Summary Definitions for Information Technology Positions Covered by 2001 Special Pay Rates

Occupational Definitions:  Each occupation in the Federal service has a 
definition of the type of work that is to be included within the occupational 
series.  The following summarizes the official description for the three 
occupations covered by the special pay rate for Information Technology 
positions.  More indepth information may be found at:  

http://www.opm.gov/fedclass/html/gsseries.htm.

The Computer Specialist, GS-334 series includes positions that require 
knowledge of operations or processes being automated and of current and 
evolving computer technology to develop data processing applications 
(equipment analysis/selection, systems analysis, and programming).  
Computer Specialists analyze, manage, supervise, or perform work necessary 
to plan, design, develop, acquire, document, test, implement, integrate, 
maintain, or modify systems for solving problems or accomplishing work 
processes by using computers. Positions are included in this series when 
the primary need is knowledge of information processing methodology/technology, 
computer capabilities, and processing techniques. Excluded from the Computer 
Specialist series are positions that involve computer work requiring knowledge 
of a specific subject-matter field as the paramount consideration for 
recruitment or that require full professional qualifications in an engineering 
or scientific discipline such as biology, cartography, geography, geology, 
or hydrology.

Positions assigned to the Computer Scientist, GS-1550 series involve the 
application of, or research into, computer science methods and techniques 
to store, manipulate, transform or present information by means of computer 
systems.  Computer science work requires indepth knowledge of and professional 
competence in applying the theoretical foundations of computer science 
including computer system architecture and system software organization, the 
theoretical models for the representation and transformation of information 
structures, and statistics and mathematics including differential and integral 
calculus.  Computer Scientists are required to apply specialized knowledge of 
the design characteristics, limitations, and potential applications of systems 
having the ability to transform information, and of broad areas of applications 
of computing which have common structures, processes, and techniques.  
In comparison this degree of theoretical and mathematical knowledge is not an 
essential requirement for computer specialist work. Positions assigned to the 
Computer Engineer, GS-854 series require and apply the fundamentals and 
principles of professional engineering knowledge, computer hardware, systems 
software, and computer system architecture and integration.  Computer 
engineering work requires a knowledge of mathematics, including calculus, 
probability, statistics, discrete structures, and modern algebra.  Computer 
Engineers are primarily involved in the research, design, development, test, 
evaluation and maintenance of computer hardware and software systems in an 
integrated manner. 


How To Make A Series Determination

General information when making a series determination:  Generally, an 
occupational series is assigned based upon the major duties, responsibilities 
and qualifications required of the position. Some positions have mixed duties, 
duties that are covered by two or more occupational series, and the 
determination is not straight forward. Points to consider when making a series 
determination are as follows:

        --The paramount knowledge requirement.  The paramount knowledge 
requirement of a position is the most important type of subject matter 
knowledge or experience required to perform the work.  Professional positions 
in the Federal service, such as engineers, physical and life scientists, and 
computer scientists have a positive education requirement.  This requirement 
may include a four-year degree, specific college level course work, or 
professional certification in order for the individual to qualify for the 
occupation.  Administrative occupations in contrast are experienced based.  
That is, they do not require college level education in a specific field of 
study.  The Computer Specialist series is an administrative occupation. 

A professional knowledge requirement is considered to be paramount over an 
administrative knowledge requirement when making a series determination. 
Therefore, a position that requires a professional knowledge of Hydrology 
and the ability to perform Computer Specialist duties will be classified 
as a Hydrologist based upon the professional knowledge requirement being 
considered paramount. 

        --The primary purpose for the position.  Does the position exist 
to perform scientific studies or manage 
computer systems?

        --Recruitment sources.  What primary occupational areas would you 
draw from to find the best qualified candidates to do the work? 

        --Line of promotion.  Within the organization, what occupational 
specialization does the subject position or similar positions aspire to for 
promotion?

        --Organizational function ? The mission of the organization is an 
indicator of the purpose of the position.