Information Technology Specialist (Applications Software)

Organizational Location

This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Information and Technology, Cargo Systems Program Directorate, located in Ashburn, VA. Additional selections may be made for other organizational divisions or units within the listed duty location(s).

About the Role

The Information Technology Specialist (Applications Software) will join the CBP Office of Information and Technology to support new or existing software applications that strengthen Homeland Security. The incumbent will become a key team member ensuring the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of IT application software components.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of software applications.
• Collaborate with business analysts and development teams to create technical user stories and tasks that populate the development backlog.
• Provide expert technical guidance and recommendations on critical and controversial IT issues.
• Develop and present automation options to management, considering time, cost, and resource constraints.
• Lead or perform complex tasks related to testing, installation, and integration of application software systems.
• Conduct in‑depth analysis of business and technical requirements to inform the development or modification of IT solutions supporting organizational missions.
• Offer technical guidance and recommendations to project teams and stakeholders on system development, integration, and problem resolution.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
• Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years.
• All pre‑employment processes will be conducted in English.
• Pass a background investigation and comply with CBP’s drug‑free workplace plan.
• Adherence to federal ethics standards, including obtaining approval for outside employment.
• Eligibility for E‑Verify verification.

Core Competencies (must be demonstrated)

• Attention to Detail – thorough and conscientious work performance.
• Customer Service – assess needs, provide information/assistance, resolve problems, and deliver quality products/services.
• Oral Communication – effective presentation and listening tailored to audience and content.
• Problem Solving – identify problems, evaluate information, use sound judgment, and make recommendations.

Specialized Experience (minimum 1 year at the next lower grade level)

• Leading or performing complex tasks in the design, development, testing, installation, implementation, and maintenance of application software systems.
• Conducting in‑depth analysis of business and technical requirements to guide IT solution development or modification.
• Providing expert technical guidance and recommendations to project teams and stakeholders on system development, integration, and problem resolution.

Applicants must explicitly document how they meet these requirements in their resume. Resumes are limited to two pages and must be uploaded as a “Resume” document type (PDF portfolios are not accepted).

Volunteer experience (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) is creditable toward qualifying experience.

Current federal employees must meet the Time in Grade requirement of 52 weeks at the next lower grade by 09/23/2026.

Political appointees (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non‑career SES, Presidential Appointees) must disclose prior service.

Residency Requirement

Applicants not currently employed by CBP must have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates for at least three of the last five years. A waiver may be requested if the applicant has been abroad for more than two of the last five years and meets one of several qualifying conditions (e.g., federal employment, military service, study abroad, contractor/consultant work supporting the U.S. government).

Probationary Period

All new federal employees must serve a one‑year probationary period; current or former federal employees may also be required to serve a probationary period.

Pay

Salary range: $143,913.00 (GS‑14, Step 1) to $187,093.00 (GS‑14, Step 10). Locality pay tables and special pay rate charts apply as indicated in the announcement.

Bargaining Unit

This is a bargaining‑unit covered position represented by the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU). For local chapter contact information, see the NTEU Chapter Websites.