Senior Information Technology Specialist

USDA-FSIS; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) in Kansas City seeks a GS-14-level IT leader to guide AI/ML strategy within the OCIO AIIC. You will help design enterprise AI/ML solutions, ensure security, policy compliance, and alignment with federal requirements.

The role emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration with database admins, testers, and developers to deliver scalable AI capabilities across the agency, including cloud integration and data pipelines.

Qualifications

• 52 weeks of progressively responsible specialized experience at or equivalent to GS-13 in the federal government.
• Leading a multidisciplinary team to design, develop, and deliver AI/ML enabled enterprise solutions.
• Advising on enterprise AI/ML policies, processes, and technical standards for safe deployment.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver AI/ML enterprise solutions aligned with architectural standards and federal requirements.
• Advise leadership on AI strategy, governance, risk, and policy implementation.

Skills

AI/ML leadership

Enterprise architecture

Cloud integration

Data pipelines

Model lifecycle

Policy development

Technical standards

Team collaboration

Job description

Summary

Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual CSALA and Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program are available. The position is in the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Center (AIIC). The AIIC provides policy and guidance on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its subsets to ensure the organization uses AI safely, securely, and responsibly, in line with federal policy.

Duties

Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual CSALA and Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program are available. The position is in the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Center (AIIC). The AIIC provides policy and guidance on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its subsets to ensure the organization uses AI safely, securely, and responsibly, in line with federal policy.

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience as defined below. GS 14: Specialized Experience: In order to meet the specialized experience requirement, you must have completed 52 weeks of progressively responsible, specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS 13 grade level in the federal government. The specialized experience for this position includes all of the following: Leading a multidisciplinary team-such as database administrators, testers, and developers-to design, develop, and deliver AI/ML enabled enterprise solutions, ensuring alignment with architectural standards, mission needs, and federal requirements. Designing and enhancing enterprise architecture systems capable of performing AI/ML functions, including integration with cloud platforms, data pipelines, automated workflows, and decision support logic. Advising on, developing, and implementing enterprise AI/ML policies, processes, and technical standards to ensure safe, secure, and responsible deployment of AI capabilities across the organization. Identifying, analyzing, and resolving complex AI system challenges-including interoperability, data structure compatibility, workflow automation, and model lifecycle management-to advance rapid solution development. Conducting research and impact analyses on emerging AI technologies, tools, risks, and regulatory changes, and communicating actionable recommendations to agency leadership to guide modernization and innovation strategies. In addition to the above specialized experience requirements, applicants will undergo a structure resume review to determine whether they meet the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) of the 2210 series. Successfully completing the 2210 series USAHire assessment with a passing score will be used as proof of possessing the necessary proficiency in the following competencies: Attention to Detail Customer Service Decision Making Interpersonal Skills Teamwork A panel of subject matter experts will review your resume to determine if you meet the minimum proficiency level (as defined by the 2210 series IOR) for the following competencies: Information Management Oral Communication Problem Solving Technical Competence 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is the public health regulatory agency responsible for ensuring the safety of meat, poultry and processed eggs. USDA is a great place to start or continue your career. FSIS offers various recruitment incentives to newly hired eligible employees. You may be eligible for one or more of the following: Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual: Calculated to determine the annual leave accrual rate Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program: For more information please visit: PSLF Program This position provides information technology planning and design, involving governance and compliance, strategic AI policy, enhancing technical capabilities, AI security and risk oversight, and innovation and modernization initiative activities. For more information on USDA and the Food Safety and Inspection Service, visit FSIS.