Summary This position is located in the Mission Platforms Section, Platform Services Division, IT Design & Development Directorate, Office of the Chief Information Officer. Responsibilities This position serves as a technical expert in the design, development, testing, implementation and support of software solutions for the National Library Service of the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS). The work will focus on continuous development of the Braille and Audio Reading Download service (BARD), including the web site and supporting Application Programming Interface (API) services. The incumbent will be expected to: Work with stakeholders and end-users to define functional requirements, translate functional requirements into design specifications, and determine best approach for implementing new application features within the technical environment. Independently design, program, test, and integrate related software components into a single application that meets user requirements. Upgrade and enhance existing applications, implement new applications, and integrate applications with existing or new COTS applications. Serve as the focal point for guiding the development process of all technical capabilities associated with BARD. Ensure information security/information assurance policies, principles, and practices are integrated into the delivery of application software solutions. Ensures user interfaces are compliant with the provisions of the American with Disabilities Act, especially for the Blind and Print disabled. Oversee the migration of Web-based applications to the production environment and monitors applications for stability, accuracy, and performance. Responsible for the ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and administration of a portfolio of Web-based applications that support critical enterprise functions. Meet with vendor technical representatives, functional area specialists and system engineering staff to resolve technical issues, and to implement and coordinate new software releases. Monitor the performance of these systems adding I enhancements, modifications, and additional features as requested by management and end users or to comply with changes in security or agency directives. Train staff in the use of new or modified applications and in the use of other Web-based products and services through various methods, including but not limited to, on the job training, classroom training, and development of user guides or manuals. Provide technical expertise in analyzing, diagnosing, and resolving problems with Web-based applications and to answer information technology related questions about those applications. Independently troubleshoots and performs diagnostic testing to resolve complex problems throughout the entire Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), addressing items such as systems capacity and performance problems. Use sound judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness in resolving complex problems or developing innovative methods to handle new or unprecedented issues or business requirements. Develop plans to aid in the recovery of failed applications by determining the cause of failure, documenting methods for preventing future failures, correcting the defective application, and restoring files, interfaces, and application components, as needed. Serve as the technical authority on software systems within their span of expertise and control and the software development practices and tools used throughout the SDLC. Exercise considerable judgment and ingenuity in advocating the benefits of implementing application improvements or adopting new methodologies or tools used in all phases of the SDLC. Review proposed policy, regulations, and procedural changes to determine their impact on areas of responsibility and takes/recommends appropriate action to minimize the impact of those changes. Monitor emerging technology and agency directions and make recommendations accordingly. Provide expert analysis and advice and develops solutions to solve issues and problems associated with critical enterprise business applications. Research and/or analyze constantly evolving complex program related IT issues or problems where the success of the program is dependent on the IT solution. Based on conditions and factors that relate to the subject program and related programs, determines what information is required, and collects from multiple sources. Reviews information, reconciles conflicting data, and devises new or modified methods to analyze findings. Performs various other duties as assigned. The position description number for this position is 331553. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. The incumbent of this position will work a Compflex, or flextime; or Maxiflex work schedule. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement. Requirements Conditions of Employment Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment. This permanent position is eligible for 100% distant or local telework. The salary range advertised is for the Washington, DC area and may be adjusted based on the geographic locale of the selected applicant(s). Selectee(s) will not be eligible for relocation expenses in the event the Library determines the position is no longer suitable for distant telework. Qualifications Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision. Ability to develop Library and Digital Content Management applications. ** Ability to develop and implement software applications within a team using Agile and Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) best practices. ** Ability to conduct systems analyses and design. Ability to communicate in writing. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing. Education Additional Information Although it is the Library's policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay, a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid at step one of the grade. The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement. Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see: Vetting Process This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email ADA@loc.gov. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this position. The proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicant’s college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the application. Certification from health care providers are not accepted. For more information contact the Library's Office of EEO/Diversity Programs at 202-707-6024 or email spp@loc.gov. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM. The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service. The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement. Initial permanent appointments to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. Probationary periods served at other Federal agencies do not count toward this requirement. The Library of Congress may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans. However, not all service units within the Library of Congress participates in the repayment of federally insured student loans. Therefore, determination to repay a federally insured student loan is subject to approval by the appropriate service unit. A “Not to Exceed" (NTE) status is used to identify an appointment with a specific ending date. However, the Library has the right to separate a NTE employee at any time due to either performance issues or budget constraints. Are you a veteran? Please indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming in your application materials and/or applicant profile and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim. Those applying for 5-point preference must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out an SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. If required supporting documentation is not attached, Veterans' Preference will not be considered in the application process.