WHAT IS THE OFFICE OF ONLINE SERVICES? The IRS Office of Online Services (OLS) is dedicated to providing and improving online content and self-service tools to help taxpayers and tax professionals obtain information and fulfill their tax obligations. The office combines online expertise, data analysis and user research to conceptualize online tools, develop product roadmaps, and continuously improve the taxpayer experience. OLS is responsible for designing and managing the IRS.gov website and associated applications, such as the IRS online account, taxpayer digital communication and the Tax Withholding Estimator.

A description of the business units can be found at: https://www.jobs.irs.gov/about/who/business-divisions

The following are the duties of this position at the full working level. If this vacancy includes more than one grade and you are selected at a lower grade level, you will have the opportunity to learn to perform these duties and receive training to help you grow in this position.

• Design mockups to communicate design themes for improved user experience that incorporate various elements of IRS branding and visual identity.
• Build interactive prototypes based on requirements, user experience (UX) best practices, and Section 508 accessibility guidelines and other applicable rules and regulations.
• Keep the websites' interface in alignment with IRS requirements, while ensuring the existing platform and customers continue to be successful. Establishes and promotes design guidelines, best practices and standards.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National and provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. (Birth certificate showing birth in the U.S; Unexpired U.S. Passport; Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization; or Report of Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen (Form FS-240))
• Undergo a review of prior performance/conduct and an income tax verification. Refer to "Get Your Tax Record" at http://www.irs.gov/(https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript) to check the status of your account, balance owed, payment history, make a payment, or review answers to tax questions. If you are not in compliance, you will be determined unsuitable for employment with IRS.
• Must successfully complete a background investigation, including a FBI criminal history record check (fingerprint check).
• Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.
• Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9. Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S. These documents must be unexpired original or certified copies.

Qualifications

Federal experience is not required. The experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.

You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-09

To be minimally qualified for this position you must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-7 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes: Experience analyzing, methods and procedures to research and assist in the development of new website service deliver. Analyzing and evaluating methods and techniques to assist in research of emerging technologies, design, content creation and development strategies for the Web. Using JavaScript frameworks and libraries, as well as HTML and CSS to communicate technical details. Experience using current design principles and development techniques to enhance the look and usability of websites. Preparing draft reports and other substantive guidelines and materials;

OR

You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: a Master's or equivalent graduate degree in a related field of study at an accredited college or university.

OR

2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a degree in a related field of study.

OR

LL.B. or J.D., if related.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-11

To be minimally qualified for this position you must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes: Experience analyzing methods and procedures to research and give advice on new website service delivery and integration to achieve organizational goals and conducting studies of website use to implement and recommend changes. Analyzing and evaluating methods and techniques, including: Analytics, Surveys and Customer Experience Metrics, to provide advice on the design, content creation and development strategies for the Web. Experience using intuitive navigation schemes, accessibility and usability to maximize functionality and make websites easy to use. Experience using JavaScript frameworks and libraries, as well as HTML and CSS to communicate technical details with design themes. Using design principles and development techniques to resolve problems and make recommendations on critical issues affecting online design. Experience preparing reports and other substantive guidelines and materials to recommend alternatives and techniques to management. Using workload management methods and techniques to establish work objectives, organizing resources to meet objectives in a timely and efficient fashion, establishing priorities, and managing deadlines.

OR

You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a related field of study at an accredited college or university.

OR

3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree in a related field of study.

OR

LL.M., if related

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-12

To be minimally qualified for this position you must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes: Using analytical and evaluative methods and techniques, including; Analytics, Surveys, Interviews, and Customer Experience Metrics, to research and analyze emerging technologies, and provide advice on the design, content creation, and development strategies for the Web. Using user interface design principles, including intuitive navigation schemes, accessibility, and usability to maximize functionality and make websites easy to use. Experience using JavaScript frameworks and libraries, as well as HTML and CSS to communicate technical details with development teams. Delivering design solutions and other interactive experiences using design software and tools to communicate design themes. Using design principles and development techniques to discuss and resolve problems; and provide advice, guidance and recommendations on critical issues affecting online design. Using organizational techniques and processes to manage and present complex information. Experience using workload management methods and techniques to establish work objectives, organizing resources to meet objectives in a timely and efficient fashion, establishing priorities, and managing deadlines. Using oral and written communication principles and techniques to articulate design ideas, prepare reports, and make recommendations to management.

For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards.

Education

For positions with an education requirement, or if you are qualifying for this position by substituting education or training for experience, submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.

A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions.

Additional information

• Subject to a 1-year probationary period (unless already completed).
• Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.
• If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
• We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies. Additional jobs may be filled.
• The salary range indicated in this announcement reflects the minimum locality pay up to maximum locality pay for all duty locations listed. The range will be adjusted for selected duty location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages.
• This is a bargaining unit position.
• Tour of Duty: Day shift
• Alternative work schedule, staggered work hours or telework may be available.
• Obtain and use a Government-issued charge card for business-related travel.
• Telework Eligible Positions: Telework eligible positions do not guarantee telework. Employees must meet and sustain IRS telework eligibility requirements (e.g., reporting at least twice a pay period to your assigned Post of Duty (POD)) and supervisor's approval to participate in the IRS Telework Program. Employees must also be within a 200-mile radius of their official assigned post-of-duty (POD) while in a telework status. As a reminder - If you are selected for a position, you are responsible for reporting to your designated POD (location) on the negotiated start date or as directed by management.

This is an open continuous announcement which will be used to fill vacancies in the locations listed as they become available for the next 12 months contingent upon funding and space requirements. Applicants must apply and/or update their applications by 11:59 pm ET at the close of the following cutoff dates to be considered: Cutoff date(s): 06/8/23, 08/8/23, 10/9/23, 12/11/23, 02/12/24. This announcement may be amended to include additional cut-off dates within the 12-month period if needed, not later than 10 days prior to the additional cut-off date(s). Eligible applicants who apply by the initial cut-off date, will be referred in score order. If additional vacancies exist, remaining applicants will be considered in score order as needed. Selections from this announcement may be made no later than (NLT) 06/8/24.