Foreign Service Diplomatic Technology Officer

Summary

The U.S. Department of State is developing a rank-ordered list of eligible hires for a limited number of Diplomatic Technology Officer (DTO) vacancies based on the needs of the Department. Learn more about the Department and a career as a Foreign Service Specialist, please visit us at https://careers.state.gov.

There is more to joining the Foreign Service than just salary. Please refer to the Benefits section for more information on total compensation.

Duties

Foreign Service Diplomatic Technology Officers (DTO) are responsible for the Department's Information Resource Management (IRM) programs and Information Technology (IT) systems world-wide.

• Provide assistance to users of information management services (for example, by configuring and optimizing software).
• Train users in the use of new software applications, providing guidance and assistance with new or amended IT-related policies and procedures.
• Promote end-user involvement in technology and technical decision-making.

• Administer computer systems and manage system performance. Set up networks. Start up, operate, and shut down systems.
• Manage user access, train new personnel, identify and resolve problems, report, track and research incidents, counsel users, set up customer equipment, and replace equipment and parts.
• Manage and operate classified and unclassified client/server solutions, desktop systems, messaging solutions, web-based technology, database solutions, and virtual servers to support LAN/WAN.
• Manage telecommunication network services.
• Manage communications equipment, install cabling, provide circuits, support video conferencing, manage communications flow, coordinate with host country officials, and manage wireless communications and Wi-Fi programs.
• Manage voice communication services. Coordinate equipment provision, manage the telephone and radio programs, the personal mobile device program, and VoIP convergence devices.

• Implement IT projects gathering requirements, designing solutions, and assisting with development.
• Acquire IT products and services, test solutions, deploy products, and maintain IT procurement and inventory.
• Manage cloud requirements and support collaboration tools and IT Shared Services efforts.
• Manage pouch programs, diplomatic post office, and telephone operator program.
• Supervise locally employed staff system administrators, mailroom employees, telephone technicians, radio technicians and switchboard operators.
• Manage work assignments and individual performance.,
• Serve as part of the embassy or consulate management team and perform additional duties outside of normal information resource management activities as determined by embassy or consulate management or as dictated by special circumstances.
• Support emergency planning and response and manage emergency wireless communications.
• Ensure emergency destruction capability.
• Maintain alternate processing site.
• Manage emergency digital communications.
• Keep current with specialty, gain and maintain certifications.

• Maintain internal controls on Department of State automated information systems.
• Protect classified documents and classified communications equipment and workspace.
• Promote communications security.
• Update security settings, manage physical security, monitor security, and network security, etc.
• Manage telephone system security.
• Manage the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) program.

• Crawl under desks, office furnishings, and other objects and work in confined spaces such as under desks or equipment or in crawlspaces, attics, communication closets, etc.
• Walk and climb stairs. Bend, twist, reach, stoop, crouch, climb, and work on feet for extended periods.
• Lift up to 70 pounds and carry up to 50 pounds. Push, pull, or drag heaving objects or equipment. Carry equipment up and down stairs.
• See small objects such as fonts, wires, and computer components and see under low illumination.
• Hear voices in noisy offices, on poor phone connections or at low volume or soft spoken, including distinguishing words in heavy accents. Hear to audibly monitor computer equipment for a faulty condition such as noise from a server or hard drive.
• Pull wires, cables, and ropes that can involve climbing and working on ladders.
• Coordinate precise movements with hands and fingers to assemble electronic components including using hand tools such as screwdrivers and pliers. Feeling and manipulating small objects with hands and fingers.
• Type quickly for extended periods of time.
• Work in adverse environmental conditions, such as extremes of heat, cold, wet, dirt, and dust.
• Work erratic, unusual, unexpected hours and long hours.
• Travel and experience jet-lag, changes in temperature, humidity, etc.

• Be a U.S. citizen and accept assignments based on the needs of the FS.
• Be able to obtain a Top Secret - SCI Security Clearance.
• Meet the minimum medical qualification standard.
• Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.
• Be at least 20 years old to apply; at least 21 years old to be appointed.
• Be appointed prior to age 60 (preference eligible veterans excepted).

• Benefits
  
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window Learn more about federal benefits.
  
  Benefits include health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, and paid leave. Overseas benefits include tax-free housing overseas, tax-free education allowance for dependent children between K-12 overseas, and an unrivaled opportunity to see the world and experience different cultures.
  
  The salary listed comes from the Foreign Service Overseas and Washington pay scales. DTOs are hired at the FP-04 or FP-05 grade based on education and experience. The starting step is determined in part by highest educational level achieved and also professional experience level beyond the minimum qualifications. Individuals already working in government positions may be appointed based on highest previous rate as a Federal employee. For information on salary, please visit https://careers.state.gov/benefits/fs-entry-salaries/
  
  Review our benefits
  
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.