IT Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

This position is located in the D.C Board of Elections (BOE), Office of the Executive Director, Information Technology Unit whose mission is to enfranchise eligible residents, conduct elections, and ensure the integrity of the electoral process as mandated by both federal and local laws. BOE is expanding its mission to increase civic participation and provide citizens of the District of Columbia with information and data for the purpose of enhancing the voter experience.

The Cybersecurity Specialist's responsibilities involve protecting BOE's information systems and infrastructure from cyber threats, ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of election-related data. The Cybersecurity Specialist will assist in monitoring, detecting, and responding to security incidents, and will support BOE's efforts to safeguard sensitive voter information and election systems. The incumbent will also play a key role in implementing security measures to uphold the integrity and confidentiality of data and participating in technical research and development to enable continuing innovation within the organization.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Monitors networks, systems, and applications for security incidents and uses security information and event management (SIEM) tools to identify potential threats and indicators of compromise (IOCs). Conducts analysis of detected incidents and escalates critical issues to the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and the Chief Information Technology Officer (CTO). Participates in the investigation, containment, and remediation of cybersecurity incidents. Collaborates with the CISO to conduct post-incident reviews and develop strategies for improving response protocols. Performs risk assessments of BOE's IT environment and election systems, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending mitigation strategies.

Ensures proper configuration of security controls and monitoring of firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, antivirus/EDR tools, and other critical security infrastructure across the BOE's network and systems, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and endpoint protection tools. Monitors system usage and identifies power users/slow adopters. Monitors network performance and identifies network bottlenecks. Analyzes and diagnoses networking problems and recommends corrective measures. Acquires hardware, software, and communication products/services to ensure a fully operational network/network application. Conducts regular vulnerability scans of BOE's infrastructure, applications, and systems. Assists in patch management processes, prioritizes remediation of vulnerabilities, and ensures compliance with security standards. Works with relevant teams and partners to implement necessary changes to minimize risks.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION

Applicant must possess IT-related experience and education with a focus on security operations and vulnerability management, including at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the CS-12 grade level in the District of Columbia government service or a comparable level in a non-District jurisdiction. This specialized experience should demonstrate advanced expertise in network security protocols, security technologies, and network infrastructure design, with a proven ability to apply this knowledge to safeguard the BOE's IT systems and data.

There is no substitution of education for the required experience at this grade level.

All experience MUST be reflected on your resume.

SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTORS:

Applicant must possess or be able to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance to participate in classified briefings.

Applicant must possess experience with security monitoring tools, including Nessus Professional, Trellix/McAfee Endpoint Detection and Response, and the, ManageEngine Log Analyzer SIEM platform.

Applicant must have a strong understanding of network protocols, system hardening techniques, access controls, and security frameworks (e.g., NIST, CIS Controls)

Applicants possessing three (3) or more years of specialized experience are preferred.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Professional certifications such as Security+, CCNA, CySa+, PenTest+, or equivalent are strongly preferred.

The work is primarily sedentary and performed in a standard office setting, with no unusual physical demands. Some walking, handling, and carrying of light to moderately heavy objects may be required. This position may require working irregular hours, including weekends, holidays, and evenings, particularly during election cycles. There are no special physical demands necessary to perform the duties of the position.

The incumbent must be available to work on weekends, holidays and evenings especially during election cycles.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTORS

First Screening Date: November 24, 2025

Tour of Duty: Monday – Friday 8:15 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Pay Plan, Series, and Grade: CS

Duration of Appointment: Career Service Regular

APPLICANTS THAT PREVIOUSLY APPLIED DO NOT NEED TO RE-APPLY

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.