Information Security Specialist 1

THE POSITION

The Pennsylvania Public School Employees Retirement System (PSERS) serves over 500,000 active and retired public-school employees through its defined benefit and defined contribution plans. The agency has nearly 350 employees who serve at varying capacities including: customer service representatives, benefits processors, accountants, and investment and information technology professionals.

We are currently looking to fill an Information Security Specialist 1. This role will focus on cybersecurity controls and their effectiveness to protect sensitive data information for the agency. Key responsibilities include vulnerability analysis, cyber threat intelligence reporting, security systems and application analysis, incident response, IAM, and security architecture review. If you have experience performing technical work in information technology security and want to be part of a team that helps to support the members we serve here at PSERS, apply today for this opportunity!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports the agency’s cybersecurity program by monitoring systems, reviewing threats, and helping reduce risks to sensitive information. The role focuses on analyzing vulnerabilities, supporting security tools, and assisting with secure system design. As an Information Security Specialist 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Vulnerability Review: Analyze vulnerability reports and work with staff to address security issues
• Threat Analysis: Review cyber threat intelligence to identify risks and support response efforts
• Security Monitoring: Check SIEM alerts and investigate suspicious activity using security tools
• Audit Support: Gather technical evidence and assist with remediation steps for external reviews
• Security Design Assistance: Support projects that add or improve security controls in new systems
• Access Support: Assist with basic identity and access management tasks and troubleshooting
  
  

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 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 60-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. This position will be required to report to the office the first week for training. After training is completed, you will be required to report to the office one day a month and as operationally needed. 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.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year as a Network Specialist 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Two years of experience performing technical work in information technology security, network support, or network administration, and an associate’s degree in any information technology field; or
• A bachelor’s degree in any information technology field.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform Essential Functions as presented in the linked Position Description.

Legal Requirements: 

• A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information. 

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

Eligibility: All candidates must meet:

• Must Meet the minimum requirements for the job. (see Qualifications)
• Must be a PA resident - See PA residency Guidelines.
• You must be eligible for selection in accordance with Act 71 rules as outlined.
• Currently meet all requirements of one of the below listed Recruitment Methods.

Recruitment Methods:

• Applicants must meet one of the following methods to be considered for this vacancy: 
  • Promotion Without Exam (see below for eligibility)
  • Reassignment (Only current civil service employees in the same agency who hold the same or similar job title, with the same maximum salary, within the same occupational group or where there is a logical career movement, will qualify for reassignment.)
  • Voluntary Demotion  
  • Reinstatement (Former civil service employees may only be reinstated to the job title from which they resigned.  Current civil service employees are not eligible through reinstatement.)
  • Transfer (Only current civil service employees who hold the same job title will qualify for transfer to another agency.)

NOTE: You must meet the minimum experience and training requirements for this position, regardless of the option used to apply or next lower class. 
 
Eligibility for Promotion Without Examination (PWOE) 

• Class Restrictions for Promotion Without Examination Only - You must have or have held regular civil service status in one of the following classifications.
  • Network Specialist 1
  • Applications Developer 1
  • Information Technology Generalist 1
• Employees who previously held regular civil service status in the job title of the position being filled are also eligible for promotion without examination.
• The promotion without examination requirements are issued in accordance with merit system employment regulations.
  • Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher. 
• Applicants must have a minimum of one year in the next lower class(es) by the posting closing date with no break in service. 

Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).  Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position.  

How to Apply:  
ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY ON LINE AT WWW.EMPLOYMENT.PA.GOV (CLICK ON “APPLY”).  

• The all materials must be submitted with your application by the posting closing date.  Late applications and other materials will not be accepted.  
  
• Your application should include three references (two current/former supervisors and one other – cannot be personal acquaintance)
• 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 application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are applying for a promotion under the Promotion without Examination Recruitment Method, you must attached your most recent regular or probationary Employee Performance Review.
  • If you do not have an EPR, you must provide a statement to this effect with your application.  Please note that if you are selected for this position, this information will be confirmed with your supervisor.
  • An electronic copy of your EPR can be obtained through ESS (www.myworkplace.pa.gov) in the “Personal” section by clicking on “Official Personnel File.”
• Use of Generative AI in the Hiring Process: 
  • 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.

Failure to comply with the above application requirements will eliminate you from consideration for this position.  Please use the contact information provided for additional information. 

If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact 717-787-5703 or email [email protected]. 

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.

Benefits

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. 

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.* 

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

Agency Information

EmployerCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120 Website http://www.employment.pa.gov