Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens, No Prior Federal Experience is Required

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Provides oversight of configuring and managing multiple major areas of system administration and serves as a technical lead and subject matter expert for network security, threat prevention, data loss prevention, host-based firewall, network appliance firewall, antivirus protection, malware protection, antivirus, malware, secure tunnels, backups, disaster recovery, network drawing, responding to security operations center alerts and incidents, routing, layer-2 switching, layer-3 switching, NAT creation, reverse NAT, proxy, reverse proxy, zero day protection and troubleshooting, upgrade such as Palo Alto software and hardware, Global Protect, routing design, advanced dynamic routing, OSPF, BGP, MPLS, advanced switching, network design, zero trust, TACACS, RADIUS, AAA, NAC, SSL certification creation, redundancy, high availability, Intrusion Detection System (IDS), Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), IPv4, IPv6, VLAN, trunking, access control list (ACL), ether channel, and network monitoring, remote VPN client connections, site-to-site secure tunnel, and URL filtering.

Performs work pertaining primarily to the planning, tasking, coordination, oversight, technical support, and the successful operation of the following areas: endpoint security, vulnerability management, anti-virus\malware\ransomware protection, EDR (endpoint detection and response), encryption and compliance, security monitoring & responses; and ensure that rigorous application of information security/information assurance policies, principles, practices in the delivery of customer support services are provided to OIG, VPN, firewall, network security, and secure tunnels. Strong hands-on working experience in firewalls such as Palo Alto firewalls.

Resolves the most difficult customer support requests involving integration or configuration related issues to network security, threat prevention, data loss prevention, host-based firewall, network appliance firewall, file removable media protection, antivirus protection, malware protection, secure tunnels, backups, disaster recovery, IOS stack 1-7, IPv4, IPv6, and URL filtering. Provides representation in planning for the installation and implementation of new systems and leads efforts to define post implementation support requirements. Alerts management to relevant new technologies, tools, and methodologies and evaluates and recommends adoption of the most promising developments.

Serves as a project lead when managing special projects that have a significant impact on the delivery of customer support and system administration services. The incumbent's project management duties will include development and prioritization of the division's annual IT work plan in conjunction with the supervisors and division Directors. Advises technical IT Specialist with IT systems development projects from design to support, including developing plans and schedules, estimating resource requirements, defining milestones and deliverables, monitoring activities, evaluating, reporting on accomplishments, defining post-implementation support requirements, manage contract renewals, procure new procurement contracts, work with internal and external groups, and develop requirements.

Serves as a technical consultant to IT specialists and senior management in support of complex application systems hosted on the organization's systems. Incumbent provides advice/guidance to lower-level IT Specialist on endpoint security and compliance policies, configurations, controls, and procedures of OIG enterprise services.

Conditions of employment

• U.S Citizenship is required.
• Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable).
• Suitability for Federal employment determined by background investigation.
• One-year probationary period may be required.
• THIS POSITION IS SUBJECT TO EXECUTIVE ORDER 14043 MANDATING COVID-19 VACCINATION FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

Qualifications

You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date: 01/24/2022

Vaccination Mandate:

• In accordance with Executive Order 14043, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to exceptions that may be required by law. If selected, you will be required to submit proof of vaccination by November 22, 2021 or before your entrance on duty if you are selected after the compliance date. Your HR Consultant will provide a list of documents acceptable as proof of vaccination and instructions for how to submit a request for a legally required exception, if needed, to comply with vaccination requirement.

Expanded/Maximum telework Posture:

• Due to COVID-19, the agency is currently in a maximum telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to telework upon your appointment. As employees are permitted to return to the office, you may be required to report to the duty station listed on this announcement, even if your home/temporary telework site is located outside the local commuting area. Your position may be eligible for workplace flexibilities which may include remote work or telework options, and/or flexible work scheduling. These flexibilities may be requested in accordance with the HHS Workplace Flexibilities policy.

Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements, including education, and any selective placement factors described below within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. Education used as part of an application package will only be considered if complete transcripts are submitted and must be from an accredited institution as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. To see if your institution is accredited, please follow this link: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx

Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service which provided the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate experience as an IT technical lead:

• Designing, implementing, and managing advanced network security solutions, various types of encryption on different platforms, and enterprise security systems across multiple firewalls;
• Designing, implementing, and managing advanced security in-depth techniques, solutions, preventative measures, and proactive measures; and
• Responding to and resolving tier-3 security incidents.

All applicants must possess IT Specialist experience in the major areas of Systems Administration and Customer Support which demonstrate the following competencies:

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.

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. Your resume should include the dates of all qualifying experience (from month/year to month/year) and the number of hours worked/volunteered per week.

How you will be evaluated

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

Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.

This position is being filled using Direct Hire Authority and is open to all U.S. Citizens. All applicants who meet basic requirements will be forwarded to the Selecting Official for consideration. Traditional rating and ranking of applications does not apply.

Your resume must document specialized experience and support your responses to the vacancy questions.

To view the application form, visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11358048

Selections may be made for vacancies across the entire Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). By applying, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more HHS hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.