Department of the Air Force

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST- DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY

Dahlgren, Virginia Full time

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST- DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY

Department: Department of the Air Force

Location(s): Dahlgren, Virginia

Salary Range: $101103 - $158756 Per Year

Job Summary: Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a technical expert in a wide range of Information Technology (IT) management activities.

Major Duties:

  • DR-2210-02 Implement and manage the enterprise LAN/WAN infrastructure and network security solutions, with a primary focus on Palo Alto firewalls (IPS, VPNs) and the complete lifecycle of Cisco network core routing and switching platforms (Nexus/Catalyst switches, ISR/ASR routers). Configure and provide expert-level troubleshooting for Layer 2/Layer 3 networking, including IPv6, VLANs, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), and Quality of Service (QoS) to support VoIP/VTC Manage hybrid connectivity between on-premise data centers and AWS cloud landing zones, including traffic flows through cloud access points (CAPs), while also designing and administering core network services like DNS, DHCP, and NTP. Administer the organization's web content filtering policies, leveraging the Cloud Based Internet Isolation (CBII) proxy to secure web traffic and troubleshoot website access issues. Administer the organization's web content filtering policies, leveraging the Cloud Based Internet Isolation (CBII) proxy to secure web traffic and troubleshoot website access issues. Operate the Network Access Control (NAC) solution using Forescout and Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) to enforce security posture and Comply-to-Connect (C2C) policies for all connected devices. Collaborate directly with cybersecurity teams to implement and validate security configurations across the network stack, ensuring compliance with standards like the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs). Proactively maintain and improve network reliability by using tools like SolarWinds and OpenSearch to monitor performance, analyze capacity, and resolve issues before they impact users. Work with a team to interface with all Communications Security (COMSEC) equipment, including High Assurance IP Encryptors (HAIPE) such as TACLANE devices, ensuring the secure transmission of classified and sensitive data across the WA. Serve as a key technical resource in the planning and execution of network upgrades, technology refreshes, and expansion projects. Stay current with the latest vulnerabilities affecting Palo Alto and Cisco products, taking initiative to proactively apply patches and implement security countermeasure. Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for the network and security architecture, including diagrams, configuration guides, and operational procedures to ensure knowledge is shared and maintained

Qualifications: BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: To qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Individual Occupational Requirements for Information Technology Management Series 2210 (Alternative A). Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-11, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience include planning, designing, and managing network security and IT system components to align with the mission, goal, and processes of the organization. Experience in developing, automating, and applying information security policies, conducting comprehensive risk analysis and system audits, and implementing strategies to ensure the protection and interoperability of secure systems and applications. NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. COMPETENCIES: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Problem Solving, Communication, Technology Management, and Teamwork and Leadership. IDEAL CANDIDATE: In addition to the specialized experience statements listed above, the ideal candidate would have the following skills and experience: Experience with implementing and managing enterprise LAN/WAN infrastructure and network security solutions, with a primary focus on Palo Alto firewalls, Intrusion Prevention Systems, web content filtering, VPNs and Cisco enterprise routing, switching, and security platforms Expertise in designing, managing, and troubleshooting complex hybrid IT environments, leveraging a firm foundation of core networking principles across on-premise data centers (networking, servers, storage) and AWS cloud infrastructure. Experience leveraging infrastructure as code (IaC) principles and network automation tools, such as Ansible, Python, Terraform, and Git to enhance network reliability, scalability, and operational efficiency. Experience leading technical projects, documenting architecture, and collaborating across IT domains. The ideal candidate is a proactive and self-starting individual that takes initiative to identify and resolve latent issues, effectively managing multiple priorities, and has demonstrated success partnering with cybersecurity teams to implement security controls and maintain comprehensive documentation. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

How to Apply: The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 05/12/2026 To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12948212 To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1. Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp. Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here. For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy. Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume. 2. A complete Application Questionnaire 3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name. 4. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here. Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (Includes current Air Force employees): You are required to submit legible copy/copies of your last or most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, (block 24 must be a "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a"1"). Additionally, if you are applying for a higher grade (GS) and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one year time-in-grade requirement so you will need to provide an SF-50 which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-grade Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old). OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS: Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Awards for Current Federal Civilian employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume. Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s). PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.

Application Deadline: 2026-05-12