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.
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.
Project team member supporting complex, simultaneous, large-scale WAPA-wide IT projects through the full lifecycle (scope/design, testing, and implementation). Responsible for project support to multiple internal customers and external business partners, cloud services, and Internet services.
Technical specialist for Network Operations systems responsible for routing, switching, communication equipment, circuits, Wi-Fi, and cloud network infrastructure. Provides secure, reliable network connectivity to multiple external business partners while supporting the network architecture, network operations, and site expansion.
Technical specialist for Network Security systems by designing, implementing, and operating a secure network architecture throughout all security enclaves. Responsible in supporting firewalls, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), packet capture systems, WIFI, Load Balancers, and network security systems. Including compliance support and vulnerability management.
Technical specialist for Network Management systems and network optimization, responsible for supporting the Domain Name Systems (DNS), IP address management, network authentication systems, load balancers, Network Time Protocol (NTP), quality of service (QOS), voice over IP (VOIP), video teleconferencing systems (VTC), and software defined network (SDN).
Responsible for lifecycle management, network inventory management, system documentation, and Tier-3 Incident/Change/Patch Management expertise. Utilizes a variety of monitoring infrastructure to ensure efficient and effective operation of the network infrastructure.
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.
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:
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.
Additional information
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
The selectee for this position may be eligible to receive a recruitment or relocation incentive. You will need to sign an employment agreement to be eligible for this incentive.
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.
Applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) when applying or competing for a job due to a medical condition or to exercise religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Agency Contact listed on this vacancy announcement.
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here.
Salary: The salary range indicated in this announcement will be adjusted to include locality payment for selected duty location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages.
Lakewood/Loveland, CO: $99,800 - $154,280
Folsom, CA: $99,218 - 153,382
Phoenix, AZ: $93,629 - $144,741
Remaining locations fall under Rest of U.S.: $89,508 - $138,370
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To apply for this position, you MUSTprovide a complete application package which includes:
Your two (2) page RESUMEshowing 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.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
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.
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.
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.
WAPA Headquarters
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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you MUSTprovide a complete application package which includes:
Your two (2) page RESUMEshowing 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.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
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.
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.
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.
WAPA Headquarters
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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
