Become a Leader in Federal Technology: Supervisory IT Specialist Opportunity

Are you an experienced IT professional with a passion for public service and team leadership? The Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), is seeking a qualified Supervisory Information Technology Specialist (Supervisory Computer Specialist) to join its Information Technology and Data Division (ITDD). This GS-13 position presents an outstanding opportunity to lead critical technical infrastructure and support networks that keep federal correctional operations running smoothly and securely across the country.

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About the Agency: The Federal Bureau of Prisons

The Federal Bureau of Prisons plays a crucial role in the American justice system. Its core mission is to protect society by confining offenders in environments that are safe, humane, cost-efficient, and appropriately secure. By providing productive work and self-improvement programs, the BOP prepares individuals for successful reentry into their communities.

Widely recognized as a model of outstanding public administration, the BOP is dedicated to maintaining safe environments for both its staff and the public. Joining the BOP means becoming part of a highly respected network of professionals committed to public safety and rehabilitation.

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Job Responsibilities and Core Duties

As a Supervisory IT Specialist (GS-13), you will be placed in either the Field IT Sector Administration Branch or the Computer Services Administration & User Support Branch (CSAUS). In this dynamic leadership capacity, your day-to-day duties will include:

• Team Leadership & Development: Supervising, training, and directing a dedicated team of IT specialists who provide complex technical and operational support to Bureau facilities nationwide.
• Advanced Technical Troubleshooting: Leading special task forces to resolve critical operational issues within existing application systems and providing rapid-response technical support to Central Office and nationwide field staff.
• Network Management & Security: Managing local area network (LAN) operations, managing user access privileges, implementing file access permissions, and defining robust standard operating procedures for data backups.
• Cross-Agency Collaboration: Coordinating technical support efforts between local help desks, the Network Control Center, and central DOJ support groups like PC Support, Mainframe Support, and the JCN Help Desk.
• Innovation & Quality Assurance: Testing and benchmarking new hardware and software applications, then delivering cost-effective recommendations to executive leadership to modernize agency infrastructure.

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Qualifications & Requirements

To qualify for this GS-13 position, candidates must meet both the general competencies and specialized experience requirements.

Core Competencies

Applicants will be evaluated on the following essential competencies during the assessment phase:

• Attention to Detail: Thoroughness in carrying out work and ensuring exceptional accuracy.
• Customer Service: Assessing user needs, resolving issues, and ensuring high-quality IT service delivery.
• Decision Making: Making objective, well-informed decisions that support agency objectives.
• Interpersonal Skills: Fostering cooperative and positive professional relationships.
• Technical Competence: Applying deep technical knowledge of network operations, hardware, and diagnostics to resolve operational challenges.

Specialized Experience

Candidates must possess at least one full year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (GS-12) in the federal service or private sector equivalent. Qualifying experience includes:

• Diagnosing and resolving complex system design, hardware, telecommunication, and operating system issues.
• Installing, configuring, and maintaining complex LAN systems.
• Supervising or leading staff who provide IT diagnostics and troubleshooting on user PCs and network equipment.
• Developing, writing, or implementing help desk workflows and standard network operating guidelines.

Note: Candidates may also qualify based on possessing professional certifications, licenses, or a demonstrated record of high-level achievement and publication in the IT field.

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Salary and Locations Overview

This position is open in multiple locations across the country, allowing candidates to select their preferred duty stations during the application process. The base salary range is $106,437 to $158,322 per year (GS-13), with final compensation adjusted based on geographic locality pay.

Location	Locality Area	Regional Focus
Washington, D.C.	Washington-Baltimore-Arlington	Capital Headquarters & Policy Coordination
Leavenworth, Kansas	Kansas City Metro Area	Midwestern Regional Operations & Facility Support
Grand Prairie, Texas	Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex	Southwestern Operations & Consolidated Staffing

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Benefits & Perks

As a federal employee, you will have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your long-term health, financial security, and work-life balance. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive Health Care: Choose from a wide selection of health, dental, and vision insurance options (FEHB).
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) & Long-Term Care Insurance.
• Generous Paid Leave: Accrue annual (vacation) leave and sick leave, plus enjoy 11 paid federal holidays.
• Retirement Security: Enrollment in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which includes a defined benefit pension and matching contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) up to 5%.
• Life Insurance: Access to Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) plans.
• Work-Life Balance: Telework opportunities based on agency policies and operational needs.

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Application Tips & USA Hire Assessments

Navigating the federal application process requires meticulous preparation. Use these expert strategies to maximize your chances of success:

1. Build a Highly Detailed Resume: Unlike private-sector resumes, federal resumes should be thorough and clear. Ensure your resume explicitly lists the start and end dates (MM/YYYY) and the exact hours worked per week for each position. Keep your resume concise but complete (the BOP recommends a 2-page limit for this position).
2. Align with Competencies: Tailor your resume to reflect the key competencies of the role, such as customer service, network coordination, and supervisory leadership.
3. Prepare for the USA Hire Assessment: After submitting your initial application, you will be directed to take the online USA Hire Assessments. This evaluation takes approximately two hours and measures critical competencies like decisiveness, interpersonal skills, resilience, and problem-solving. Review the OPM practice resources before starting.
4. Submit All Required Documentation: Make sure you upload clear, legible copies of your transcripts, DD-214 (if claiming veteran's preference), SF-50 (if you are a current or former federal employee), and any professional certifications.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is telework available for this position?

Yes, this role is eligible for telework, subject to agency policies and operational requirements.

2. Does this position have a law enforcement retirement benefit?

This is a secondary/non-law enforcement coverage position. To qualify for secondary coverage, you must meet specific requirements, such as having three years of primary coverage and completing mandatory correctional training.

3. How long does the hiring process take?

The Bureau of Prisons aims to make a final job offer within 80 days of the application closing date.

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If you are ready to elevate your career and apply your IT expertise to support national public safety, the Supervisory IT Specialist role at the Federal Bureau of Prisons is an exceptional fit. Take the next step in your career journey and submit your application today.