Information Technology Specialist (Applications Software)

Southern Arkansas University; United States; On-site; USD 70,623 - 111,087; Full time

Job summary

Southern Arkansas University is seeking an Information Technology Specialist to develop and maintain GIS applications supporting Homeland Security. This role involves working with geospatial information systems and requires strong technical and problem-solving skills.

The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, implementing, and supporting geospatial applications, as well as conducting quality assurance on geospatial datasets to ensure data integrity.

The position offers a competitive salary with room for advancement and is ideal for individuals passionate about technology and security.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required for application.
• Strong understanding of GIS applications and systems.
• Ability to translate business requirements into technical specifications.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop GIS applications within ArcGIS environments.
• Administer and maintain enterprise geodatabases.
• Conduct QA/QC of geospatial datasets and cartographic products.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Customer Service

Oral Communication

Problem Solving

Tools

ArcGIS Online

ArcGIS Enterprise

ArcGIS Server

SQL Server

PostgreSQL

Python

Arcade

Job description

Information Technology Specialist (Applications Software)

Joining the Customs and Border Protection, Office of Information and Technology will allow you to use your experience in application software by developing, managing, implementing and maintaining various Information Technology (IT) application software components. This position starts at a salary of $70,623.00 (GS-9, Step 1) to $111,087.00 (GS-11, Step 10) with promotion potential to $133,142 (GS-12 Step 10). Apply for this exciting opportunity to strengthen Homeland Security by supporting new or existing software applications.

GS Salary: Visit this link to view the locality pay tables by geographic area. If you do not see your geographic area listed, select the "Rest of United States" pay table. Some positions fall under a special pay rate depending on the series, grade level and location of the position. Please visit this link to view special pay rate charts.

In this Information Technology Specialist (Applications Software) position, you will become a key team member of Homeland Security professionals. Typical work assignments include:

• Designing, developing, debugging, modifying, testing, installing, implementing, and supporting new and existing Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) applications within ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Enterprise, and ArcGIS Server environments.
• Analyzing and refining application systems requirements for assigned GIS programs, incorporating stakeholder input to design, developing, testing, and implementing geospatial software solutions.
• Translating business requirements into technical specifications, creating technical user stories, and developing project plans and roadmaps.
• Administering and maintaining enterprise geodatabases (e.g., SQL Server, PostgreSQL), including schema updates, data versioning, and performance optimization; providing configuration, integration, and management of geospatial IT infrastructure (e.g., ArcGIS Online/Enterprise, server environments) to ensure availability, performance, and security.
• Conducting QA/QC of geospatial datasets, geoprocessing outputs, enterprise geodatabases, and cartographic products to ensure data integrity and compliance with federal geospatial standards (DHS, FGDC, US BGN, ISO).
• Ensuring compliance with CBP OIT policies, Section 508 accessibility standards, IT security requirements, and change management processes; providing technical guidance and resolving complex issues related to GIS application support, design, configuration, development, and deployment.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
• Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years.
• All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English.
• You may be required to pass a background investigation.
• CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures.
• As an employee of CBP, you will be joining a workforce that is dedicated to accomplishing our mission while maintaining the trust of our Nation by strictly adhering to all government ethics standards.
• DHS uses E-Verify, an internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities.
• The open period for this job opportunity announcement may be extended to allow for a sufficient applicant pool.

Qualifications

Basic Requirement: Applicants must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below.

• 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 service 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; 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.

Experience: You qualify for the GS-9 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

• Assisting in the modification of Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) application code or geoprocessing workflows using established templates and guidance.
• Performing routine testing of software functionality and documenting results for review by senior staff.
• Troubleshooting and resolving common software errors (e.g., script syntax issues, failed data loads) under guidance.
• Providing technical assistance to customers on standard GIS application functions, including responding to requests for map printing or basic data extraction.
• Performing standard QA/QC checks on geospatial datasets and cartographic products and correcting missing attribute values or routine errors.

Experience: You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

• Independently designing, developing, debugging, modifying, testing, installing, implementing, and supporting new and existing GIS applications within ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Enterprise, and ArcGIS Server environments.
• Developing and maintaining static and dynamic cartographic products integrated within enterprise systems.
• Creating and maintaining automation scripts using Python and Arcade for geospatial tasks.
• Conducting QA/QC of geospatial datasets, geoprocessing outputs, enterprise geodatabases, and cartographic products to ensure data integrity and metadata completeness.

NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements.

Please upload your resume under the "Resume" document type. Any other relevant supporting documents should be uploaded under their appropriate document types as mentioned above. Only resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Applicants with resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Do not submit documents as PDF portfolios.

Education Substitution: Please see Education section for details.

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.

You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process by 06/24/2026.