IT Specialist (NETWORK)

- Analyze, implement, and support updates and enhancements to the OPM enterprise data network, including WAN/LAN services within assigned areas.
- Perform analysis and troubleshooting of network performance and connectivity issues affecting the OPM network and associated interfaces, coordinating with network specialists from partner agencies.
- Implement and support VPN configurations, including IPSEC, IPSEC over GRE, GETVPN, RA-VPN, DMVPN, remote access, point-to-point, and bulk encryption technologies, for internal and interagency connections.
- Support enterprise virtualized network services, including layer 3 services, micro-segmentation, and service insertion for integrated services.
- Secure, optimize, and support enterprise network services required for artificial intelligence and machinelearning systems, including cloud connectivity, segmentation, access controls, and high-volume data transfer.
- Draft operating procedures, technical documentation, and technical guides, and prepare statistical reports on LAN, WAN, and circuit utilization.

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
• Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin
• Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required
• You will be required to report to an OPM assigned office.
• This position is not eligible for inclusion in a bargaining unit

Qualifications

For the GS-09: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service, or equivalent, performing information technology network support work that includes:

• 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: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service, or equivalent, performing information technology network administration work that includes:

• 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.

How you will be evaluated

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

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

• Accountability
• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Decision Making
• Flexibility
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Learning
• Reading Comprehension
• Reasoning
• Self-Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork

The USA Hire Assessment 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: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position (obtain a score of 85 or higher on the assessments); and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.

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

1. Your Resume showing the applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment, and duties performed to include pay plan, series, and grade level for relevant federal experience. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications. Only the first 2 pages of the resume/application will be used to verify minimum qualifications. Please be sure to include specific dates of employment and work schedule(s).

• Do not include the following types of information in your resume:
  • • Classified or government sensitive information
    • Social Security Number (SSN)
    • Photos of yourself
    • Personal information, such as age, sex, religious affiliation, etc.
    • Encrypted and digitally signed documents.

2. Other supporting documents:
   • Cover Letter, optional
   • Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)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.)
   • If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here.

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.?

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