Summary THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION. This National Guard position is for a IT SPECIALIST (CUSTSPT) (Title 32), Position Description Number D2182P01 and is part of the AR ANG 188 CMN FT, National Guard. NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQURED Responsibilities 1. Manages the assigned IT/communications environment with privileged access at the network level for the Wing, Geographically Separated Units (GSU), and Tenants. Plans, coordinates, installs, and continuously analyzes system design, hardware and software. Develops, recommends, and installs solutions and upgrades to ensure availability, integrity, efficiency, and reliability of all components of the assigned system. Provides Information Assurance systems support for all disciplines, ensuring the rigorous application of information security/information assurance policies, principles, and practices in the delivery of network services. Performs system audits to assess security parameters and performance of IA controls within the network environment. 2. Serves as a focal point for ensuring functionality and operability of the assigned IT/data systems/functions, voice and wireless systems to support mission requirements of Wing, Geographically Separated Units (GSU), and Tenants. Optimizes the functionality and performance of hardware and software systems and ensures availability, integrity, efficiency, and reliability of system/functional resources while managing the communications focal point coordination and workload distribution duties. Analyzes, manages, and directs installation of any new hardware or software introduced into the environment to ensure its compatibility with existing architecture, its reliability, and functionality in relation to the organization's business requirements. Runs tests to verify operability and functionality; analyzes hardware and software malfunctions to resolve physical and logical processing problems; and recommends acquisition of programs, process or equipment which will resolve operational problems. Provides on-going optimization and problem solving support; continually surveys system operation to identify potential systems problems which could lead to loss or serious interruption of service. Oversees and initiates corrective or preventative measures to rectify immediate problems and prevent future occurrences through the CFP. Troubleshoots and diagnoses system failures to isolate source of problems. Performs testing, troubleshoots, corrects problems, and distributes workload relative to interface and interoperability of system components such ashardware, systems software, and applications programs. Provides proactive consultation and instruction with system users and technical specialists to ensure seamless implementation of changes. Assesses and mitigates security vulnerabilities of installed system hardware and software. 3. Provides customer technical assistance and support for all users. Provides ongoing technical support to customers to ensure proper functional use of equipment and programs and to preclude undue interruptions to IT and communications services. Works with customers to ensure efficient operations which support each units' requirements. Assists in solving problems associated with delivery of hardware and software orders. Provides management with information necessary to address difficult and complex problems in automating work processes. Tracks life of system equipment, prepares and provides analyses to determine future maintenance and replacement costs to help justify budget submissions. Reviews purchase requests and statements of work, ensuring documentation is sufficient to justify enhancements necessary to keep systems current and ensuring requested equipment and applications are compatible with existing infrastructure. Promotes use of assigned systems by providing instructions to functional area users on IT/communications processes and procedures associated with each supported system. Works with the CFP and customers to resolve integration or configuration related issues associated with a variety of different system platforms, operating systems, applications, and equipment configurations. 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-1/AB Maximum Military Grade: NTE E-6/TSgt Compatible Military Assignments: Selectee must be a member of the Arkansas Air National Guard and be compatible in Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) 1D7X1Q. Selectee must become compatible within 12 months of assignment 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 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: 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: 4. Determines customer requirements and assists customers by recognizing and analyzing trends and providing instruction and orientation services. Identifies and documents system requirements for specific needs of customers. Conducts in-depth analyses of system usage, user complaints, traffic interruptions, hardware and software capabilities, and other relevant factors. Recommends methods and procedures and coordinates corrective action to optimize utilization of present equipment. Ensures upgrades to the base IT and communications infrastructure are identified and assists customers in developing and submitting recommendations for additional equipment and funds. Cooperates and works with unit personnel in planning and developing new or additional infrastructure/architecture capabilities. Identifies potential performance or capacity problems. Works with technical support personnel in resolving problems. Manages system user accounts, resets system passwords, and resolves firewall issues. Responds to trouble reports by analyzing problems, providing solutions, and recommending actions necessary to avoid future difficulties such as enhancing, replacing, or modifying existing programs, applications, and equipment. Maintains records of analyses, tests, and the techniques and procedures applied in problem resolution to establish a record of activities for future use. Coordinates efforts between system customers, system support personnel and commercial vendors to identify and resolve hardware, software, and other system anomalies. Records problem reports as they occur and analyzes data to determine trends in use or performance that could lead to future problems. Provides orientation in the use of new or changed technology. Provides formal or informal training to ensure users understand the interrelationships of the system and are able to operate the system without undue difficulty. Prepares user manual or instructions for assigned applications. 5. Conducts feasibility studies to identify and analyze system failures and analyzes data to determine if trends exist which forecast the need for future replacement or modification of system hardware and software. Based upon the results of studies and the analyses of trends in usage and system problems, determines the feasibility of significant modifications vs. replacement to improve reliability. Participates with operating officials, system users, and others in progress review of established systems to determine the reliability, productivity, and user friendliness of the existing system hardware and software. As budget constraints dictate, evaluates alternative means of satisfying user requirements and provides management with the most technically feasible and cost efficient approaches to meet changing needs. Uses benchmarks, performance measurement, and evaluation data in conjunction with modeling and simulation techniques in planning for increased capacity and to support additional workloads. Performs independent research of literature and consults with a variety of vendors, IT and communications specialists in other agencies, and members of professional associations to determine availability and feasibility of modifying existing systems. Provides cost analyses for new/upgrade infrastructure and architecture capabilities. Keeps abreast of changes in technology to assist management in preparing for future enhancements. Forecasts future needs and prepares recommendations, justifications, and specifications for equipment and applications. Examines and evaluates alternative means of satisfying user requirements and makes recommendations to management regarding the most effective and efficient approaches. 6. Coordinates frequency needs with command level spectrum management office to maintain current allocations and obtain new authorizations. Secures operating authority, and ensures minimal interference by ANG radio frequency (RF) operations. Analyzes RF spectrum requirements and determine compatibility with other users considering transmitter and receiver specifications, antenna data, emission characteristics, and modes of radio wave propagation. Reviews and validates radio frequency allocations. Maintains frequency records and associated databases. Examines spectrum allocation data and frequency assignment records to determine suitability of specific equipment planned for deployment. Provides spectrum management guidance to units deploying equipment in support of contingency, exercise, or wartime requirements. 7. Installs, maintains, and repairs hardware devices supporting a broad range of information and communications systems. Uses detailed knowledge of concepts, principles, methods, and practices with sophisticated diagnostic equipment and complex diagnostic software to identify and resolve internal system and network conflicts. Applies diagnostic equipment to test, configure, evaluate, and optimize all high bandwidth circuits. Designs, develops and conducts technical and operational tests and evaluations of a wide range of communications equipment and systems using performance management and measurement methods. Coordinates and prepares items for contract or warranty repair or replacement as required. Receives, inspects, installs, and verifies the proper operation of equipment returned. Accomplishes required documentation. 8. Adheres to management control plan requirements by conducting self inspection and staff assistance visits. Resolves identified discrepancies. 9. 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