Launch Your IT Career with the New Jersey Army National Guard

Are you an experienced systems administrator looking for a role that combines technical challenges with dedicated service? The New Jersey Army National Guard is currently recruiting for an IT Specialist (Systems Administration) at Fort Dix, New Jersey. This is a unique opportunity to maintain the mission-critical infrastructure that supports our National Guard operations.

Job Responsibilities

As an IT Specialist (GS-11), you will be the primary point of contact for server infrastructure. Your daily duties will include:

Server Management: Overseeing all assigned servers, including capacity monitoring and performance tuning.
Incident Resolution: Diagnosing and resolving complex issues related to datacenter availability and access.
Automation: Utilizing PowerShell to streamline system configurations and automate repetitive administrative tasks.
Project Leadership: Managing IT projects from initial requirements gathering to final deployment.
Training: Providing formal and informal guidance to users to ensure system efficiency.

Comparison: Standard IT Roles vs. Military Technician

Feature	Civilian IT Role	Military Technician (Dual-Status)
Employment Basis	Purely Civilian	Civilian + Military Membership
Uniform Requirement	No	Yes (Required)
Benefit Access	Standard Benefits	Federal Benefits + Military Benefits
Work Environment	Standard Office	Military/Installation

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet specific criteria:

Guard Membership: You must be or be eligible to become a member of the New Jersey Army National Guard.
Security Clearance: You must have the ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance.
Education/Experience: A mix of progressively higher-level graduate education or specialized experience in IT systems management is required.
DoD Compliance: You must meet the Department of Defense 8140 requirements for information assurance positions.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $88,005 to $114,413 per year. Beyond the salary, you will enjoy the stability of federal employment, potential for telework, and access to an extensive support network within the Army National Guard.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your specific server administration and PowerShell skills. Avoid copying the job description verbatim, as this will lead to an automatic disqualification.
Verify Documents: Ensure your SF-50 and military credentials are included if applicable.
Follow Format: Keep your resume under two pages and provide clear, quantifiable accomplishments.

If you have the drive to manage critical infrastructure and a commitment to service, this role offers an exceptional path forward. Submit your application through the official portal before November 3, 2026, to take the next step in your IT career.

Why This It Specialist (Systems Administration) Job Matters

Take command of mission-critical systems and advance your IT career with the New Jersey Army National Guard at Fort Dix.

It Specialist (Systems Administration) Job Overview

The New Jersey Army National Guard is seeking a dedicated IT Specialist (Systems Administration) to support the JFHQ-G6. This is a vital dual-status technician position where you will manage server infrastructure, optimize performance, and ensure operational readiness. You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of server resource management, from initial configuration and security hardening to ongoing troubleshooting and user support, while maintaining the necessary military compatibility required for the role.

Requirements for It Specialist (Systems Administration)

Must be a member of or eligible for membership in the New Jersey Army National Guard.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance within one year of appointment.
Military Grade Requirement: Minimum E4, Maximum E9.
Must be able to successfully pass a drug screening.
Must meet all DoD 8140 cybersecurity certification requirements.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System.

Preferred Qualifications for It Specialist (Systems Administration)

Comprehensive knowledge of data processing and management principles.
Experience planning and executing IT projects from inception to deployment.
Proficiency in PowerShell for automation, configuration, and troubleshooting.
Experience in capacity planning, workload analysis, and server performance monitoring.
Ability to develop technical documentation, including cost/benefit analyses.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Opportunity for professional development and training
✓Access to Federal employee support resources
✓Telework opportunities (subject to leadership approval)
✓Union representation eligibility

💡 How to Apply It Specialist (Systems Administration) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for It Specialist (Systems Administration) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that specifically highlights your IT experience (limit: 2 pages).
Gather required documents, including SF-50 (if applicable), military documentation, and proof of certifications.
Submit your application package online before the closing date of November 3, 2026.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes detailed descriptions of your duties with specific dates and hours worked per week.
Do not copy and paste the job description into your resume, as this will result in disqualification for plagiarism.
Verify that all required supporting documents are attached before hitting submit.
If you are currently over the required military grade, clearly state your intent to accept a reduction in grade.
Allow extra time before the deadline to account for system virus scans on uploaded files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is military membership required for this position?

Yes. This is a dual-status technician position, meaning you must be an active member of the New Jersey Army National Guard and maintain a compatible military assignment.

Can I work remotely?

Telework is available, but it is not guaranteed. Eligibility is subject to approval by your supervisor, branch chief, and the Director.

What happens if I am over the specified military grade?

If you are an enlisted applicant over the grade of E9, you must clearly document your willingness to accept a reduction in grade within your resume.

What is a dual-status position?

It requires you to hold a full-time civilian position while maintaining membership in the National Guard unit you support.

Do I need to provide a Secret clearance upfront?

You must be able to obtain it within one year of your appointment.

Job from Army National Guard Units

The Department of the Army and the National Guard play a vital role in national security and domestic operations. The Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ-G6) provides the technological backbone necessary for operational efficiency. As a military technician, you serve as a dual-status employee—a civilian professional who is also a member of the National Guard, ensuring the continuity of our systems.