Information Security Specialist 2

Are you looking for a challenging enterprise level firewall position that will test your knowledge and push your abilities? As an Information Security Specialist 2 with the Security Operations Section, you will help defend key systems that support statewide services. This position gives you the chance to solve complex security problems, strengthen protective measures, and support safe technology use across the agency. Join our dedicated team of professionals to strengthen cybersecurity and help safeguard public resources.

This position manages advanced security tools and processes that protect networks, data, and access across the Employment, Banking and Revenue Delivery Center. You will have the opportunity to support key security operations that reduce risks and keep technology resources safe. As an Information Security Specialist 2, you will perform the following duties:

• Security Configuration: Set up and maintain firewall, VPN, and intrusion prevention tools
• Policy Enforcement: Review security logs and ensure compliance with network standards
• Incident Response: Investigate security issues and coordinate resolutions with appropriate teams
• System Support: Manage installation and updates for security software and monitoring tools
• Access Management: Oversee user access needs and maintain secure account settings
• Risk Monitoring: Track security alerts and recommend improvements based on new threats

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 3 days per week. 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 will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year as an Information Security Specialist 1; or
• Three years of experience performing technical work in information technology security, and an associate’s degree in any information technology field; or
• One year of experience performing technical work in information technology security, and a bachelor’s degree in any information technology field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.
  

Other Requirements:

• This particular position also requires two or more years of full-time professional experience troubleshooting Enterprise networks or Enterprise network related issues.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines. 
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements. 
• A conditional offer of employment will require an in-depth Pennsylvania State Police background check.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be 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. 
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

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.

• 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/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.