Summary Who may apply: Open to all U.S. Citizens Position located in: Information & Technology Dir, Enterprise Systems, Financial Reporting Systems Testing - ZTEBK Applicants on Cleveland list may be considered for positions in Bratenahl. This announcement may be used to fill other positions within the I&T Directorate. Pay for first time hires to the Federal Government will be set at step 1 salary range for their respective grade. Responsibilities Serves as a Quality Assurance tester involved with all phases of the software development life cycle (SDLC) of major finance and/or accounting automated information systems. Prepares test data, provides insight in user story and acceptance criteria creation and participates in all facets of Agile Scrum Teams. Identifies and formulates plans to resolve problems by applying new and evolving techniques and technology. Creates detailed test scripts to test new, enhanced and/or existing functionality (regression testing). Executes tests to ensure delivered products meet user needs and system requirements. Prepares QA documentation such as test analysis, test plans, risk identification and mitigation. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications *This Job Opportunity Announcement is using an additional online assessment tool to evaluate applicants. Please review the HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED, HOW TO APPLY and WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT sections below for instructions. Human Resources will determine your qualifications for each entry grade level based on your interest and the additional following criteria. Resumes for federal government positions need more detailed work descriptions and accomplishments than a typical private sector resume. Please be sure to clearly describe the full scope of your work experiences in your resume. Combinations of education and experience may also be sufficient. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Applicants must have IT-related experience demonstrating the following competencies appropriate to, or above, the level of this position. Your resume and work experience should clearly support your ability to meet these competencies and will be evaluated as part of the entire application process. BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR ENTRY AT THE GS-07 THROUGH GS-11 Attention to Detail- experience reviewing my own information technology-related work or data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency with standards. My work or the data that I produce is typically reviewed by my supervisor or another colleague Customer Service- experience having brief contact with customers to provide information about available information technology products and services and providing customers with standard products or routine services to address information technology needs Oral Communication- experience informing my supervisor and other IT staff of the status of information technology systems, projects, or daily operations, including the status of information technology systems, projects, or daily operations, including the communication of basic technical information to a non-technical audience Problem Solving- identifying or selecting from a number of alternatives to address routine information technology-related issues by gathering and applying information from standard sources that provide a limited number of solutions FOR ENTRY AT THE GS-07: In addition to the Basic Competency Requirements listed above: One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade GS-05 in the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required. Specialized experience is defined as: Applying basic IT and/or accounting business principles and practices to provide quality assurance testing input into design specifications, analyzing requirements and executing test plans. FOR ENTRY AT THE GS-09: In addition to the Basic Competency Requirements listed above: One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade GS-07 in the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required. Specialized experience is defined as: Applying basic IT and/or accounting business principles and practices to provide quality assurance testing input into design specifications and analyzing requirements; assisting senior testers with creating test plans and executing test scripts using testing software under the Agile methodology. FOR ENTRY AT THE GS-11: In addition to the Basic Competency Requirements listed above: One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade GS-09 in the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required. Specialized experience is defined as: Applying basic IT and/or accounting business principles and practices to provide quality assurance testing input into design specifications, analyzing requirements, creating testing plans, and executing test scripts using testing software under the Agile methodology. BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR ENTRY AT THE GS-12 Attention to Detail- experience reviewing my own information technology-related work or data and have been asked by others to review their work or data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency with standards Customer Service- experience maintaining relationships with customers, assessing current information technology needs of customers, and developing or identifying information technology products and services that are tailored to meet customer needs Oral Communication- briefing mid-level management and IT staff on the status of information technology systems, projects, or daily operations, including the communication of technical information to a non-technical audience Problem Solving- identifying alternatives to address complex information technology-related issues by gathering and applying information from a variety of sources that provide a number of potential solutions FOR ENTRY AT THE GS-12: In addition to the Basic Competency Requirements listed above: One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade GS-11 in the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required. Specialized experience is defined as: Applying basic IT and/or accounting business principles and practices to provide quality assurance testing input into design specifications, analyzing requirements, creating testing plans, and executing test scripts using testing software under the Agile methodology; participating in formal testing events, such as System Integration Testing (SIT) that requires analyzing, creating, and executing test scripts; and estimating, planning, and engaging in Agile Scrum teams using testing software. This position is developmental, and selections may be made at the GS-07, GS-09, GS-11, GS-12 entry grade levels. Once eligibility and qualification requirements are met, selectees will be eligible for promotion at management discretion to the GS-09, GS-11, GS-12 grade levels without further competition. Volunteer Experience: 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 to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. You may qualify for consideration if meeting time-in grade, specialized experience, education requirement, 90 days after competitive appointment requirement, and all other qualification requirements within 30 calendar days after the closing date of the announcement, unless otherwise indicated on the announcement. Education Additional Information Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire *This Job Opportunity Announcement is using an additional online assessment tool to evaluate applicants. Please review the HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED, HOW TO APPLY and WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT sections below for instructions. Selections are subject to restrictions resulting from the DoD Program for Stability of Civilian Employment. A one year probationary period may be required. This position is Non Exempt at the GS-07 level and Exempt at the GS-09,11,12 levels from the Fair Labor Standards Act. Priority Placement Program (PPP) Military Spouse Preference (MSP) eligible candidates will receive priority consideration at the highest grade level for which they have applied and been determined best qualified up to and including the full performance level. PPP Application Based Preference Eligibles (Military Reserve and National Guard technicians, Military Reserve and National Guard technicians receiving disability retirement, and Retained Grade employees) will receive priority consideration at the full performance level only. DFAS recognizes the value of competencies gained through formal education and professional certifications. To ensure that consistent credit is given for these credentials in the selection process DFAS has developed standard selection criteria to be used when filling positions in professional and administrative series. Selections for professional and administrative positions will be based on four categories of selection criteria: Experience, Other, Education, and Certifications. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or be exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov). Retired Civil Service Employee: Employment of retired Federal employees receiving an annuity is subject to the requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) policy guidance. (See DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 300, here). The Security Designation will vary dependent upon position and may require a secret clearance or higher. Employment in this position requires a background investigation which may delay starting date. Individuals are required to obtain/maintain a favorable security determination as a condition of employment. For more information see the security section of Understanding Vacancy Announcements.