IT Specialist (NETWORK)

US Western Area Power Administration; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

US Western Area Power Administration is seeking an IT Specialist (Network) to support system architectures across dispersed environments, leading large-scale networking projects within the IT portfolio including GSS, SESC, and SCADA/EMS environments.

The role requires progressing through GS-12/13 levels with specialized experience in network devices, cloud networking, and cyber defense standards to ensure reliable and secure operations.

Qualifications

• GS-12: one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level or equivalent pay band.
• GS-13: one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent pay band with three or more qualifying items.
• Experience with enterprise networks, security standards, and network administration is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of large-scale networking projects within the WAPA IT portfolio across enclaves including GSS, SESC, and SCADA/EMS.
• Support system architectures and network operations across geographically dispersed environments.

Job description

As an IT Specialist (Network), you will support system architectures across geographically dispersed environments, computer networks, and data communications operations for WAPA. Lead the implementation of large-scale projects and initiatives related to Networking ensuring their successful integration within the WAPA IT portfolio across all enclaves including General Support System (GSS), Secure Enclave Support Center (SESC) and SCADA/Environmental Management System (EMS) environments.

QUALIFICATION REQUIRMENTS:

To qualify for this position, you must meet the minimum qualification requirements as well as the specialized experience requirements outlined below:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADE 12 and Above (GS or Equivalent):

The competencies listed in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section will be used to evaluate whether or not you meet the minimum proficiency level established for the 2210 series

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• To qualify for the GS-12: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level or equivalent pay band. This experience MUST include at least two (2) of the following:
  • Configure, maintain, and/or troubleshootenterprise-grade routers, firewalls, switches (e.g., Cisco, Palo Alto, Fortinet), WAN circuits (e.g., MPLS, Ethernet, point-to-point), ISP connections, configuring secure IPsec/SSL site-to-site, manage core network protocols (e.g., BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, STP, VLAN), and/or remote-access VPNs.
  • Conduct network vulnerability remediation, executing vendor patch management protocols, and perform firmware/OS updates across network devices to ensure adherence to cyber defense standards (e.g., FISMA, NERC-CIP, NIST 800-53, or PCI-DSS).
  • Establish and manage networking components within public cloud environments (e.g., AWS DirectConnect, Azure ExpressRoute, VPCs/VNet routing, Transit Gateways).
  • Operate and support Enterprise Network Access Control (NAC), DNS/DHCP/IPAM, NTP, Out of Band Management (OOBM), and/or authentication AAA systems (e.g., Cisco ISE, RADIUS, TACACS+, LDAP).
  • Use an enterprise monitoring platform (e.g., SolarWinds, PRTG, Cisco Prime, Splunk) to track performance metrics, network health, and/or maintain full asset inventories.
• To qualify for the GS-13: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent pay band. This experience MUST include at least three (3) of the following:
  • Led the planning, design, and large-scale implementation of complex network routing, switching, and cloud network infrastructure across multiple enterprise enclaves.
  • Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) and/or up-to-date network diagrams that ensure a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective network environment.
  • Design and operate secure network architectures throughout multiple enclaves while providing compliance oversight and vulnerability management in strict alignment with cyber defense standards (e.g., NERC CIP, FISMA, and/or NIST).
  • Manage simultaneous, complex, and large-scale enterprise-wide IT networking projects from initial scope and design through testing and deployment; coordinated directly with multi-functional business units and procurement officials to align deliverables, mitigate schedule risk, and manage project budgets.
  • Perform configuration, capacity planning, and Tier-3 incident management for core LAN/WAN infrastructures, actively directing the resolution of critical network outages and/or spearheading cyber incident response initiatives to safeguard operations.