Foreign Service Diplomatic Technology Officer at U.S. Department of State

Foreign Service Diplomatic Technology Officer Foreign Service Diplomatic Technology Officers (DTO) are responsible for the Department's Diplomatic Technology (DT) programs and systems world-wide. The duties of DTO vary according to the size of the post and the requirements of the specific diplomatic mission. Across overseas posts and domestic offices, the following examples illustrate the types of duties and responsibilities typically performed by a DTO: Customer Service Skills: Provide support to users of information management services, including configuring and optimizing software. Train users on new software applications and provide guidance on updated IT policies and procedures. Encourage and facilitate end-user participation in technology and technical decision-making. Information Technology Skills: Administer computer systems and manage system performance, including network setup and system startup, operation, and shutdown. Manage user access: onboard and train personnel, troubleshoot and resolve issues, track and report incidents, support users, and install or replace equipment and components. Operate and maintain both classified and unclassified IT systems including client/server environments, desktops, messaging platforms, web technologies, databases and virtual servers supporting LAN/WAN. Oversee telecommunication network services. Manage communications infrastructure, including cabling, circuits, video conferencing, communications flow, coordinating with host country officials, and wireless/Wi-Fi programs. Manage voice communication services. telephone and radio systems, mobile device programs, equipment provisioning, and VoIP technologies. Install, maintain, and troubleshoot network infrastructure, telephone systems, local and regional radio, and crisis communications systems at U.S. missions. Provide technical expertise and rapid response support to missions with urgent technology needs. Information Management Skills: Implement IT projects by gathering requirements, designing solutions, and supporting development and deployment. Procure IT products and services, test and deploy solutions, and maintain IT inventory and procurement processes. Oversee cloud requirements and support collaboration tools and IT services. Manage pouch operations, the diplomatic post office, and telephone operator programs. Supervise locally employed staff, including system administrators, mailroom personnel, telephone and radio technicians, and switchboard operators. Assign work and manage individual performance. Serve as a member of the embassy or consulate management team and perform additional duties as directed or required by mission needs. Support emergency planning and response, including management of emergency wireless and digital communications. Ensure emergency destruction capabilities and maintain alternate processing sites. Information Security: Maintain internal controls for Department of State automated information systems. Safeguard classified documents, communications equipment and workspaces. Promote and enforce communications security practices. Configure and update security settings; monitor security; and manage physical security and network security. Oversee telephone system security. Support cybersecurity requirements and centralized server systems across multiple posts. Manage the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) program. Essential Physical Requirements Some of the essential functions of the Diplomatic Technology Officer (DTO) job have a physically demanding component. In the execution of the duties and tasks listed above, DTOs are required to: Crawl under desks, office furnishings, and other objects and work in confined spaces such as under desks or equipment or in crawlspaces, attics, communication closets, etc. Walk and climb stairs. Bend, twist, reach, stoop, crouch, climb, and work on feet for extended periods. Lift up to 70 pounds and carry up to 50 pounds. Push, pull, or drag heaving objects or equipment. Carry equipment up and down stairs. See small objects such as fonts, wires, and computer components under low illumination. Hear voices in noisy offices, on poor phone connections or at low volume or soft spoken, including distinguishing words in heavy accents. Hear to audibly monitor computer equipment for faulty conditions such as noise from a server or hard drive. Pull wires, cables, and ropes that can involve climbing and working on ladders. Coordinate precise movements with hands and fingers to assemble electronic components including using hand tools such as screwdrivers and pliers. Feeling and manipulating small objects with hands and fingers. Type quickly for extended periods of time. Work in adverse environmental conditions, such as extremes of heat, cold, wet, dirt, and dust. Work erratic, unusual, unexpected hours and long hours. Travel and experience jetlag, changes in temperature, humidity, etc.