Federal

IT Modernization Specialist

Railroad Retirement Board ยท Other Agencies and Independent Organizations
๐Ÿ“ Chicago, Illinois GS-00
Posted: May 11, 2026 Deadline: May 20, 2026 (Closes in 5 days)

About This Position

Make an impact while you learn. The Semester of Service Program offers students a volunteer project-based opportunity to support real Federal missions, gaining hands-on experience and valuable career-ready skills. Students must be enrolled at least half-time in an accredited institution with permission to participate. With this project, you'll support an Information Technology -based project.

Qualifications

Interns must meet the following eligibility requirements: Be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution.

Applicants MUST submit a transcript (see Required Documents for additional details). Meet the definition of a student throughout the duration of their appointment. Be in good academic standing as defined by your institution. Commit to volunteering 8 - 20 hours per week for a minimum of 90 days.

Complete all required onboarding documentation assigned by the Federal agency and your academic institution. Agree to volunteer.

This position is unpaid. No compensation, stipends, or hiring preference will be granted from this work.

You may use this volunteer experience to qualify for future jobs you choose to apply for. Agree to understanding volunteers are not Federal employees.

Applicants will be considered based on their knowledge, skills or abilities related to project needs. Specifically, applicants should: Should have technical knowledge in basic software development concepts and excel logic and structures. Technical knowledge in modernization platforms (such as web application frameworks, database systems, low-code/no code). Technical skills in analyzing and reverse- engineer excel models. Technical skills in conducting platform research. Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.

This job announcement may be used to fill one or more vacancies.

Major Duties

Project Overview: The student Intern- IT Modernization Specialist will support an IT modernization project focused on transforming a legacy Excel-based program used for annuity calculations under the Railroad Retirement Act. The project aims to improve efficiency, capability, and long-term sustainability of mission-critical calculation tools. As a IT Modernization Specialist, you will: Analyze an existing Excel-based calculation model, including formulas, logic, and data flow.

Collaborate with agency subject matter experts to document business requirements. Evaluate potential modernization platforms (e.g. web-based applications, database solutions, or other programming environments). Assists in designing and developing an updated solution to replace existing excel-based calculation model.

Education

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, click here.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

You may view the questionnaire here:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12951202

How to Apply

In accordance with the Merit Herit Plan, only resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Applicants with resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.

Resumes must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement. We recommend using a sans-serif font size like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open Sans, Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans.

Make your page margins 0.5 inches. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text in your resume. For additional guidance on what to include in your resume, please see USAJOBS Help.

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the 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: To begin the application process, 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. To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account (https://usajobs.gov). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Edit my application.

This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account at https://www.usajobs.gov. On the Home page, scroll down and locate your job application.

Once the job has been located, click the "Track this application" link on the right under the application date. The page will refresh to display the Agency's Application Information page where you can scroll down and review any notifications the agency has sent you. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated.

For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Your resume (two or fewer pages) showing: - Your work experience to include start and end dates. - Education information, such as the name of your school and dates of attendance. - Any knowledge, skills or abilities you've gained through education that relate to the project. Transcripts: All applicants MUST furnish a copy of his/her college transcript(s) (unofficial copy is acceptable). Transcripts must include the name of the college or university, specific courses, and the number of semester/quarter hours currently enrolled.

Applicants not currently enrolled must provide a student schedule for the upcoming semester/quarter verifying at least half-time enrollment status. If selected, applicants will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify educational qualifications prior to reporting for work. Veterans' Documentation: If you are a veteran, you must provide a copy of your Record of Military Service (DD-214), and proof of your veterans' preference, if applicable.

Veterans with a service connected disability must also submit a completed claim form SF-15 (click here for form) along with the required proofs. Go to FedsHireVets-Veterans Preference for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the IT Modernization Specialist position at Railroad Retirement Board?
Salary details are available on the USAJobs announcement.
Where is the IT Modernization Specialist job located?
This position is located in Chicago, Illinois. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, click here.
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is May 20, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.