Position Duties/Responsibilities

DS-03 - The specialist performs intermediate level technical support work in a field such as Facilities and Equipment Operations, Logistics, Quality Assurance, Information Technology, and/or in other similar areas.

Work at this level requires thorough and fundamental training, background knowledge, and skills in a specific field. The Specialist plans and accomplishes moderately complex work for which guidelines and precedents are usually applicable but often require interpretation. He/she may lead subtasks of large projects as members of a technical task team. In addition to the immediate work group, personal contacts are normally made with working level personnel within and outside the activity to exchange information and to resolve problems of moderate complexity.

The supervisor assigns specific projects and sets deadlines for completing the work. Work is performed under general supervision. Routine assignments are made in general terms. Specific instructions are provided for more complex assignments with unusual characteristics. The employee may also suggest new ways to accomplish objectives and adapt existing techniques and equipment to new users. Work problems are normally resolved by the employee without reference to the supervisor. However, the supervisor or higher-level employee provides assistance on controversial issues that lack precedents. Work may be reviewed in progress, for compliance with requirements and instructions, and upon completion, for consistency and overall accuracy.

The work may be at the full performance level or it may be designed to provide the competencies, skills, and experiences needed to perform Pay Band IV Level work. Work assignments assume that the specialist is familiar with the employing organization’s structure, mission and concept of operations and that he/she observes and practices safe and effective work habits including Information Assurance and protection of classified information.

Note: This is the full performance level for positions that do not meet DS-IV Level Descriptor criteria.

DS-04 - The employee operates as a full performance, journey-level employee in a field such as Facilities and Equipment Operations, Logistics, Quality Assurance, Information Technology, and/or in other similar areas. He/she performs technical research assignments, maintains equipment, drafts technical reports, and responds to other miscellaneous requests.

The Work requires extended technical training and experience in one or more technical fields which have resulted in a complete grasp of specialized and complex subject matter in which the incumbent is considered a technical resource within the work group. Guidelines may be nonexistent and the specialist may be required to develop new methodology and procedures which extend existing knowledge and result in methods and procedures for others to follow.

The complex assignments require critical and independent judgment in making compromises to satisfy requirements and to anticipate and assess the impact of events in one area on other processes and programs. The employee develops new approaches or methodology, which may be controversial and, at this level, he/she may be called upon to support these ideas and proposals. The employee is recognized for his/her expertise and is sought out by other specialists and managers for input to problem solving.

On complex issues in the areas of expertise, the employee provides authoritative advice, which is accepted as accurate by management and is used as the basis for managerial decision making. He/she may direct the work of other employees (of equivalent or lower Pay Bands) who may be involved in performing segments of the overall work under the employee’s cognizance. At this level, the employee may be called upon to provide training and/or mentoring to other personnel.

The nature of personal contacts is to exchange information, identify problems, propose solutions, and defend recommendations on controversial issues to all levels at the activity and, at times, to other activities and higher-level headquarters.

Assignments are made in general terms. The supervisor outlines the assignment’s critical or novel features and establishes important parameters. The employee is expected to participate in definition of assignments, determine approaches from a wide range of alternatives, and identify and assemble required resources. He/she is responsible for planning and organizing the work, coordinating with staff and line management personnel, and interpreting regulations with minimal guidance. The employee informs the supervisor of potentially controversial issues or problems. The supervisor reviews completed work for adherence to guidelines, compatibility with organizational goals, and attainment of objectives.

Note: This is the full performance level for positions that do not meet DS-V Level Descriptor criteria.

Minimum Salary

71,244

Maximum Salary

134,317

Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD)

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DS-2210-03/04 (SYSADMIN)