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. At various times, at posts around the world or in domestic locations, the following are some examples of the types of duties and responsibilities a DTO is expected to perform:

Customer Service Skills:

• Provide assistance to users of information management services (for example, by configuring and optimizing software).
• Train users in the use of new software applications, providing guidance and assistance with new or amended IT-related policies and procedures.
• Promote end-user involvement in technology and technical decision-making.

Information Technology Skills:

• Administer computer systems and manage system performance. Set up networks. Start up, operate, and shut down systems.
• Manage user access, train new personnel, identify and resolve problems, report, track and research incidents, counsel users, set up customer equipment, and replace equipment and parts.
• Manage and operate classified and unclassified client/server solutions, desktop systems, messaging solutions, web-based technology, database solutions, and virtual servers to support LAN/WAN.
• Manage telecommunication network services.
• Manage communications equipment, install cabling, provide circuits, support video conferencing, manage communications flow, coordinate with host country officials, and manage wireless communications and Wi-Fi programs.
• Manage voice communication services. Coordinate equipment provision, manage the telephone and radio programs, the personal mobile device program, and VoIP convergence devices.

Information Management Skills:

• Implement IT projects gathering requirements, designing solutions, and assisting with development.
• Acquire IT products and services, test solutions, deploy products, and maintain IT procurement and inventory.
• Manage cloud requirements and support collaboration tools and IT Shared Services efforts.
• Manage pouch programs, diplomatic post office, and telephone operator program.
• Supervise locally employed staff system administrators, mailroom employees, telephone technicians, radio technicians and switchboard operators.
• Manage work assignments and individual performance.,
• Serve as part of the embassy or consulate management team and perform additional duties outside of normal information resource management activities as determined by embassy or consulate management or as dictated by special circumstances.
• Support emergency planning and response and manage emergency wireless communications.
• Ensure emergency destruction capability.
• Maintain alternate processing site.
• Manage emergency digital communications.
• Keep current with specialty, gain and maintain certifications.

Information Security:

• Maintain internal controls on Department of State automated information systems.
• Protect classified documents and classified communications equipment and workspace.
• Promote communications security.
• Update security settings, manage physical security, monitor security, and network security, etc.
• Manage telephone system security.
• 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 and see 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 a faulty condition 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.