Summary This position is located in the Clerk's Office of the United States District and Bankruptcy Courts for the District of Columbia.
This job is open to - The public U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency A Moderate Risk Background Investigation (MBI) is required.
Duties The Programmer/Systems Administrator provides analysis of user needs and the current/future equipment and resource needs of the court. The incumbent is responsible for the design, development, and support of application software, and takes a lead role involving software development with multiple programming languages, such as Linux Operating System, shell scripts, Perl, HTML, and Java languages. The Programmer/Systems Administrator manages and deploys databases; develops complex project plans; manages resources to ensure that projects are completed on time, on budget, and to the satisfaction of stakeholders; and is the systems administrator for CM/ECF. Situational telework may be available; however, this is not a full-time telework position. Responsibilities The duties include, but are not limited to the following: CL-28:
- Serve as the system administrator for CM/ECF for the United States District and Bankruptcy Courts for the District of Columbia.
- Administer, support, and maintain all Informix database systems in support of the CM/ECF software.
- Test and implement new CM/ECF software releases.
- Utilize shell scripts, Perl, HTML, Java, and other programing languages to develop system features to meet end user needs, and to maintain and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of locally and nationally developed systems and databases.
- Monitor day-to-day operations of the locally and nationally supported programs, applications, systems, and databases.
- Recommend strategies to judges, court management, and the user community to determine requirements for systems which support the mission of the court.
- Maintain contact with other automation court personnel at different locations and levels for the purpose of remaining knowledgeable of developments, techniques, and user programs.
- Design, modify, and implement short and long-range automation improvement plans for the court, ensuring that changes can be implemented with minimal disruption to the work of the court.
- Represent the district and circuit in judiciary-wide initiatives, meetings, conferences, etc.
- Develop, implement, and manage large-scale and small-scale projects from inception to delivery, including developing complex project plans, thorough design plans, and detailed timelines.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
CL-29 In addition to the duties and responsibilities at the CL-28, candidates at the CL-29 level must:
- Consult with and provide advice and guidance to judges, senior managers, and staff of the courts throughout the district and the circuit on current and future technologies and the automation of manual court processes.Provide advice and guidance on technology purchases.
- Manage execution of automation plans for major automated systems and establish training in system use and capabilities.Perform testing, establish procedures, and devise security systems for hardware, software, and data.
- Develop long term plans for the automation of manual processes, implementing state of the art technologies.
- Research current and future technologies and trends and analyze alternatives, including commercial off-the-shelf software.Develop prototype applications and coordinate with judges, senior managers, and staff to ensure that development efforts are meeting the needs of the court.
- Perform cost benefit analysis on all development projects.
- Provide guidance to programmers and web master in day-to-day responsibilities and with non-routine questions.
- Monitor, review, and analyze internal controls to ensure development projects meet or exceed established controls and separation of duties.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements Conditions of Employment United States citizenship is required for consideration for this position. Employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees. Employees of the United States District and Bankruptcy Court for the District of Columbia are excepted service appointments. Excepted service appointments are At-Will and can be terminated with or without cause by the court. Employees are required to use the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit. The selected candidate will undergo a background check and a Moderate Risk Background Investigation (MBI). This is a five-year background investigation with five-year periodic updates. Selection will be made consistent with the provisions of the Equal Employment Opportunity Plan adopted by the United States District and Bankruptcy Courts for the District of Columbia.
Qualifications To qualify for the CL-28, the candidate must also possess a minimum of two years of specialized experience or completion of a master's degree or two years of graduate study (27 semester or 54 quarter hours) in an accredited university in business or public administration, political science, criminal justice, law or other fields closely related to the subject matter of the position. To qualify for the CL-29, the candidate must also possess a minimum of two years of specialized experience. Specialized Experience: Progressively responsible experience that is in, or closely related to, the work of the position that has provided the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Preferred Experience: The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing is critical. Must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to effectively communicate with technical support staff and non-technical users.Must be able to maintain complete and highly accurate records and files. Excellent organization skills, the ability to respond to requests on short notice, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and stringent deadlines are essential. Must exercise good judgment, flexibility, and initiative.
Education The successful candidate must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in information technology or a field closely related to the subject matter of the position.
Additional information Full-time employees of the United States District and Bankruptcy Courts for the District of Columbia are eligible for a full range of benefits to include:
- A minimum of 11 paid holidays per year
- Paid annual leave in the amount of 13 days per year for the first three years, 20 days per year after three years, and 26 days per year after fifteen years
- Paid sick leave in the amount of 13 days per year
- Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS)
- Optional participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), Federal Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), the Flexible Benefits Program, the Commuter Benefit Program, and SmartBenefits (mass transit subsidy up to $315 per month)
- Employee Recognition Program, budget permitting
- Tuition Assistance, budget permitting
- Workers' Compensation Program
- On-site physical fitness facility
- Flexible work schedule
- Federal Occupational Health Services Program (FOH)/ On-site Health Unit
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Work Life Services
- Virtual Learning through the Judiciary Online University
- Student Loan Forgiveness for Public Service Employees
- Priority enrollment for children beginning at three months of age until kindergarten of all employees of the United States Courts in the Thurgood Marshall Child Development Center (TMCDC)
For more detailed information about Federal Judiciary benefits, please go to
- Benefits Review our benefits
How You Will Be Evaluated You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. See the Qualifications and Conditions of Employment sections.
- Benefits Review our benefits
- Required Documents As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies. Qualified individuals for this At-Will position must submit the following:
- A cover letter detailing how your experience relates to the position requirements.
- AO-78, Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment (can be downloaded from
- A resume detailing all relevant experience, education, and skills.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. - How to Apply Applications may be mailed or hand delivered to: United States District and Bankruptcy Courts Attn: Human Resources (2024-07) 333 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 2712 Washington, DC 20001 Or via e-mail to: ...@dcd.uscourts.gov For questions, please contact the Human Resources Department at 202-###-####. For a full list of vacancies, please see our website: Agency contact information Human Resources Email ...@dcd.uscourt.gov Address US District and Bankruptcy Courts for DC United States District Court E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse 333 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 1130 Washington, DC 20001 US Next steps Failure to submit a complete and signed cover letter, AO-78, and resume will result in immediate disqualification. Description of Work section of the AO-78 must be completed to include salary information. Indicating see resume is not acceptable. Incomplete and/or unsigned applications will not be considered, returned or retained.Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted and must travel at their own expense. One application per candidate will be accepted for this announcement.Applicants for Vacancy Announcement 2023-07 need not reapply.
- Fair and Transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Criminal history inquiries
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Financial suitability
- New employee probationary period
- Privacy Act
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Selective Service
- Signature and false statements
- Social security number request
Required Documents Qualified individuals for this At-Will position must submit the following:
- A cover letter detailing how your experience relates to the position requirements.
- AO-78, Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment (can be downloaded from
- A resume detailing all relevant experience, education, and skills.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply Applications may be mailed or hand delivered to: United States District and Bankruptcy Courts Attn: Human Resources (2024-07) 333 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 2712 Washington, DC 20001 Or via e-mail to: ...@dcd.uscourts.gov For questions, please contact the Human Resources Department at 202-###-####. For a full list of vacancies, please see our website:
Agency contact information Human Resources Email ...@dcd.uscourt.gov Address US District and Bankruptcy Courts for DC United States District Court E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse 333 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 1130 Washington, DC 20001 US
Next steps Failure to submit a complete and signed cover letter, AO-78, and resume will result in immediate disqualification. Description of Work section of the AO-78 must be completed to include salary information. Indicating see resume is not acceptable. Incomplete and/or unsigned applications will not be considered, returned or retained.Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted and must travel at their own expense. One application per candidate will be accepted for this announcement.Applicants for Vacancy Announcement 2023-07 need not reapply.
Fair & Transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Criminal history inquiries
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Financial suitability
- New employee probationary period
- Privacy Act
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Selective Service
- Signature and false statements
- Social security number request