IT Specialist (SYSADMIN/OS) Job

Vacancy No. 25-12794720-DE Department Western Area Power Administration
Salary $63,163.00 to $117,034.00 Grade 11 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/10/2025 Close Date 9/23/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Phoenix, AZFolsom, CALoveland, COWatertown, SD


Summary

This position is part of the Western Area Power Administration. As an IT Specialist (SYSADMIN/OS), you will serve as a system administrator that performs a full range of IT services and support.

**This is not a remote position. The selectee will be required to be physically present at one of the duty location(s) identified.**

Duties

As an IT Specialist (SYSADMIN/OS), you will serve as a system administrator and technical point of contact performing the following duties:

    • Perform a full range of IT services and support.
    • Manage IT projects in the areas of systems administration, information security, operating systems and systems analysis.
    • Ensure application of information security policies and practices.
    • Acquire, implement and maintain IT systems, equipment and services.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Occasional travel, up to 10% annually may be required, with occasional overnight travel possible.
  • This position may require regular and recurring overtime.
  • 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 20-40% of the year, depending upon duty station.
  • While in on-call status the incumbent must remain within 30 minutes of their residence.
  • This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
  • If you are a male applicant born after 12/31/1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Seewww.sss.gov.
  • If selected, your appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • This position does not support remote work. You will be required to report physically to the official reporting worksite as specified in this announcement.
  • 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 to the essay questions will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration.
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period.
  • Employees serving on a probationary/trial period may be terminated at any time during the probationary/trial period for performance, conduct, or business-related reasons in the interest of Federal service
  • DOE employees participating in the OPM or DOE Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) are not eligible to apply for this announcement. DRP participants are not considered active DOE employees because they have agreed to separate from the agency.

Qualifications

Two (2) page resume limit:
This announcement will only accept resumes up to two (2) pages in length. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications. A qualified candidate's application and two (2) page resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To be considered minimally qualified for this position, you must demonstrate that you have the required basic requirement AND specialized experience or education for the respective grade level in which you are applying:

Basic Requirement:
You must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below:
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 REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal service.

GS-11:
To qualify for the IT Specialist (SYSADMIN/OS), GS-2210-11:
In addition to the above basic requirements, applicants must have one (1) year (52 weeks) of specialized experience, equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) in the federal service, in (3) of the (4) following areas:

  1. Supporting electric-utility Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) hardware and software components, including installation, configuration, and/or troubleshooting for operational continuity;
  2. Applying basic security configurations, monitoring system health, and/or adhering to established regulatory compliance procedures within the SCADA environment;
  3. Documenting system configurations and/or understanding foundational electric-utility SCADA architecture, including but not limited to interconnections and data flow; and
  4. Assisting with routine system maintenance activities, including patching, backups, and/or user account management.
OR
Applicants have successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or (3) three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management, or a degree that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified above and required the development of adaptation of applications, systems, or networks. (You must provide a copy of your transcripts (official or unofficial) to support your claim).

GS-12:
To qualify for the IT Specialist (SYSADMIN/OS), GS-2210-12:
In addition to the above basic requirements, applicants must have one (1) year (52 weeks) of specialized experience, equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) in the federal service, in (3) of the (4) following areas:
  1. Managing and/or upgrading electric-utility Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems independently, including resolving complex technical issues across integrated networks;
  2. Optimizing SCADA server performance, managing user access, and/or administering operating systems or virtualized environments in compliance with relevant standards;
  3. Leveraging knowledge of industry regulations (e.g., NERC-CIP, FERC, FISMA) to maintain SCADA system compliance and/or assist with vulnerability assessments;
  4. Participating in system design discussions and/or contributing to the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or other critical documentation for SCADA infrastructure.

GS-13:
To qualify for the IT Specialist (SYSADMIN/OS), GS-2210-13:
In addition to the above basic requirements, applicants must have one (1) year (52 weeks) of specialized experience, equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12) in the federal service, in (3) of the (4) following areas:
  1. Leading the strategic design, development, and/or implementation of complex, enterprise-level electric-utility Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) infrastructure solutions, ensuring adherence to evolving regulatory requirements;
  2. Developing and/or enforcing comprehensive SCADA cybersecurity policies, leading advanced incident response, or conducting risk assessments with a strong focus on regulatory compliance;
  3. Managing significant SCADA infrastructure projects and/or providing expert technical guidance or mentorship to others on advanced system and compliance strategies;
  4. Advising senior management on SCADA technology roadmaps, emerging threats, and/or long-term infrastructure investment decisions.


"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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.

OPM Qualification General Policies Websitewww.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=app

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

Education

This vacancy has a positive education requirement. In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Department of Education Accreditation Search to verify school accreditation.

Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. DO NOT email or mail in any of your application documents. Documents will not be accepted outside of the online application system.

Failure to provide copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of "Ineligible".

Additional information

The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

  • This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE.
  • For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov .
  • If selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probation period.
  • If selection is made at a lower grade, promotion up to the full performance level may be made without further competition. However, promotion(s) will depend on the performance of the incumbent and are not guaranteed.
  • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized.
  • This position may be eligible for creditable service towards annual leave. Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. DOE may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
If you are unable to apply online, please contact Staff Acquisition at SAG-Intake@OPM.GOV for more information.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

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

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.

Structured Resume Review:
After it has been determined that you meet the minimum qualifications, Human Resources Offices or Subject matter experts (SMEs) will review the first two pages of your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required competencies. Additional documentation (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume) may not be considered. Once the announcement closes, we will conduct a review of your application package to verify your eligibility and qualifications. If you are found qualified, your application will move forward to additional phases of the review process.

Merit Promotion Procedures: Category Rating "like" procedures will be used to evaluate candidates; the categories are "Best Qualified", "Well Qualified" and "Qualified." The HR Office and/or Subject Matter Expert (SME) will conduct a review of your resume and place you in the appropriate quality category. Due weight will also be given, when applicable, for performance appraisals and awards in accordance with 5 CFR § 335.103(b)(3). At least a fully successful or equivalent performance rating for the most recently completed rating cycle is required to receive consideration. You must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date.

Application of Veterans' Preference: If you are a preference eligible candidate, you will be listed at the top of whichever quality category your rating places you in. CP/CPS veterans are placed at the top of the highest category for all positions except professional and scientific positions at GS-9 and higher. https://www.fedshirevets.gov/job-seekers/veterans/veterans-preference/#content

Career Transition Assistance Programs: To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet the eligibility criteria; and 2) be rated "well-qualified", which is defined as scoring in the Well Qualified category (or higher).

Political appointment: Beginning January 1, 2010, agencies must seek prior approval from OPM before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level under the provisions of title 5, United States Code. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Human Resources Office.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (09/23/2025) of this announcement.

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12794720 .

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you MUST provide a complete application package which includes:

  • Your 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).
  • Transcripts, if specific educational requirements are indicated in this job announcement.Unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements.
  • Veterans' Preference documentation,if applicable, DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; current active duty members- certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter. For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center & OPM CHCOC website for VOW information.
  • 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.
  • Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
    • Position title;
    • Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee);
    • Agency; and
    • Beginning and ending dates of appointment.

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.

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

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:

  1. You must have a login.gov account to sign into USAJOBS: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/account/.
  2. To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button.
  3. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation.
  4. You must click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 pm (ET) on the announcement closing date.
You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account, select Update Application: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; 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/.

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.

Agency contact information

Staff Acquisition
Address
Western Area Power Administration
12155 W. Alameda Pkwy
Lakewood, CO 80228
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The status of your application will be updated in USAJOBS as it is evaluated.

You can check the status by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application changes by logging into your USAJOBS Account and editing the Notification Settings.

You will be contacted directly if an interview is required.


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


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