IT Specialist (Data Mgmt)

This IT Specialist (Data Mgmt) position is with Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology (Department of Veterans Affairs) in Phoenix, AZ. Deliver secure and high availability infrastructure solutions supporting VA's mission. Serve as an operational service provider of foundational compute, storage, physical database, and client management components. Implement and sustain technical, management, and operational security controls and supporting processes to protect mission critical networks, systems, and applications throughout the VA enterprise. Apply today! Key duties: • Reads, interprets, writes, modifies, and execute ssimple scripts (e.g., Transact-SQL) on Windows Server and SQL Server systems (e.g., those that perform tasks such as: parsing large data files, automating manual tasks, and fetching/processing remote data). Manages the compilation, cataloging, caching, distribution, and retrieval of data. Maintains and supports various versions of database systems configuration related to one another. Conducts functional and connectivity testing to ensure continuing operability. Ensures rigorous application of technical information and security information assurance policies, principles, and practices in the delivery of customer support services. Implements operational and technical security controls and adheres to organizational security policies and procedures. Participates with the Chief Information Officer (CIO) in management of the transition to modernized systems. Develops and document systems administration standard operating procedures. Provides recommendations for improvements to the efficiency of system utilization and respond to special requests for system data. This position is primarily aligned to the following NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework work roles: Cybersecurity Code 451 - System Administrator: Responsible for setting up and maintaining a system or specific components of a system (e.g. for example, installing, configuring, and updating hardware and software; establishing and managing user accounts; overseeing or conducting backup and recovery tasks; implementing operational and technical security controls; and adhering to organizational security policies and procedures). Cybersecurity Code 411: Technical Support Specialist: Provides technical support to customers who need assistance utilizing client-level hardware and software in accordance with established or approved organizational process components (i.e., Master Incident Management Plan, when applicable). Cybersecurity Code 422: Data Analyst: Examines data from multiple disparate sources with the goal of providing security and privacy insights. Designs and implements custom algorithms, workflow processes, and layouts for complex, enterprise-scale datasets used for modeling, data mining, and research purposes. For more information about these work roles, where they fit within the larger Cyber Workforce, and how they can support your unique career journey, please visit the Cyber Career Pathways tool on the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies website: https://niccs.us-cert.gov/workforce-development/cyber-career-pathways Position Description/PD#: IT Specialist (Data Mgmt)/PD19753A Travel Required: Occasional travel may be required as needed for this position. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; Tour of duty will be determined based on organizational needs. Compressed/Flexible: As determined by the Agency Policy Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Physical Demands: The work is primarily sedentary. Some work may require walking and standing in conjunction with travel and attendance at meetings and conferences away from the work sire. Some employees may carry light items such as paper, books, or small parts. Working Conditions: The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Some employees may occasionally be exposed to circuitry of electronic equipment during testing and must apply precautions to avoid personal injury. Some employees may have the option for telework agreements, with the appropriate required approvals and compliance. Qualifications: To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/22/2026. You must meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements, Specialized Experience and Selective Placement Factors to qualify for this series as described below. Minimum Qualifications Requirements EXPERIENCE: To qualify for this position, you must have information technology-related experience demonstrating all of the four competencies listed below. Ensure that this experience is clearly described in your resume: Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations. -AND- Specialized Experience for GS-12: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Such experience is typically gained in the IT field or through the performance of work where the primary concern is IT. Specialized experience is defined as Demonstrating proficiency administering and maintaining Microsoft SQL Server databases in high-volume enterprise environments supporting prescription fulfillment or similarly large-scale transactions. Experience ensuring data integrity, availability, and consistent accuracy across multiple sites; analyzing and optimizing database structures, indexes, and query execution plans; and resolving performance bottlenecks and production issues. Proficiency developing, troubleshooting, and optimizing complex SQL queries, stored procedures, and functions to extract, transform, validate, and report data. Experience documenting and implementing database policies, security controls, recovery procedures, and maintenance practices; collaborating with application, software development, pharmacy, and operations teams; and independently managing complex database environments to support large-scale business operations. -AND- Selective Placement Factor: This position includes a skill, knowledge, ability or other worker characteristic basic to -and essential for- satisfactory performance of the job. Selective Placement Factors are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for a position. Applicants who do not meet it are ineligible for further consideration. Evidence of the Selective Placement Factor must be reflected in your resume. Selective Placement Factor Administering and maintaining Microsoft SQL Server databases, including analyzing and optimizing large-scale prescription fulfillment data to ensure data integrity and uninterrupted system availability. Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency developing and troubleshooting complex SQL queries that support high-volume transactional operations upon entry into the position 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 directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those who have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. View the full announcement and apply on USAJOBS.gov.