Do I meet the minimum qualifications for Information Management Technical Specialists (Unified Communications)?

To be considered as a candidate for the Information Management Technical Specialist (Unified Communications) position, you must meet the minimum education and experience qualification requirements listed below.

EducationSpecialized ExperienceCertificationCheck Your Level
Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology* One year of Specialized Experience in the last five yearsNot required
—– OR —–
Associate’s degree in Information Technology* Two years of Specialized Experience in the last five yearsNot required
—– OR —–
U.S. military technical school training Three years of Specialized Experience in the last five yearsNot required
—– OR —–
None of the above

Notes

  1. In addition to education and experience requirements, candidates must be able to pass a computer-based skills test.
  2. * Approved IT degrees or courses of study include the fields of Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics Engineering, Electronics Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Information Technology Management, Telecommunications Management, Information Systems, Information Security, and other related fields/li>

Further, to be considered for the Information Management Technical Specialist (Unified Communications) position, you must be willing to move around the world.

QuestionVerification
Are you willing to be mobile and available anywhere around the world, including moving one’s home base, uprooting children from school, etc., every 2-3 years, and having to re-establish friendships or professional contacts at new locations?
Furthermore, are you willing to spend time, often brief (e.g., few days) but occasionally prolonged (e.g., month or more) away from your family because of job responsibilities?

Factors Influencing Your Competitiveness

There are a wide variety of factors influencing who is offered a position as an Information Management Technical Specialist (Unified Communications). These include how well a candidate performs on the oral assessment, the number of vacancies, the number of eligible hires already in line, and the number of people who accept job offers. Even though there are no guarantees that anyone will be offered a position, there are certain evaluation factors used to distinguish between candidates.

Below is a list of some of the factors used to evaluate candidates. By rating yourself honestly, you can get an idea of how competitive you might be. When you are finished, click the “Submit” button to view an analysis of your competitiveness. The self-evaluation is a guide for your use only. The U.S. Department of State does not use, pass on, or even record and retain the information contained in this questionnaire.

Experience

Please rate yourself on the extent to which you possess the experience. Use the following scale:

ScoreExperience DescriptionTypical Years of Experience
5I am considered an expert in performing this task. Because of my expertise, I am normally the person who is consulted by others to train them in doing this task.3 years of direct experience
4I have routinely performed this task independently with little or no supervision.2 years of direct experience
3I have performed this task on the job with occasional assistance.1 year or less of direct experience
2I have had education or training in performing this task, but I have not yet performed it on the job.No experience
1I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.No experience

 

Experience12345
Experience with designing, installing, and maintaining various classified and unclassified telecommunications and computer networks.
Experience providing applications support, including remote and on-site technical support for Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) applications.
Experience with running a variety of telecommunications projects across a global IT infrastructure.
Experience with installing wiring in buildings under construction, installing equipment in new locations, and initiating or remaking connections.
Experience with reviewing communications equipment and network performance, and implementing changes to minimize interruption of communications services.
Experience with creating appropriate cabling solutions during construction and remodeling.
Experience with conducting fault isolation and technical control of telecommunications network components.
Experience resolving problems and providing service at Tier One (initial), Tier Two (in-depth), and Tier Three (intensive) technology support.
Experience with installing replacement parts and performing repairs to hardware, software, and peripheral equipment.
Experience with monitoring and implementing security controls and performing communications security audits.
Experience with keeping current with IT through reading and studying materials on information resources management and new and emerging technologies.

  

Please continue by rating your knowledge and skills.
Knowledge and Skills

Please rate yourself on the extent to which you possess the following knowledge and skills. Use the following scale:

ScoreKnowledge and Skills
5I am considered an expert in this knowledge or skill. Because of my expertise I am normally the person who is consulted by others to train them.
4I have knowledge or skill in this area and can use it on the job with little or no supervision.
3I have some knowledge or skill in this area and can use it on the job with occasional assistance.
2I have had education or training in knowledge or skill, but have not performed it on the job.
1I have not had education, training, or experience in this knowledge or skill.

 

Knowledge/Skill12345
Expert knowledge of complex digital and voice telecommunications systems to include computers, printers, modems, multiplexers, fiber optic isolation devices, Local and Wide Area Network (LAN/WAN) systems, satellite communication systems, cryptographic systems, and building electrical wiring, power distribution boxes, and electrical codes.
Expert knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems (including mobile technologies).
Expert knowledge of principles, standards, design techniques, tools and test equipment involved in the production of technical plans and drawings, the design of new equipment, and the repair of operational equipment.
Expert knowledge of personal computer and network theory and operating systems, web technology, information technology (IT) industry standards, network protocols, and technology trends.
Expert knowledge of information security procedures in order to operate automated information systems.
Advanced knowledge in interpreting schematic diagrams and other technical documentation in order to install and configure circuits, technical equipment, and systems.
Expert knowledge in determining the kind of tools and test equipment required to diagnose problems and in using appropriate tools and techniques to expeditiously repair machines or systems.
General knowledge of the principles and processes of excellent customer service.
Advanced skill in determining the source of operating problems and determining appropriate corrective action.
Skill in working safely with electrical installations, including working with electrical panel or outlets and terminating network cables both fiber and copper.

  

Amount of Self-Assessed Fit for Information Management Technical Specialists (Unified Communications)

The table below indicates how well your self-indicated knowledge, skills and abilities, and experience fits with the requirements of the job and many of the factors with which candidates are evaluated.

Self-Evaluation of Competitiveness for Information Management Technical Specialist (Unified Communications)

Score Key

Score (%)Amount of Fit
74-100High
47-73Medium
20-46Low

For salary, detailed job description and information on how to apply for this position, please review the vacancy announcement.