INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST (INFOSEC/NETWORK) (Title 5) Job in Fort Smith, AR

Vacancy No. AF-24-302-12540663 Department Air National Guard Units
Salary $86,962.00 to $113,047.00 Grade 12 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/11/2024 Close Date 9/26/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Fort Smith, AR


Job Description (Please follow all instructions carefully)

Summary

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

This National Guard position is for a INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST (INFOSEC/NETWORK) (Title 5), Position Description Number T5821400 and is part of the AR ANG 188 ISQ SQ, National Guard.

NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQURED

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

(1) Arkansas Army National Guard (AR ARNG) Technicians; (2) All members of the AR ARNG, (3) Individuals who are not members of the National Guard but who are eligible to acquire membership in an available and compatible military grade for excepted technician positions. (Upon selection, must be a member of the AR Army National Guard).

Duties

1. Performs as the Team Technical Lead during vulnerability assessments of DoD information systems. Utilizes knowledge of systems security principles and concepts, of new Information Technology (IT) security developments, and of the infrastructure protection environment to select appropriate tools to be used by team members. Establishes methodology, and determines best techniques to penetrate computer systems and exploit information within these systems. Directs the team during actual assessments to find vulnerabilities due to improper configurations, missing or improperly applied patches, or procedural errors. Provides assistance to owners of assessed systems by providing recommendations pertaining to implementing security programs designed to anticipate, assess, and minimize system vulnerabilities, to correct deficiencies discovered, and to apply new IT security concepts. Briefs commanders and network administrators on the purpose and findings of the assessment, and prepares reports on the findings. Assists in developing security solutions to correct deficiencies that cannot be fixed with existing solutions.

2. Conducts extensive research of new vulnerabilities discovered in operating systems, application software, infrastructure and firewalls. Investigates, analyses, and develops methods that could be used to exploit those vulnerabilities. Conducts testing on training range to validate findings and to develop and refine methods and procedures to mitigate vulnerabilities.Conducts extensive research of tools currently being used to attack or gain unauthorized access to information networks. Analyzes and tests these tools on training range to determine effectiveness, stability, and scope of the tools. Modifies and refines tools for use in vulnerability assessments to provide the customer with the best possible evaluation of their security posture.

3. Performs information operations that protect and defend (or assess the capability to protect and defend) information and information systems by ensuring their availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality, and non-repudiation. This includes providing for restoration of information systems by incorporating protection, detection, and reaction capabilities. Conducts risk and vulnerability assessments of DoD information systems to identify associated vulnerabilities, risks and protection needs. Performs OPFOR and other operational tasking. Operates fixed and deployed communications-computer systems. Performs activities such as configuring and monitoring hardware and software for system operation, processing and control of data flow, and client-server multi-user system support including network management or administration. Performs microcomputer fault isolation and restoration actions. Evaluates and assesses vulnerabilities of customer network and application server hardware, operating system software, and peripheral network equipment such as routers, bridges, switches, attached cabling system, network interface cards, modems, multiplexers, and concentrators. Conducts evaluations to ensure compliance with applicable standards. Ensures system backups are performed to ensure expedient restoration of the database for the respective network equipment. Evaluates effectiveness of customer network firewalls.

4. Analyzes equipment and software reliability and suitability for vulnerability assessment utilization. Conducts analyses of network usage, hardware and software capabilities, ineffective practices or procedures, equipment shortcomings, and other relevant factors. Recommends methods and procedures and coordinates corrective action to optimize utilization of present equipment. Uses benchmarks, performance measurement, and evaluation data, in conjunction with vulnerability assessment techniques. Develops recommendations or proposals involving a variety of specialized systems and improved operational efficiency. Exercises authority and oversight of the squadron's digital training range(s), a suite of servers, routers, switches, hubs and other devices which can be configured with a variety of different operating systems in various versions, and with pre-programmed vulnerabilities, to be used in Computer Network Operations (CNO) training.

5. Consults with subordinates, supervisors, specialists, vendors, and sister IO squadrons to procure and maintain training range devices that realistically emulate Air Force networks and are flexibly re-configurable to emulate the network(s) of a specific Air Force base as needed to prepare for vulnerability assessment missions. Performs analysis and design of automated and manual systems related to the network. Provides data for intrusion detection analysis. Determines applicability of established methods. Provides technical advice to users. Examines and evaluates alternative means of satisfying user requirements.

6. Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position.

Compatible military grade and assignment required prior to the effective date of placement. This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the employing state's National Guard. Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership in the military grade listed below. Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform.

Military Grades: Enlisted

Minimum Grade - PVT (E-1)
Maximum Grade - SFC (E-7)

Compatible Military Assignments: Selectee must be a member of the Arkansas Army National Guard.

IMPORTANT NOTES (AS APPLICABLE): Upon selection for this position, individual must possess or initiate a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) background investigation. A favorable determination based upon investigative results is mandatory for this position. Failure to meet these requirements will result in termination of employment. A pre-placement physical is required if not already current. Upon selection, must complete mandatory Full-Time Support (FTS) Training at the Professional Education Center (PEC) within six months of assignment (if applicable, training will be coordinated by the supervisor). Individual must meet all military requirements of the position without creating a grade inversion, as determined by the Human Resources Office (HRO). Technicians will not be militarily senior to their full-time supervisor or wage leader (Grade Inversion). Enlisted members currently at a higher grade than allowed by the position (see Military Grade Requirement above) may apply; however, they must administratively reduce prior to appointment and provide confirmation of the reduction to HRO.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS ARE LISTED UNDER ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Qualifications

GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
  1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
  2. 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.
  3. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
  4. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
1-year specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade.

Additional information

If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov)).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS/CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
Must be able to obtain/maintain appropriate security clearance

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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, general and specialized experience):

--Thorough knowledge of the mission, objectives, terminology, and management practices in the activity, the agency and the department to recognize probable areas of interaction and to serve as a technical expert in systems/network security.

--Knowledge of project management principles and methods sufficient to assign and provide expert technical direction to team members concerning their role in vulnerability assessments.

--Thorough knowledge of network systems design, development, testing, installation, operating, management, and maintenance concepts and methods to provide and protect network services.

--Knowledge of, and skill in applying IT security principles and methods and of IT security products and services sufficient to evaluate and recommend the acquisition of, implement, and disseminate IT security tools, procedures, and practices to protect information assets.

--Extensive knowledge of information technology methods and information protection techniques and procedures. This includes government and Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) technology using industry standards and an ability to understand the capabilities and limitations of software, utility programs, network management systems and programming.

--Knowledge of hardware, software, and operating systems; systems configuration and integration; maintenance, upgrades, and modifications.

--Extensive knowledge and skill in applying applicable policies, standards, directives, and operations manuals to perform systems analysis, evaluate approaches, offer advice, define alternative approaches, and coordinate requirements regarding the merits of proposed applications.

--Extensive knowledge of hardware, software, network operations functions, firewalls, packet switching communications protocols, and diagnostic tools to analyze difficult and complex system problems and provides resolutions.

--Knowledge of systems analysis, configuration management, and computer equipment requirements related to networks to assess vulnerabilities. Skill in evaluating innovative approaches in formulation of programs or systems specifications.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Resume: showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (including Month and Year, e.g., 02/2017, Feb 2017, etc.) of employment and duties performed.

DO NOT COPY THE SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AND DUTIES WORD FOR WORD AND PLACE INTO YOUR RESUME; YOU MUST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AS IT PERTAINS TO EACH STATEMENT.

2. Individual Medical Readiness (IMR) dated within 18 months: Can be obtained from Army Knowledge Online (AKO)/Self Service/My Medical Readiness. Click on any "View Detailed Information" selection, then select your IMR Record. Please ensure that you are uploading a PDF DOCUMENT, not a screen shot. PHA MUST BE DATED WITHIN 18 MONTHS AS OF THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.

You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Agency contact information

AR HRO Customer Service
Address
AR ANG 188 ISQ SQ
Bldg 7300-Camp Robinson
North Little Rock, AR 72199-9600
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.