IT Specialist (NETWORK)

Summary 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. Qualifications 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: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: 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 troubleshoot enterprise-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. Education For this position, education cannot be substituted for experience. Requirements This is NOT A REMOTE POSITION. For current WAPA federal employees, location is negotiable, limited to their current duty station; all other applicants are restricted to be physically present at one of the duty locations listed. Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service. Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation. Appointments made under the DHA are processed as "new" appointments. Status and Non-Status applicants from outside DOE selected under this authority are required to serve a mandatory one (1) year probationary period. A DOE career status employee selected for this position may be required to serve a new one (1) year probationary period, pursuant to 5 CFR 315.802. Employees serving on a probationary period may be terminated at any time during the probationary or trial period for performance, conduct, or business-related reasons in the interest of Federal service. Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications. In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to the four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answers to these questions are not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration. Must be able to obtain and maintain Defensive Drivers certification and possess a valid state driver's license. Designated as Emergency Essential. Overtime may be required on short notice to include nights, holidays and weekends in support of related mission requirements. On-call (Rotational) - The duties of this position may require the incumbent to be placed in a 24/7 on-call status on a rotational basis. On-call status on a rotational basis is anticipated to be approximately 15% of the year. While in an on-call duty status, required to carry a cellular phone and remain within one-half hour travel time of their primary place of residence (or approved on-call place of residence) and, will sustain themselves in an able to respond and perform work condition. How You Will Be Evaluated This position is announced under a government-wide Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) for IT Cybersecurity Specialist positions in the 2210 series. Under the DHA, applicants who meet the Education and Qualification requirements listed in this announcement will be referred for consideration. Veteran's Preference, category rating, and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply under the DHA process. Minimum Qualifications: Once the application process is complete, the Human Resources Offices or Subject Matter Expert (SME) will review the first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation to determine whether you meet the minimum job qualifications. USAHire: To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): Accountability Attention to Detail Customer Service Decision Making Flexibility Influencing/Negotiating Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Reading Comprehension Reasoning Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork The USA Hire Assessments includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. Career Transition Assistance Programs: If you are eligible for career transition assistance, such as ICTAP or CTAP, you must meet the Education and Qualification requirements to be referred for consideration. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (10/08/2026) of this announcement. To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13068649 Required Documents To apply for this position, you MUST provide a complete application package which includes: Your two (2) page RESUME showing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of the each employer; start and end dates (month/day/year); work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent); salary; and any completed education and training (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date). Submit one or more of the following to support your eligibility(s) to apply to this job announcement: Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) For more information see the OPM Guide to Career Transition. Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. How to Apply Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: You must have a login.gov account to sign into USAJOBS: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/account/. To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation. You must click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 pm (ET) on the announcement closing date. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. Set aside about two (2) hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused. Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us. To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application. If you need help with login.gov or USAJOBS (e.g., account access, Resume Builder) visit the USAJOBS Help Center: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/ If you experience difficulty applying on USAJOBS, after clicking the Apply Online button, or you are experiencing a significant hardship hindering your ability to apply online, the Agency Contact listed in the announcement can assist you during normal business hours. If you receive any system error messages, take screenshots if possible, to aid technical support. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.