Internal Revenue Service Logo
Position Title
Computer Scientist (12 Month Register)
Agency
Internal Revenue Service
Announcement Number
23-11777961B-ITS-1550-13 Opens in new window
Open Period
Wednesday, December 28, 2022 to Monday, October 30, 2023
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
2. IRS CTAP Candidate - Are you a current displaced or surplus IRS employee and:
 
  • you are located either within or outside the local commuting area of this vacancy, AND
  • your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of this vacancy, AND
  • your position has the same or higher promotion potential of this vacancy, AND
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent?

If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES) AND a copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal AND a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action).

For more information, review Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP). (limit characters)
3. Treasury CTAP Candidate - Are you a current displaced or surplus Department of Treasury (non-IRS) employee and:
 
  • you are located within the same local commuting area of this vacancy, AND
  • your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of this vacancy, AND
  • your position has the same or higher promotion potential of this vacancy, AND
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent?

If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES) AND a copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal AND a copy of your latest SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action).

For more information, review Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP). (limit characters)
4. Current IRS Candidate - Are you a current permanent career or career-conditional, Competitive Service Internal Revenue Service employee?

If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST submit:
  • a copy of your most recent career or career-conditional SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent personnel action form which shows your current grade and competitive service status (The "position occupied" block on the SF-50 should show a "1" and your "tenure" block should be a "1" or "2")

If applying for a higher grade, it is recommended to also provide:
  • a copy of an SF-50, or equivalent, which clearly demonstrates you meet the 52-week time-in-grade requirements (e.g., Promotion with an effective date more than one (1) year old, Within Grade Increase at the highest grade held, SF-50, or equivalent, at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one (1) year old).
   (limit characters)
5. Department of Treasury Candidate - Are you a current permanent career or career-conditional, Competitive Service Department of Treasury (excluding Internal Revenue Service e.g.,
Chief Counsel, Dept. of Mint, Fiscal Service) employee?
 
If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST submit:
  • a copy of your most recent career or career-conditional SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent personnel action form which shows your current grade and competitive service status (The "position occupied" block on the SF-50 should show a "1" and your "tenure" block should be a "1" or "2")

If applying for a higher grade, it is recommended to also provide:
  • a copy of an SF-50, or equivalent, which clearly demonstrates you meet the 52-week time-in-grade requirements (e.g., Promotion with an effective date more than one (1) year old, Within Grade Increase at the highest grade held, SF-50, or equivalent, at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one (1) year old).
  (limit characters)
6. Transfer Candidate - Are you currently employed as a permanent career or career-conditional employee in the competitive service outside of the Department of Treasury?
 
If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST submit:
 
  • a copy of your most recent career or career-conditional SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent personnel action form which shows your current grade and competitive service status (The "position occupied" block on the SF-50 should show a "1" and your "tenure" block should be a "1" or "2")

If applying for a higher grade, it is recommended to also provide:
  • a copy of an SF-50, or equivalent, which clearly demonstrates you meet the 52-week time-in-grade requirements (e.g., Promotion with an effective date more than one (1) year old, Within Grade Increase at the highest grade held, SF-50, or equivalent, at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one (1) year old).
 
For more information, review USAJOBS Transfer sources.
  (limit characters)
7. Reinstatement Candidate - Were you formerly employed as a federal civilian on a permanent competitive appointment but are not currently a permanent competitive federal employee?

If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST submit:
 
  • a copy of your most recent separation SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent personnel action form which MUST reflect:
    • career or career-conditional appointment type (Block 24 is Tenure 1 or 2), AND
    • competitive service type (Block 34 is Position Occupied 1), AND
  • a copy of an SF-50, or equivalent, that reflects your highest grade held on a permanent basis (if different than your most recent SF-50, or equivalent), AND
  • if applying for a higher grade, a copy of an SF-50, or equivalent, which clearly demonstrates you meet the 52-week time-in-grade requirements (e.g., Promotion with an effective date more than one (1) year old, Within Grade Increase at the highest grade held, SF-50, or equivalent, at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one (1) year old).
 
For more information, review USAJOBS Reinstatement resources and USAJOBS SF-50 resources.
  (limit characters)
8. ICTAP Candidate - Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position and:
 
  • you are located within the same local commuting area of this vacancy, AND
  • your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of this vacancy, AND
  • your position has the same or higher promotion potential of this vacancy, AND
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent?
If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of ICTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice AND a copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal, AND a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent personnel action form.
 
For more information, review Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP). (limit characters)
9. Land Management Candidate -Are you a current or former temporary or term employee of a Land Management (LM) agency, i.e. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Reclamation employee?
 
If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST submit the following:

 Land Management Employee:
  •  a copy of your SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing initial appointment under competitive procedures to the time-limited appointment for a total of more than 24 months without any break in service of two (2) or more years, AND
  • proof of acceptable performance ratings for each period of employment used to meet the 24-month requirement.
     
  • Former LM Employee - You must apply within two years of your last term or temporary job date of separation, provide the documents listed above AND a copy of your separation SF-50. Your most recent separation must be for reasons other than misconduct or performance.
 NOTE: If multiple periods of time-limited appointments exist, supporting SF-50s must be provided for each period of employment used to satisfy the 24-month requirement.
 
For more information, review USAJOBS Land Management resources. (limit characters)
10. Military Spouses (EO 13832) Candidate - Are you the spouse of an active-duty member of the Armed Forces -OR- the spouse of a retired/separated member of the Armed Forces with a disability rating of 100% from the Department of Veterans Affairs -OR- the un-married widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while on active duty status?

If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST submit the following:
  • Verification of the marriage to the service member (i.e., marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage), AND
 
  • If based on member's Active Duty status: proof of active duty status, i.e. Active Duty military orders, or spouse's Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with dates of active duty, or official documentation from the Armed Forces branch that verifies spouse's active status.
  • If based on member's 100% disability: verification of the member's retirement or release/discharge from active duty AND verification of spouse's 100% service-connected disability (DD-214 and/or VA letter).
  • If based on member's death: verification of the member's active duty status at the time of death (DD-214) AND verification of the member's death while on active duty (DD-1300).
    • You are not eligible if you were not married to the veteran at the time of death or have since remarried.
    • By selecting "Yes" below you are certifying that you were married to the veteran at the time of death and have not since remarried.

For more information, review FedsHireVets.gov.
  (limit characters)
11. VEOA Candidate - Are you a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions and you:
 
  •  served three (3) or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (NOTE: If released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility); -OR-
  • are entitled to veterans' preference?
 
If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service.
 
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
  (limit characters)
Preferences
1. Select the location(s) you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location. (limit characters)
  • No matches found
2. The following question is regarding your Selective Service status. If you are a male born after December 31, 1959, and are at least 18 years of age, civil service employment law (5 U.S.C. 3328) requires that you must be registered with the Selective Service System, unless you meet certain exemptions under Selective Service law. If you are required to register but knowingly and willfully fail to do so, you are ineligible for appointment by executive agencies of the Federal Government (5 CFR 300.704). Visit http://www.sss.gov/ for additional information. (limit characters)
3. If you are a current Federal employee, by what agency and organization are you employed? (limit characters)
4. If you selected "Other", please enter the agency and organization. (limit characters)
5. If you are a Federal employee, under what type of appointment are you currently serving? (limit characters)
6. If you are a current Federal employee, what is your duty station? [City, State] (limit characters)
7. If you are, or ever were a Federal civilian employee, indicate the pay plan and grade level or pay band of the highest graded position you have ever held. For example: GS-05, IR-02, WG-04. (limit characters)
8. If you are, or ever were a Federal civilian employee, please provide your current or last pay plan, series, and grade level or pay band. For example: GS-0303-05, IR-0343-02, WG-5400-04. (limit 250 characters)
9. Are you a retiree receiving a Federal annuity, either military or civilian?

Note: If you are an annuitant, your salary or annuity may be reduced upon employment. (limit characters)
10. Have you accepted a buyout from a Federal agency within the past 5 years? (limit characters)
11. Regarding the effectiveness of our recruitment strategies; how did you first hear about this job? (limit characters)
12. If you answered "Posting on a job board or search agent other than USAJOBS (Monster, CareerBuilder, Indeed, LinkUp, etc." please indicate the name of the job board or search agent other than USAJOBS you saw the advertisement.

If you answered "Social Media posting (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, on-line job fairs, etc.)" please indicate the name of the Social Media platform you saw the advertisement.

If you answered "Attended a recruitment event (Job/Career Fair, Open House, Meet & Greet, Meetup, etc.)" please indicate the name and state of the recruiting event.

If you answered "School/University announcement/career counselor" please indicate the name of the school/university of the announcement where you saw the advertisement.

If you answered "Third party referral, such as diversity or community organization, or employment office (Federal, state or local)" please indicate the name of the third party referral and the state you saw the advertisement.

If you answered "Newspaper (print/online)" please indicate the name of the newspaper and the state you saw the advertisement.

If you answered "Radio" please indicate the name of the radio station and state you heard the advertisement.

If you answered "Transit/Bus Advertisement" please indicate the city and state you saw the advertisement.

If you answered "Banner Advertisement - Major News Websites" please indicate the website.

If you answered "Banner Advertisement - Movie Theater Websites" please indicate the website.

If you answered "Classified Advertisement Website (Craigslist, Angie's List, etc.)" please indicate the name of the website, city and state.

If you answered "Other" please specify. (limit characters)
13. Employees of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) must demonstrate the highest level of ethics and integrity. Former employees will be subject to a screening of their prior performance and conduct with the Service, and all other applicants may be subject to reference checks of prior employment. Your responses to the following questions will be verified; Applicants providing false information may be made ineligible and will be subject to debarment for future employment opportunities with the IRS.

Please select the response that best describes your current or prior employment with the IRS. If you never worked for the Internal Revenue Service, you must select the last response "Not applicable." (limit characters)
14. Employees of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) must demonstrate the highest level of ethics and integrity, and must be in compliance with all Federal Tax requirements. Applicants being considered for employment with the IRS will be subject to a tax check. You can "Get Your Tax Record" at http://www.irs.gov/ (https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript) and check the status of your account, balance owed, payment history, make a payment, or review answers to tax questions. Applicants not in compliance will be determined unsuitable for employment with IRS. Your responses to the following questions will be verified; Applicants providing false information may be made ineligible and will be subject to debarment for future employment opportunities with the IRS.

Please select the response that best describes your compliance with all Federal Tax requirements. You will be subject to a tax check that will verify your response to this question. (limit characters)
15. How many performance related awards, (including time off in lieu of monetary), or quality step increases have you received in the three years preceding the closing date of this announcement?

You may obtain a list of your most recent awards at https://persinfo.web.irs.gov/indexawd.htm. (limit characters)
16. Please list the names of any performance related awards and/or quality step increases you have received in the three years preceding the closing date of this announcement and the dates (MMDDYYYY) of the awards. (For example: Performance Award, 02/02/2019).

You may obtain a list of your most recent awards at https://persinfo.web.irs.gov/indexawd.htm. (limit characters)
17. Your annual performance appraisal and relevant awards are considered in the selection process.

Please indicate the option that best describes your most recent performance appraisal. (limit characters)
18. Please enter the date of your most recent performance appraisal. (limit characters)
19. Please select the response that most accurately reflects your most recent performance appraisal or performance rating. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in applying for this position. Your responses to the following questions supplement the information provided in your resume.
  (limit characters)
1.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS
To be minimally qualified for Computer Scientist positions, you must meet the basic requirement listed below:
You must have a Bachelor's degree in computer science or bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have included any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. All academic degrees and course work must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions.
Applicants should have sufficient knowledge to understand the fundamental concepts and techniques of computer science. Courses designed to provide an introduction to computer science techniques and methodologies, to problems of system design, and to other specialized fields are acceptable. Courses or experience in teaching elementary, business, or shop mathematics are not acceptable.

Which of the following is true about your education?

 (limit characters)
2. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS-13 LEVEL: You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes experience that demonstrates professional competence in applying the theoretical foundations of computer science, including computer system architecture and system software organization, the representation and transformation of information structures, and the theoretical models for such representation and transformations; experience in the design characteristics, limitations, and potential applications of systems having the ability to transform information, and of broad areas of applications of computing which have common structures, processes, and techniques; and experience applying relevant mathematical and statistical sciences analyze diverse systems requirements, and solve complex problems.
To be qualifying, your experience must include advanced research involving artificial intelligence, emerging technologies or scientific phenomena to solve complex information technology problems within an organization; design, develop, program, debug, document, maintain, and reengineer software programs; identify and devise tests of viable technologies and demonstrating the use of new technologies as a solution to a problem.
In addition to the above you must meet the requirements below:
Experience providing quality deliverables at every step of the infrastructure design and implementation process. Experience using Red Hat Linux operating system and revitalization technologies like VMware. Experience with JBoss application server and Java EE technologies (i.e., Servlets, SOA, web services and JSP). Must have experience with Oracle DB engineering. Served as an IT architect or have experience designing IT solutions to meet business requirements. Experience conducting technical analysis and proposing resolutions.

Which of the following is true about your specialized experience? (limit characters)
3. TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENTS GS-13 Level: Under merit promotion procedures, Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. Time is credited based on calendar time served in a grade, regardless of the number of days or hours worked. If you currently hold or have previously held a position at the same (or equivalent) or higher grade/level in the Federal government as of this announcement, you will meet the TIME IN GRADE REQUIREMENTS.

Please select the response that best describes your time in grade. (limit characters)
4. What is your best experience designing program level Solution Architecture based on functional and non-functional requirements? (limit characters)
5. What is your best experience designing and developing with JEE, MPP, Linux and other distributed technologies? (limit characters)
6. What is your best experience in Fraud and/or Anomaly Detection Projects? (limit characters)
7. Which statement describes your leadership experience? (limit characters)
8. Which statement best describes your experience developing, planning, and designing highly technical alteration and computer software projects utilizing computer science principles, theories, concepts, methods and techniques? (limit characters)
9. Which statement best describes your experience integrating multiple computer disciplines in order to ensure that the technical concerns and issues specific to the diverse disciplines required for completion of a project are coordinated and that conflicts are resolved in the preparation of software specifications? (limit characters)
10. Which statement best describes your experience developing designs, plans, and specifications for computer software systems and devices, including those of major size and complexity for use in a variety of facilities? (limit characters)
11. Which statement best describes your experience reviewing and evaluating the computer science soundness of existing software systems, proposed system designs, and related standards? (limit characters)
12. Which of the following statements best describe your experience using engineering techniques and solutions to resolve information system problems where established methods and procedures are inapplicable or are unavailable. (limit characters)
13. Which statement best describes your ability to communicate orally? (limit characters)
14. Which best describes your experience in the preparation of a project plan for a software design project? (limit characters)
15. Which statement best describes your experience consulting and providing advice based on IS architecture to management in order to resolve computer architecture and system issues? (limit characters)
16. Which of the following statements best describe your experience initiating and developing engineering models, operational studies, and tests of interoperability among a wide variety of information systems and components? (limit characters)
17. Which of the following statements best describe your experience analyzing diverse information systems requirements to develop detailed functional requirements and contract specifications for systems that solve complex or unusual problems? (limit characters)
18. In which of the following areas do you have experience implementing enterprise solutions? (limit characters)
19. Which of the following statements best describe your experience applying or using computer languages and their applications to enable a system to perform specific functions? (limit characters)
20. Which statement best describes the types of documents you have written? (limit characters)
break of 13 and 14  (limit characters)
21. What is your best experience designing program level Solution Architecture based on functional and non-functional requirements? (limit characters)
22. What is your best experience designing and developing with JEE, MPP, Linux and other distributed technologies? (limit characters)
23. What is your best experience in Fraud and/or Anomaly Detection Projects? (limit characters)
24. Which statement describes your leadership experience? (limit characters)
25. Which statement best describes your experience developing, planning, and designing technical alteration and computer software projects utilizing computer science principles, theories, concepts, methods and techniques? (limit characters)
26. Which statement best describes your experience integrating various computer disciplines in order to ensure that the technical concerns and issues specific to the diverse disciplines required for completion of a project are coordinated and that conflicts are resolved in the preparation of software specifications, etc.? (limit characters)
27. Which statement best describes your experience developing designs, plans, and specifications for computer software systems and devices, including those of major size and complexity for use in a variety of facilities? (limit characters)
28. Which statement best describes your experience reviewing and evaluating the computer science soundness of existing software systems, proposed system designs, and related standards? (limit characters)
29. Which best describes your experience in the development of information technology design and operations guidance, documents, and policies? (limit characters)
30. Which best describes your experience initiating and developing engineering models, operational studies and tests of interoperability among a wide variety of information systems components? (limit characters)
31. Which best describes your experience providing technical advice and counsel to executive level managers on major Information Technology issues? (limit characters)
32. Which best describes your experience in negotiating and resolving controversial and important Information Technology issues? (limit characters)
33. Which statement best describes your experience in justifying recommendations on major Information Technology agency-wide projects? (limit characters)
34. Which statement best describes your ability to advise others on software and hardware projects? (limit characters)
35. Which statement best describes your experience to direct multi-discipline teams in accomplishment of planning, design, or construction projects. (limit characters)
36. Which statement best describes your experience consulting and providing advice based on IS architecture to Agency management in order to resolve electronic communication and computer architecture and system issues? (limit characters)
37. Which statement best describe your experience initiating and developing engineering models, operational studies, and tests of interoperability among a wide variety of information systems and components? (limit characters)
38. Which statement best describe your experience leading projects to design, acquire, and implement major prototype and development systems, or making extensive modifications and upgrades to existing systems? (limit characters)
39. Which best describes your experience initiating, directing, or conducting engineering or information systems studies that require broad expertise across engineering/information systems disciplines? (limit characters)
40. Which best describes your experience analyzing diverse information systems requirements to develop detailed functional requirements and contract specifications for systems that solve complex or unusual problems? (limit characters)
41. In which of the following areas do you have experience implementing enterprise solutions? (limit characters)
42. Which statement best describes your experience developing designs, plans, and specifications for computer engineering systems and software and hardware equipment and devices, including those of major size and complexity for agency wide use? (limit characters)
43. Which statement best describes your experience reviewing and evaluating existing software and hardware system designs, proposed designs, and related standards to ensure that they are robust by engineering industry standards? (limit characters)
44. Which statement best describes your experience developing designs, plans, and specifications for computer engineering systems and software and hardware equipment and devices, including those of major size and complexity for agency wide use? (limit characters)
45. Which statement best describes your experience evaluating existing software and hardware system designs and proposed system designs against technical standards and/or enterprise architecture for implementation in an operating environment agency wide? (limit characters)
46. Which of the following statements best describe your experience applying your knowledge of computer languages and their applications to enable a system to perform specific functions? (limit characters)
47. Which statement best describes your experience applying your knowledge of computer network, desktop, and mainframe operating systems and their applications? (limit characters)
48. Which statement best describes your experience working on large systems projects: (limit characters)
49. Which statement best describes the types of documents you have written? (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
50. To qualify for this position and receive full credit for your relevant experience you must list the month/year and number of hours worked for experience listed on your resume. Your resume must support your responses to the questions. Do you understand that failure to provide sufficient evidence in your resume may result in a "not qualified" determination? .

Select "Yes" or "No" to the following questions.
 (limit characters)
51. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand if I make an intentional false statement, or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001); my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied an appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 C.F.R. part 731). I understand any information I give may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in my not being considered for this position.

Failure to agree or respond to the statement below will disqualify you from further consideration for the position. Select the most appropriate response below. (limit characters)
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