It Spec (Infosec/Network)

Summary The incumbent of this position IT Specialist (NETWORK/INFOSEC) is located in the Office of Technology, for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Electronic Health Record Modernization Integration Office (EHRM-IO), within the Office of the Deputy Secretary of VA (DEPSECVA). This position manages the VA EHRM-IO cybersecurity infrastructure protection and information management components while providing expert direction and oversight to manage numerous DoD/VA EHRM projects and program functions. Learn more about this agency Duties Develop network management, systems, and operations plans, programs, policies, and procedures. Subject matter expert on managing system and/or network cybersecurity projects to ensure they meet DoD/VA EHRM authorization requirements. Prepare and/or review network and security management reports for submission to department senior leadership. Provide technical analysis/assessment of the network and network security capabilities and identify enhancements and alternatives to ensure continuing development of system and organizational functions into the most efficient business process. Receive and review planning and programming documents, policies, and directives issue by Department level authorities and develop the appropriate responses from the perspective of infrastructure and data security. Develop and disseminate cybersecurity guidance and instructions to subordinate work groups, and other departments, as required; evaluates reports to determine network health based on implementation of standardized Cybersecurity software applications. Perform comparable functions within the scope of the Network Services and Information Security parenthetical, will plan, design, develop, implement, and manage joint network infrastructure protection programs that meet current and future business requirements. Lead efforts in the integration of IT systems to ensure controlled accessibility to EHR, as well as to prevent and defend against unauthorized access to DoD and VA systems, networks, and data. Lead efforts to plan and execute cross-boundary system connectivities involving multiple federal agencies. Develops, implements, monitors, and tracks controlled access programs to ensure security viability; he/she evaluates and recommends the acquisition of effective system security solutions. Use quantitative analysis to monitor work in progress and evaluate the status and progress of work accomplished in terms of quality, efficiency and effectiveness in achieving objectives. Actively participate and lead projects. cross-functional work groups, or task forces and works with other members/participants to meet mission goals and objectives while improving organizational performance, processes and procedures. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday between 8:00a-4:30p EST Compressed/Flexible: May be available Telework: This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: It Spec (Infosec/Network)/PD21006A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized This job announcement will remain open for 5 business days. The initial application review cut-off for this job announcement is 50 applications. The first 50 applications received will be considered first. Applications received after the initial cut-off number (50 applications) may not receive consideration unless otherwise requested by management. Requirements Conditions of employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required. Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 05/26/2026. Basic Requirements: Education: All academic degrees and coursework must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions Undergraduate or Graduate Education: Degree in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management or degree that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified above and required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or networks. OR Experience: Experience must be IT related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate, demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below: 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. 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. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations. Selective Placement Factor: This position includes a competency/KSAs or special qualification without which a candidate could not perform the duties of a position in a satisfactory manner. Selective factors are applied in addition to minimum qualifications. Applicants who do not meet a selective factor are ineligible for further consideration. Evidence of the Selective Placement Factor must be reflected in your resume. The Selective Placement Factor for this position is: Experience in performing Cybersecurity risk assessments. Applying network systems management/administration methods including end to-end systems/network connectivity and continuous performance monitoring. In addition to meeting the basic requirements and selective placement factors, candidates must also meet the grade level requirements as outlined below. Specialized Experience: Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-12 for the GS-13 level) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience at the GS-12 level is defined as work that involves applying secure network operation principles and concepts, including network management, network administration, network connectivity, network cross boundary connection, security engineering, and cybersecurity; planning and managing network defense analysis projects requiring collaboration among various internal and external organizations; identifying security risks, threats and vulnerabilities of networks, systems, applications and latest technology initiatives in multiple security zones/enclaves (WAN, DMZ & LAN). For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. Education There is no educational substitution at this grade level. A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional information Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) 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 RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA 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, based on your adjudication decision. 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 RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. Expand Hide  additional 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. Review our 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.