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Information Technology Security Specialist 1

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Information Technology Security Specialist 1

Salary

$67,736.00 - $102,905.00 Annually

Location

Dauphin County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2025-34358-01517

Department

State Employees' Retirement System

Division

SR Bur IT

Opening Date

10/02/2025

Closing Date

10/16/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

01517

Position Number

50655480

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

A4

Pay Group

ST08

Bureau / Division Code

707100

Bureau / Division

Bureau of Information Technology

Worksite Address

30 North 3rd Street

City

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

17101

Contact Name

DJ Korlewitz

Contact Phone

717.237.0395

Contact Email

[email protected]

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

THE POSITION

Do you enjoy cybersecurity forensic analysis and have an interest in incident response and deterring ongoing cyber threats? Are you an innovated self-starter and defender of information systems who would like to protect our members and participants from malicious cyber attacks? We are looking for an energetic individual who enjoys solving problems and establishing effective cybersecurity solutions. If this is your resolve, please consider applying for this unique opportunity to serve the Pennsylvania State Employees’ Retirement System.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

The SERS Information Security Specialist 1 is a key member of the Bureau of Information Technology team, integral to all BIT divisions and customer service. This position requires a high level of technical acumen, as well as process development and customer interaction. As the threat to information systems and individual sensitive data continues to evolve worldwide, the Information Security Specialist 1 will analyze and operationalize solutions and other technical activities to protect the SERS environment through strengthening and maintaining the security architecture. This position involves research, modernization, and providing technical recommendations.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description. (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD\_NEOGOV.asp?p=50655480)

About SERS: Established in 1923, SERS is one of the nation's oldest retirement plans for public employees and manages the pension benefits of more than 240,000 employees and retirees for 99 public sector employers. In 2024, SERS paid about $4.0 billion in benefits and managed $38.7 billion in assets. Additional information is available at www.SERS.pa.gov .

Our mission is to prepare our members and participants to achieve financial security in retirement. We achieve this through focusing on our mission, acting ethically and with integrity, empowering our members, embracing innovation, fostering life work balance, modeling an inclusive and respectful workplace, valuing and developing team members, collaborating, and finding joy in our work.

SERS is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified individuals to our team. We are committed to an inclusive and respectful work environment that fosters personal and professional growth, embraces the contributions of all team members, and leverages diversity in people, ideas, and experiences to achieve our highest potential.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

+ Full-time employment, 37.5-hour work week, Monday through Friday.

+ A work schedule beginning and ending between 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., inclusive, with a half-hour or one-hour meal period will be considered, dependent on operational requirements. The requested work schedule may not end prior to 4:00 p.m.

+ Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time (hybrid work schedule), depending on operational needs. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you must work on-site at the work location specified in this job posting. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.

+ Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.

+ You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

+ One year as a Network Specialist 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration);or

+ Two years of experience performing technical work in information technology security, network support, or network administration, and an associate’s degree in any information technology field;or

+ A bachelor’s degree in any information technology field.

+ Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Other Requirements:

+ You must meet the PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) and click on Residency.

+ You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

+ Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

+ If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

+ Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.

+ Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

+ Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

+ 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

+ Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).

+ Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.

+ Your score is valid for this specific posting only.

+ You must provide complete and accurate information or:

+ your score may be lower than deserved.

+ you may be disqualified.

+ You may only apply/testoncefor this posting.

+ Your results will be provided via email.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning

We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance

We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture

We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks

Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

01

Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Network Specialist 1 for one year or more full-time?

+ Yes

+ No

02

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

03

How much college coursework have you completed in the field of information technology? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting visitingwww.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information. You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

+ A bachelor's degree or higher

+ 90 college credits and within 3 months of conferring degree

+ An associate's degree

+ None of the above

04

How many years of full-time experience do you possess performing technical work in network support or network administration?

+ 2 or more years

+ 1 but less than 2 years

+ Less than 1 year

+ None

05

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

06

Do you possess 1 or more years of full-time experience performing technical information technology security?

+ Yes

+ No

07

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

08

Have you successfully completed, or are you within three months of completing a bachelor's degree in any information technology field? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer “Yes” to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitingwww.naces.org (”www.naces.org”target=_blank”) and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

+ Yes

+ No

09

If you are within three months of completing a bachelor's degree in any information technology field, on what date do you expect to graduate? If this does not apply to you, please type N/A in the text box.

10

You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.

All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourFAQ page (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) .

+ Yes

11

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 – SECURITY CONTROL DEVELOPMENT, IMPLEMENTATION, AND MAINTENANCEDevelops and implements security roles, profiles, security configurations and related options for user administration as needed in various system environments. Maintains the roles, profiles, and security configurations to ensure the safeguarding of data and physical computer assets and the confidentiality and integrity of information.Levels of PerformanceSelect the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

+ A. I have experience developing and implementing security roles, profiles, or configurations. I was also responsible for maintaining the security roles, profiles, or configurations that I developed and implemented.

+ B. I have experience implementing and maintaining security roles, profiles, or configurations that someone else developed.

+ C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to access security or secure networking.

+ D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

12

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

+ The name of the employer where you gained this experience.

+ The actual duties you performed related to security control development, implementation, and maintenance.

+ The types of security control mechanisms you developed, implemented, and maintained.

+ Your level of responsibility.

13

CS-EDUCATION If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

+ College/University

+ Course Title

+ Credits/Clock Hours

14

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 – SECURITY MONITORING AND OPTIMIZATIONMonitors network or system performance to identify security deficiencies and threats by conducting risk assessments, root cause analyses, and audits. Manages identified security threats by ensuring that corrective action is taken to resolve any potential issues and risk.Levels of PerformanceSelect the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

+ A. I have experience monitoring and evaluating network or system performance to identify security deficiencies and threats. I was responsible for conducting risk assessments, root cause analyses, audits, and taking corrective action.

+ B. I have experience monitoring and evaluating network or system performance to identify security deficiencies and threats. Someone else was responsible for conducting risk assessments, root cause analyses, audits, and taking corrective action.

+ C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to security monitoring, security optimization, or security management.

+ D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

15

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

+ The name of the employer where you gained this experience.

+ The actual duties you performed related to security monitoring and optimization.

+ Your level of responsibility.

16

CS-EDUCATION If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

+ College/University

+ Course Title

+ Credits/Clock Hours

17

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 – TECHNICAL ASSISTANCEResponds to escalated incidents by troubleshooting and diagnosing security issues and coordinates with end users and service providers to resolve issues. Provides advice and guidance to business areas on the importance and financial impact of security threats and works with other staff to ensure security is appropriately built into software. Researches current security solutions and informs management of emerging technologies.Levels of PerformanceSelect the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

+ A. I have experience troubleshooting, diagnosing, and resolving escalated information technology issues. I was responsible for responding to complex technical questions and providing guidance as necessary.

+ B. I have experience troubleshooting and resolving information technology issues. I was responsible for responding to questions and resolving routine issues, but referred more complex technical questions and issues to someone else for resolution.

+ C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to information technology troubleshooting.

+ D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

18

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

+ The name of the employer where you gained this experience.

+ The actual duties you performed related to the technical assistance you provided.

+ Your level of responsibility.

19

CS-EDUCATION If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

+ College/University

+ Course Title

+ Credits/Clock Hours

20

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 – DEVELOPING STANDARDS, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURESDevelops and implements information security and risk management standards, policies, and procedures to ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information owned, controlled, and processed. Determines the access control methods and standards for secure systems design and secure engineering to support the security of the network.Levels of PerformanceSelect the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

+ A. I have experience developing information technology standards, policies, and procedures. I was also responsible for implementing changes to these standards, policies, and procedures as necessary.

+ B. I have experience implementing information technology standards, policies, and procedures. I provided feedback and recommendations for changes to these standards, policies, and procedures, which were developed by someone else.

+ C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to policy development or data analysis.

+ D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

21

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

+ The name of the employer where you gained this experience.

+ The actual duties you performed related to developing standards, policies, and procedures.

+ The types of standards, policies, and procedures you developed.

+ Your level of responsibility.

22

CS-EDUCATION If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

+ College/University

+ Course Title

+ Credits/Clock Hours

23

WORK BEHAVIOR 5 – WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONPrepares technical or narrative documents such as progress reports and summaries of findings to inform leadership of security incidents and the status of response and resolution in accordance with established reporting procedures. Develops brochures, fliers, posters, and email communications to inform and educate users on security awareness.Levels of PerformanceSelect the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

+ A. I have experience preparing technical or narrative reports. I was responsible for the final document that conveyed customized information to the intended recipients.

+ B. I have experience preparing technical or narrative documents; however, someone else was responsible for the final document that conveyed customized information to the intended recipients.

+ C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to business writing, technical writing, English composition, or journalism.

+ D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

24

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

+ The name of the employer where you gained this experience.

+ The actual duties you performed related to written communication.

+ The types of documents you prepared.

+ Your level of responsibility.

25

CS-EDUCATION If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

+ College/University

+ Course Title

+ Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question

Employer

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Address

613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120

Website

http://www.employment.pa.gov