Posting 24-34

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.

NOTE: This is a career ladder opportunity with promotion potential to grade 12. Selection for this position to be made at the grade 09, 11, or 12 level. Candidates may be non-competitively promoted to the next grade level, up to grade 12, upon the recommendation of the supervisor based on classification requirements, satisfactory performance and qualifications of the employee. First consideration may be made 14 days after the opening date.

INTRODUCTION:
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support.  Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants. 

SUMMARY:
The Minor Planet Center (MPC) at the CfA, is sanctioned by the International Astronomical Union, and works within the Solar Stellar Planetary Sciences Division to process, archive, and publish all astrometric and radar observations of the Solar System’s small bodies. The MPC seeks to hire an IT Specialist to perform Software Development.

MAJOR DUTIES:

• Functions as a software IT Specialist to develop and maintain Python and web-based software applications and services related to the Minor Planet Center.
• Develops new data analysis and visualization tools to help understand the MPC’s ever-growing data-set of observations and orbits.
• Develops unit tests and applies continuous integration to both existing and new software projects
• Collaborates with scientists and software development staff as needed
• Participates in regular software planning and status reporting activities
• Contributes to the improvement and upkeep of Minor Planet Center software development best practices
• Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS: 

1.  Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
2.  Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services 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 
3. quality products and services.
4.  Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
5.  Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
• Complete a Probationary Period if applicable. 
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:  Please use the following link to visit Smithsonian's Career Page:  Smithsonian Institution Job Opportunities Site

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact the Human Resources Specialist listed. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in our workplace.

Visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds supports and enhances our daily work life and contributes to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. For more information on the Smithsonian EEO program please see www.si.edu/oeema.