Information Technology Specialist

United States Bankruptcy Court

District of Minnesota

Vacancy Announcement #2023-05

Position:                

Information Technology Specialist

Salary:                   

CL 26 ($54,588 - $88,713) with promotional potential to CL 27 without further competition.

CL 27 ($59,958 - $97,496)

Location:

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Position Type:

Full time

Telework:

May be eligible to telework up to three days per week, based on the court’s telework policy and the needs of the office.

Closing date:

Open until filled; preference will be given to applications received on or before April 7, 2023.

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Minnesota is accepting applications for an Information Technology Specialist. The primary duty location will be in Minneapolis with regular travel to St. Paul. Occasional travel to the Duluth and Fergus Falls courthouses is also required. 

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are looking for a strategic team member to join our Information Technology Department as an Information Technology Specialist. This role will ensure compliance with the appropriate guidelines, policies, and internal controls for the Bankruptcy Clerk’s Office and chambers. This position provides an opportunity to influence at a growth point in our evolving IT strategy!

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

• Provide help desk support by answering, tracking, and responding to requests regarding hardware and software problems, user application questions, and web access. Conduct help desk analysis and reporting with tracking software relative to the timeliness and quality of performance.
• Coordinate user support issues among team members to ensure accurate and timely responses to user questions and issues. Manage and coordinate projects.
• Analyze, isolate, and solve complex system problems utilizing technical resources. Diagnose and remedy both hardware and software computing system failures.
• Provide software support and training for users of all levels, particularly for Office365 software applications. Evaluate and test new software.
• Perform hardware and software system configurations, upgrades, installations, data- backup, security, anti-virus analysis and maintenance on computers and servers. Perform system support for telephone systems, such as: additions, deletions and moves.
• Provide support for courtroom audio and video technology, mobile computing devices, and remote access.
• Create and maintain documentation and guidelines of hardware, software, processes, and procedures for users.
• Develop, plan, and implement automation improvements with minimal disruption. Recommend new products and improvements for computer systems. Recommend, install, configure, and provide technical support for complex administrative and operations-specific national applications, including developing new features. Maintain version applicability and local functionality of user applications, such as: Windows 10 operating system, Office365 (including Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint), and basic system security.
• Abide by the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and court confidentiality requirements. Demonstrate sound ethics and good judgment at all times. Communicate effectively (orally and in writing) to individuals and groups to provide information, translating and documenting technical terms into non-technical language. Interact effectively and appropriately with others, provide customer service, and resolve difficulties while complying with regulations, rules, and procedures. Foster effective and collaborative internal and external working relationships.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The starting salary is dependent upon experience and qualifications. One year of specialized experience is required to be eligible for placement at CL-26. Two years of specialized experience or a college degree closely related to the subject matter of this position is required to be eligible for placement at CL-27.

• One year of specialized experience that demonstrates working knowledge of the Windows operating systems and the ability to assess and troubleshoot basic system errors. The incumbent should be familiar with Windows 10 operating system, Windows Servers, Office365 (including experience with Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint), basic systems security, other desktop utilities and have general knowledge of mobile devices, including laptops, tablets, and iPads.
• Experience with audio and visual technology; project management theory and practices; and VMWare environment.
• Exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to occasionally work outside of normal business hours for system maintenance and outages.
• Excellent customer service skills, attention to detail, ability to take directions from others, and excellent organization skills are required.
• Strong interpersonal skills to assist non-technical individuals with complex technical issues.
• The incumbent may be required to be in on-call status during certain projects or on a rotating basis.
• Position will require moving, connecting, or trouble-shooting equipment, including the ability to lift 50 pounds.

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS

• 2+ years specialized experience in a network administration role or completion of the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Network Administration, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field, from an accredited college or university.
• Fundamental knowledge of networking concepts and hardware.
• Experience with Cisco networking (routers, switches, wireless technologies).
• Experience with Microsoft Windows Server and Active Directory.
• Hands-on technical troubleshooting capabilities.
• Ability to work independently under minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of computing infrastructures.

Conditions for Employment:

Candidates must demonstrate organizational skills, good judgment, and willingness to work across different technical domains with legal, technical, administrative, and operations staff in a cooperative environment.  Candidates must maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information. 

All employees of the court are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees, which is available for review upon request.  In addition, the successful applicant will be hired subject to a probationary period of no less than six months.

Benefits:

• Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
• Optional participation in the Thrift Savings Plan with matching contributions (similar to 401K).
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Paid vacation in the amount of 13 days per year for the first three years, 20 days per year after three years, and 26 days per year after fifteen years.
• Paid sick leave in the amount of 13 days per year.
• Optional participation in choice of health plans, dental and vision insurance programs, group life insurance program, long term care insurance, and optional participation in a pre-tax flexible spending account plan for commuter reimbursement, and dependent care and medical expenses not covered by health insurance.
• Public transit subsidy as the budget permits.
• Options for hybrid work schedule with telework and/or compressed scheduling.
• This position is subject to mandatory EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) participation for payment of net pay.

Additional Information:

• Applicants must be citizens of the United States or be authorized to work in the United States. Please note the citizenship requirements at:
  https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs/citizenship-requirements-employment-judiciary
• Only the most qualified applicants will be contacted for personal interviews. No telephone calls please.
• Applicants to be interviewed may be asked to provide a completed Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment (Form AO 78), and a list of references. Candidates will not be asked about their criminal history before receiving a tentative offer of employment. Candidates completing the AO-78 are not required to complete questions 18-20 regarding criminal history. Criminal history is not in itself disqualifying. All available information, past and present, favorable and unfavorable, about the reliability and trustworthiness of an individual will be considered when making an employment suitability determination. Providing false or misleading information may be grounds for removal from the application and selection process, as well as disciplinary action if discovered after an individual’s date of hire.
• Interviews may be held virtually or in person.
• The U.S. Bankruptcy Court is not authorized to reimburse candidates for interview or relocation expenses.
• The court provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.
• As this position is deemed “high-sensitive,” the successful candidate will be required to undergo a background clearance which includes fingerprinting, and updated background investigations every five years.
• New employees engaging in work for the District of Minnesota are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination will be required prior to entrance on duty.

Application:

Qualified applicants should email their college transcript, if applicable, (unofficial transcripts will be accepted at the time of application) an updated resume, and a cover letter detailing (1) why the candidate is interested in the position and (2) outlining the candidate’s applicable experience in each area listed in the Minimum Qualifications section in a single document to: mnb_applications@mnb.uscourts.gov.  Please refer to ANNOUNCEMENT #2023-05 in the email transmittal. 

The U. S. Bankruptcy Court has the right to modify the conditions of this vacancy announcement, or withdraw this announcement, either of which may occur without prior written or other notice.

The United States Bankruptcy Court is a part of the Judicial Branch of the United States Government. Employees of the United States Bankruptcy Court serve under “Excepted Appointment” and are considered “At-Will” employees. 

Please visit the employment (http://www.mnb.uscourts.gov/employment) section of our website for other requirements and benefits information.

THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT

IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.