IT Specialist (Policy Planning)

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, November 2, 2026. You must meet the Basic Requirements Experience, Specialized Experience and Selective Placement Factors to qualify for this series as described below: Basic Requirements 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.

For all positions individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the five competencies listed below. The employing agency is responsible for identifying the specific level of proficiency required for each competency at each grade level based on the requirements of the position being filled. 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.

AND Selective Placement Factor: In addition to the minimum qualifications described above, you must entirely meet the following requirement(s) to be considered qualified for the position: The position requires a current and active Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification AND Specialized Experience: You must possess a minimum of one (1) year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level.

Specialized experience for this position is defined as:Experience managing operations for Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud and containerized applications to include managing cloud-based projects. Experience with NIST 800-53 and Zero-Trust. 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; religions; 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. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities.

Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. 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/.

OIT Mission: The mission of the Office of Information and Technology (OIT) is to collaborate with our business partners to create the best experience for all Veterans. OIT Vision: To become a world-class organization that provides a seamless, unified Veteran experience through the delivery of state-of-the-art technology. Major Duties: Responsible for the management and administration of processes and tools that enable the organization to identify, document, and access intellectual capital information content.

• Evaluates the impact of changes in business needs on current VA IT policy and projects.
• Provide consultation and guidance to VA executive management on policy and planning relating to OIT/VA highly technical IT projects.
• Implement, and interpret metrics for the evaluation of program effectiveness and efficiency to include programs pertaining to agency-wide initiatives.
• Conducts presentations or briefings on all aspects of portfolio coordination area of responsibility.

This position is primary aligned to the following NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework roles : Cyber Security Code : NCWF Code:431 - Knowledge Manager . Responsible for the management and administration of processes and tools that enable the organization to identify , document, and access intellectual capital information content.

For more information about these work roles, where they fit within the larger Cyber Workforce, and how they can support your unique career journey, please visit the Cyber Career Pathways tool on the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies website: Cyber Career Pathways Tool | NICCS Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. Tour of duty may be subject to change based on organizational needs. Travel Required: Up to 25% travel may be required, as needed, for this position.

Financial Disclosure Report: No applicable Designated Drug Testing Position: Not applicable Compressed/Flexible: As determined by the Agency Policy Telework: .Adhoc telework may be authorized at management discretion Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: IT Specialist ( Policy Planning ) /PD 18089A