IT Specialist (NETWORK)

US Office of Personnel Management; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of Personnel Management is seeking an IT Specialist (NETWORK) at the GS-2210-9/11 to analyze, implement, secure, and support the OPM enterprise data network, including WAN/LAN operations, VPN technologies, virtualized network services, and network support for enterprise AI/ML systems.

GS-09/11 duties include maintaining enterprise LAN/WAN infrastructure, performing network analysis, implementing changes, documenting procedures, and preparing network performance reports to ensure

Qualifications

• Competency-based requirements for IT Management Series 2210 at GS-9 and GS-11 levels.
• Competencies include Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Interpersonal Skills, Reasoning (GS-9), Problem Solving (GS-11), Teamwork, and Technical Competence (GS-11).
• Competency definitions provided in the posting outline expected proficiency levels.

Responsibilities

• Supporting operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of enterprise LAN/WAN infrastructure and related network services.
• Performing network analysis, monitoring, and troubleshooting using established procedures and escalating non-routine issues.
• Assisting with implementation of network hardware, software, VPN, and remote access changes and validating functionality.
• Developing and updating technical documentation, operating procedures, or reference materials.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Customer Service

Interpersonal Skills

Reasoning

Teamwork

Technical Competence

Job description

As a IT Specialist (NETWORK) at the GS-2210-9/11, you will be part of Ofc of the Chief Information Officer, Office of Personnel Management. If selected, you will you will analyze, implement, secure, and support the OPM enterprise data network, including WAN/LAN operations, VPN technologies, virtualized network services, and network support for enterprise AI/ML systems.

For the GS-09:

• Supporting the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of enterprise LAN/WAN infrastructure and related network services;
• Performing routine network analysis, monitoring, and troubleshooting activities using established procedures and escalating non-routine issues; and
• Assisting with the implementation of network hardware, software, VPN, or remote access changes and validating operational functionality; and
• Developing and updating technical documentation, operating procedures, or reference materials, and assisting with the preparation of network performance and utilization reports.

For the GS-11:

• Analyzing, implementing, and supporting enterprise LAN/WAN network services, including updates and enhancements to network infrastructure;
• Performing analysis and troubleshooting of network performance and connectivity issues and recommending corrective actions; and
• Implementing or supporting VPN technologies (such as IPSEC, remote access, point-to-point, or bulk encryption) for internal or interagency connections; and
• Drafting operating procedures, technical documentation, implementation plans, or LAN/WAN reports for network services; and
• Evaluating the performance of LAN, WAN, VPN, or virtualized network environments and recommending changes to improve security, availability, resiliency, or performance.

AND

Competency Requirement: In addition to the Specialized Experience above, you must meet the competency requirements for the Information Technology (IT) Management Series 2210, for the grade level(s) to which you apply, as described below.

A.

You must have Information Technology related experience demonstrating each of the following required competencies for the grade level to which you apply, and must meet or exceed the minimum proficiency level for each (Please see below section Minimum Proficiency Level):

For the GS-09

Attention to Detail (Level 3, Intermediate), Customer Service (Level 3, Intermediate), Interpersonal Skills (Level 3, Intermediate), Reasoning (Level 2, Basic), Teamwork (Level 3, Intermediate).

For the GS-11

Attention to Detail (Level 3, Intermediate), Customer Service (Level 3, Intermediate), Interpersonal Skills (Level 3, Intermediate), Problem Solving (Level 3, Intermediate), Teamwork (Level 3, Intermediate), Technical Competence (Level 3, Intermediate).

Competency definitions:

• Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
• Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
• Interpersonal Skills - Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations.
• Reasoning - Identifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions.
• Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
• Teamwork - Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
• Technical Competence - Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.

or

B. You do not fully meet the competency requirements outlined above, but you are nonetheless demonstrably well qualified to perform the work of the position. You possess appropriate licensure, registration, or certification (Examples include: CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA, Cisco CCNP, Juniper JNCIA, Palo Alto Networks PCNSA, AWS Certified Advanced Networking, Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate, ITIL, or other networking, cloud, cybersecurity, or enterprise IT certification). You must provide copies of licensure, registration, or certification.

or

C. You do not fully meet the competency requirements outlined above, but you are nonetheless demonstrably well qualified to perform the work of the position. You have a substantial record of experience, achievement, and publications that demonstrates eminence in the appropriate profession/technical field. You must provide examples such as published works, industry keynotes, peer research, awards, board memberships, etc.

Minimum Proficiency Level:

*Applicants may qualify by meeting or exceeding the minimum proficiency level established for each of the required competencies. Below is a detailed explanation of the Proficiency Level Scale used to evaluate General Competencies for this position:

• Level 1 - Awareness: - Applies competency in the simplest or most structured situations. - Requires close and extensive guidance. - Demonstrates awareness but limited practical application. - Learning the foundational elements.
• Level 2 - Basic: - Applies the competency in somewhat routine or structured situations. - Requires frequent guidance. - Demonstrates familiarity with key concepts and practices. - Beginning to build confidence and independence.
• Level 3 - Intermediate: - Applies the competency in moderately difficult situations. - Requires occasional guidance. - Demonstrates solid understanding and consistent application. - Able to adapt to new or unfamiliar contexts.
• Level 4 - Advanced: - Applies the competency in considerably difficult or varied situations. - Requires little or no guidance. - Demonstrates broad and in-depth understanding. - May coach or guide others.
• Level 5 - Expert: - Applies the competency in exceptionally difficult or novel situations. - Serves as a key resource and trusted advisor to others. - Demonstrates mastery and deep insight into the competency area. - Often leads or mentors others in this area.

OPM Qualification Standards and additional information for this position can be found here: Competency-Based Qualification Standard for the Information Technology Management Series, 2210

You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.