may be required. NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work. For more information, please visit our Careers website.
How to Apply
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments, and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: Click the Apply Online button. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date. As part of the application process, you will be asked to respond to four narrative questions. While your responses to these questions is not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question.
You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. Once your application has been submitted, you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The Human Resources Office will evaluate your application to determine your eligibility for the position.
After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application. To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: USAJOBS Help Center - How to see your application and job status Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application. Need help applying? If you are experiencing any difficulties with the online application process (anything after you have clicked the 'Apply Online' button), please contact the Agency Contact listed on this announcement between regular business hours (8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
ET). If you receive any kind of error message, please be ready to provide a screenshot or, at a minimum, the error message text and number. We will provide you with a technical support number for further assistance if necessary.
If you are having trouble with USAJOBS (searching for jobs, account password/profile issues, or Resume Builder), please visit the USAJOBS USAJOBS Help Center - How to.... We regret that we are unable to support any issues with USAJOBS, as this service is not maintained by the NIST. If you are experiencing a significant hardship that hinders your ability to apply online, please contact the Agency Contact listed on this announcement prior to the vacancy closing date and during regular business hours to discuss your situation.
Required Documents
The documents required may vary based on how you're applying (i.e., as a veteran or disabled veteran, current or former Federal employee, etc.). Please review the Required Documents for this position to find out if there are any documents required with your application. Failure to submit required documents, based upon how you apply, may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.
A complete application includes: 1) A resume (not to exceed two pages), 2) vacancy question responses regarding technical qualifications, and 3) submission of any required documents. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, or if the documents submitted are illegible you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible). Resume: All applicants must submit a resume by creating one in USAJOBS or uploading one of their choosing.
Please prepare a resume no longer than 2 pages; only the first 2 pages will be considered during the review process. Ensure your font is 11 points or larger and upload your resume as a .pdf document. This helps ensure your formatting looks exactly the way you intended.?
Cover letters are optional. To receive any credit for relevant experience, please list the month/year and the number of hours worked for experience listed on your resume. We suggest you review the qualification requirements for this position as you may need to customize your resume to ensure that it supports the position qualifications.
Please refer to the Resume Guidance on how to build an effective resume.