Launch Your IT Career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Portland

Are you ready to take your IT expertise to the next level? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is seeking a motivated IT Specialist (Network Services) to support the Hydroelectric Design Center in Portland, Oregon. This role offers a unique opportunity to blend traditional network administration with the high-stakes world of physical and cyber security for critical national infrastructure.

Job Responsibilities

As an IT Specialist, your daily mission will focus on the security and efficiency of complex control systems. Your responsibilities include:

Security Analysis: Reviewing and evaluating cyber security programs to ensure optimal performance.
Certification Support: Defining security requirements and managing the accreditation process.
Network Management: Administering branch lab networks and specialized testbeds.
System Maintenance: Installing and configuring firewalls, routers, and switches while auditing logs to detect potential threats.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, candidates must meet specific criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level.
Key Competencies: Demonstrated ability in Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Oral Communication, and Problem Solving.
Security: Ability to pass and maintain a Secret-level security clearance.

Comparison of Qualifications

Requirement	Description
Basic Eligibility	Must hold U.S. Citizenship
Experience Level	Equivalent to GS-09 or higher
Security Clearance	Must meet Secret-level requirements
Resume Limit	Strict 2-page maximum limit

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $80,465 to $104,610 per year, depending on qualifications and local market supplements. Beyond the salary, employees enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:

Comprehensive health insurance and dental/vision options.
Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Paid vacation and sick leave.
Opportunities for student loan repayment and professional growth.

Application Tips

Applying for federal jobs can be competitive. To maximize your chances:

Respect the Constraints: The two-page resume limit is non-negotiable. If you go over, your application will be discarded.
Be Specific: Detail your experience in the requested competencies—Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Oral Communication, and Problem Solving.
Use Plain Language: Avoid heavy industry jargon that a generalist HR reviewer might not understand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does this position offer remote work? A: The position is telework-eligible, but it is not a fully remote role.

Q: What is the closing date for this application? A: The announcement closes on September 15, 2026.

Q: Will I need a drug test? A: A drug test is not required for this specific role, though other security checks will apply.

If you have the skills to protect the systems that run our hydroelectric power plants, this is your chance to make a lasting impact. Build your career with the USACE and help engineer the future of our nation.

Why This It Specialist (Network Services) Job Matters

Secure the nation's critical infrastructure! Join the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as an IT Specialist and protect the systems that power our hydroelectric future.

It Specialist (Network Services) Job Overview

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is seeking a skilled IT Specialist (Network Services) to join the Hydroelectric Design Center in Portland, Oregon. This vital role focuses on safeguarding physical and cyber security for specialized automated control systems, ensuring the integrity and reliability of our nation's hydroelectric power assets. If you are passionate about industrial control systems, network security, and making a tangible impact on national infrastructure, this is your opportunity to engineer a stronger tomorrow.

Requirements for It Specialist (Network Services)

Must be a U.S. citizen.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level.
Experience in cyber security analysis and threat identification.
Experience providing recommendations for network systems operation and development.
Experience monitoring network systems for IT security compliance.
Demonstrated competence in Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Oral Communication, and Problem Solving.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Resume must be two pages or less.

Preferred Qualifications for It Specialist (Network Services)

Proven experience with Industrial Control Systems (ICS) or Operational Technology (OT).
Expertise in configuring firewalls, routers, and switches.
Direct experience in IT security certification and accreditation processes.
Advanced education (Ph.D. or 3 years of graduate study) in Computer Science, Engineering, or related fields.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Generous retirement plans (FERS).
✓Paid annual and sick leave.
✓Opportunities for professional development.
✓Potential for recruitment/relocation incentives.
✓Student loan repayment options where applicable.

💡 How to Apply It Specialist (Network Services) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for It Specialist (Network Services) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Review the specific instructions for the online questionnaire.
Prepare a concise, two-page resume highlighting specialized experience.
Gather supporting documents, including transcripts if using education to qualify.
Complete the application through the online portal.
Verify your application status via the USAJOBS dashboard before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less; longer resumes will be automatically rejected.
Use plain, clear language and avoid obscure acronyms.
Ensure your resume explicitly details your specialized experience with dates and hours worked.
Upload all required documents well before the deadline to ensure they clear the system's virus scan.
Double-check that all required fields in the questionnaire are completed accurately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the security clearance level for this position?

This position requires a Secret level security clearance.

Can I apply if I am not a federal employee?

Yes, this announcement is open to the public.

Are there strict limits on the resume length?

Yes, your resume must be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit will not be considered.

Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a premier public engineering agency dedicated to building, maintaining, and securing the nation's most vital infrastructure. From managing water resources to designing military facilities, the USACE is essential to national security. Joining the Hydroelectric Design Center means becoming part of an elite team that maintains the backbone of our power production capabilities.