IT SPECIALIST (NETWORK) (Title 32)

Summary

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

This National Guard position is for a IT SPECIALIST (NETWORK) (Title 32), Position Description Number D2181P01 and is part of the AR ANG 188 CMN FT, National Guard.

NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQURED

This job is open to

• The public
  
  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
• National Guard and reserves
  
  Current members, those who want to join or transitioning military members.

Clarification from the agency

(1) Arkansas Air National Guard (AR ANG) Technicians; (2) All members of the AR ANG, (3) Individuals who are not members of the National Guard but who are eligible to acquire membership in an available and compatible military grade for excepted technician positions. (Upon selection, must be a member of the AR Air National Guard).

Duties

1. Administers the base Local Area Network (LAN). Implements new network operating systems hardware and software and develops base wide network operating procedures. Analyzes LAN utilization statistics through data collection and performance measures to ensure the smooth, reliable, and robust operation of LANs to include classified and unclassified networks. Coordinates LAN installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and reviews, evaluates, and fine-tunes components such as virtual servers, hubs, switches, and routers to achieve peak efficiency within the overall network connectivity. Assists in the development, configuration, installation, and maintenance of network systems to include the LAN/WAN. Receives network, communications, and related operating systems from various sources such as design centers and commercial vendors. Maintains an inventory of all network hardware and software. Installs, configures, and troubleshoots network and application server hardware, network operating system software, and peripheral network equipment such as routers, bridges, cabling system, network interface cards, modems, multiplexers, and concentrators. Develops and maintains base wide procedures for networks, system operations, backups, and product assembly and installation. Implements network operating system and/or network application software, and maintain contact with software suppliers to ensure that current releases of software products are in use. Conducts testing of network systems to ensure current network software products are compatible with system configurations and to ensure operability, efficiency, and compliance with existing standards. Monitors operation of the LAN/WAN and ensures hardware and network operating software are functioning properly and that operation standards are met. Function tests systems components to identify and resolve technical problems, analyze system malfunctions, implement necessary corrective actions, and provide ongoing support for the resolution of complex problems and operating malfunctions. Performs system backups to ensure expedient restoration of the database for the respective network equipment. Assists customers on the use of office automation computers, local and wide area networks, and other automated tools. Ensures backups of network equipment configuration data are current. Resolves LAN related problems for the base. Recommends and prepares operating policies and procedures for networks, system operations, and product assembly and installation. Provides customer assistance and training for new network systems.

2. Conducts problem analysis to identify trends, ineffective practices or procedures, and equipment shortcomings. Identifies and documents network requirements for specific needs of customers. Determines if the facility environment can provide for network system requirements, and if infrastructure is in place to support the system. Conducts in-depth analyses of network usage, user complaints, traffic interruptions, hardware and software capabilities, and other relevant factors. Changes the components of existing equipment for efficient operation or recommends major modifications to existing systems. Recommends methods and procedures and coordinates corrective action to optimize utilization of present equipment. Uses benchmarks, performance measurement, and evaluation data, in conjunction with modeling and simulation techniques in planning for increased capacity and to support additional workloads. Identifies potential performance or capacity problems and plans for changes to avert problems. Works with technical support personnel in resolving problems. When required, participates with design team on new initiatives, contributing technical expertise on existing LANs. Ensures upgrades to the base infrastructure are identified and submits requests for equipment and funds. Cooperates and works with base communication agencies in planning and developing new or additional network infrastructure capabilities. Provides cost analyses for new and upgraded network infrastructure capabilities.

DUTIES CONTINUED UNDER EDUCATION

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position.

Compatible military grade and assignment required prior to the effective date of placement. This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the employing state's National Guard. Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership in the military grade listed below. Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform.

Military Grades: Enlisted

• Minimum Military Grade: NLT E-3/A1C
• Maximum Military Grade: NTE E-6/ TSGT

Compatible Military Assignments: Selectee must be a member of the Arkansas Air National Guard.

IMPORTANT NOTES (AS APPLICABLE): Upon selection for this position, individual must possess or initiate a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) background investigation. A favorable determination based upon investigative results is mandatory for this position. Failure to meet these requirements will result in termination of employment. A pre-placement physical is required if not already current. Upon selection, must complete mandatory Full-Time Support (FTS) Training at the Professional Education Center (PEC) within six months of assignment (if applicable, training will be coordinated by the supervisor). Individual must meet all military requirements of the position without creating a grade inversion, as determined by the Human Resources Office (HRO). Technicians will not be militarily senior to their full-time supervisor or wage leader (Grade Inversion). Enlisted members currently at a higher grade than allowed by the position (see Military Grade Requirement above) may apply; however, they must administratively reduce prior to appointment and provide confirmation of the reduction to HRO.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS ARE LISTED UNDER ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

Qualifications

GENERAL EXPERIENCE:

Experience, education, and/or training that has provided a basic knowledge of data processing functions and general management principles that enabled the applicant to understand the stages required to automate a work process. Experience may have been gained in work such as computer operator or assistant, computer sales representative, program analyst, or other positions that required the use or adaptation of computer programs and systems.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:

1-year specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade. In addition to the OPM IORs (Alternative A) specialized experience examples, specialized experience includes experience, education, or training that approaches techniques and requirements appropriate to an assigned computer applications area or computer specialty area in an organization. Experience planning the sequence of actions necessary to accomplish the assignment where this entailed coordination with others outside the organizational unit and development of project controls. Experience that required adaptations of guidelines or precedents to meet the needs of the assignment. Experience preparing documentation on cost/benefit studies where is involved summarizing the material and organizing it in a logical fashion.

Education

DUTIES CONTINUED:

3. Plans for current and future technology integration and works issues for compatibility and standardization based on current and projected customer needs. Analyzes LAN utilization statistics, performance measures, and system profiles to ensure network robustness in serving the business needs of the installation. Forecasts future needs and prepares recommendations, justifications, and specifications for LAN equipment. Determines when improvements in networking capability are needed and makes detailed technical recommendations to the senior system specialist. Develops test procedures and participates in progress reviews with operating officials, system programmers, computer users, and others to determine the reliability and productivity, ascertain user friendliness, applicability to the work environment, and compatibility of system hardware and software with existing networks. Ensures applicable operation and maintenance policies and standards are maintained. Reviews literature, assesses reports of state-of-the-art advances in software/hardware, and assesses applicability and impact of introducing new developments to current configurations. Ensures that inquiries and problems are expeditiously resolved. Examines and evaluates alternative means of satisfying user requirements and makes recommendations to users regarding the most effective and efficient automation approaches. As deemed necessary for efficient operation, reconfigures various peripheral equipment to include, multi-function print/scan/fax devices, tape drive units, terminals, and PCs within the LAN. Maintains and tests system software to ensure reliable and accurate availability. Identifies and analyzes system hardware or software failures, arranging for hardware and software repairs when necessary. Installs and troubleshoots LAN data cables to transmission equipment to ensure proper connectivity. Assists in determining the feasibility of proposed revisions or the development of new program applications. Monitors and documents system performances before and after new programs are loaded. Provides information and recommendations of improvements to management.

4. Maintains required information assurance certification IAW DoD 8570.01-M, Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002, Clinger Cohen Act of 1996 in order to ensure the rigorous application of information security and assurance policies in the delivery of network services. Serves as a network security administrator for a large number of users on the installation. Ensures the optimum performance of the base firewall. Implements directed technical solutions provided by the Information Assurance Specialist required to bring the network into compliance with current network and/or operating system security measures. Sets up and maintains account restrictions and user rights. Establishes password controls and procedures. Maintains user access controls (physical, personnel, software, and information security) using applicable security policies and regulations. Assists IT security specialists with applicable security policies and regulations and conducts risk analyses and security tests and evaluations. Tracks network security patches and ensures completion. Accomplishes risk analyses, accreditation, and certification packages. Develops reports and submits to appropriate activities as required.

5. Adheres to management control plan requirements by conducting self inspection and staff assistance visits. Resolves identified discrepancies.

6. Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional information

If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov)).

REQUIREMENTS/CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.

Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.

May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.

Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.

Must be able to obtain/maintain appropriate security clearance

• 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.

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, general and specialized experience):

• Knowledge of IT network systems design principles, methodologies, and approaches used in developing, testing, installing, operating, managing, and maintaining network services that support functional requirements.
• Knowledge of the organization's network architecture, topology, and protocols sufficient to plan, design, develop, and integrate network systems and security plans and procedures consistent with existing or planned network infrastructures.
• Knowledge of methods, techniques, and processes for the integration and optimization of LAN/WAN components, infrastructure requirements, and test and evaluation methods sufficient to install and operate base wide programs and provide technical guidance to others in designing, testing, operating, and maintaining network programs.
• Knowledge of a wide variety of established commercial network design programs and how they interrelate and function within various environments.
• Skill in applying IT network development concepts and techniques to provide computer applications which provide optimal functional support for users.
• Ability to analyze functional IT network system requirements, translate findings into functional requirements, develop supportable recommendations for enhancement, and apply a wide range of methodologies and tools.
• Ability to serve as a team leader or member of special projects and to coordinate and document the work of the team.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain an up-to-date awareness of technological advances and predict how management can meet future requirements.

• 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.
• Required Documents
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  
  To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
  
  1. Resume: showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (including Month and Year, e.g., 02/2017, Feb 2017, etc.) of employment and duties performed.
  
  DO NOT COPY THE SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AND DUTIES WORD FOR WORD AND PLACE INTO YOUR RESUME; YOU MUST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AS IT PERTAINS TO EACH STATEMENT.
  
  2. Current AF Form 422 (Physical Profile Serial Report) dated within 18 months or Current Individual Medical Readiness (IMR) dated within 6 months: (Go to Click on the printer icon, select the Adobe PDF printer and click print. Save the document and submit it with your application. The date will populate on the bottom of the page when you print to PDF.)
  
  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
  
  To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
  
  A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
  
  To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
  
  Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  
  After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
  
  You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
  
  To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (, all of your 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: ;br>
  Agency contact information
  
  AR HRO Customer Service
  
  Email
  
  
  
  Address
  
  AR ANG 188 CMN FT
  
  Bldg 7300-Camp Robinson
  
  North Little Rock, AR 72199-9600
  
  US
  
  Next steps
  
  Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Resume: showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (including Month and Year, e.g., 02/2017, Feb 2017, etc.) of employment and duties performed.

DO NOT COPY THE SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AND DUTIES WORD FOR WORD AND PLACE INTO YOUR RESUME; YOU MUST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AS IT PERTAINS TO EACH STATEMENT.

2. Current AF Form 422 (Physical Profile Serial Report) dated within 18 months or Current Individual Medical Readiness (IMR) dated within 6 months: (Go to Click on the printer icon, select the Adobe PDF printer and click print. Save the document and submit it with your application. The date will populate on the bottom of the page when you print to PDF.)

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

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.

You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (, all of your 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: ;br>
Agency contact information

AR HRO Customer Service

Email



Address

AR ANG 188 CMN FT

Bldg 7300-Camp Robinson

North Little Rock, AR 72199-9600

US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Selective Service
• Signature and false statements
• Social security number request