IT Security Specialist 2

State Security Office Security Operations Team seeks an IT Security Specialist 2 to protect the State’s executive branch through monitoring, incident response, and administration of enterprise security tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead email and identity security analysis for the State’s enterprise email and identity platforms, monitoring and triaging threats that impact devices, user accounts, and data.
• Work independently to complete complex assignments.
• Closely monitor identity-based threats and perform remediation actions as needed.
• Develop methods and processes to analyze and resolve problems that require deviation from routine or available solutions for resolution.
• Administer and support security technologies including Endpoint Detection and Response, Secure Email Gateway, Secure Web Gateway, DNS security, SOAR platforms, IDS/IPS, SIEM, firewalls, identity protection solutions, and other enterprise security systems.
• Perform daily cybersecurity alert analysis and incident response using advanced defensive tools to determine severity, mitigate threats, and restore secure operations.
• Conduct log searches and analysis across diverse sources to support investigations, internal and external requests, and audit and compliance needs.
• Participate in week-long rotations as part of a 24/7 on-call cybersecurity team, responding to urgent threats and incidents affecting statewide systems.
• Analyze security reports, audit findings, and technical data; provide recommendations, documentation, and solutions to the Security Operations Manager.
• Travel when needed to datacenters or State offices for on-site troubleshooting, remediation, or emergency response using State-owned vehicles.

Requirements

• Any combination of education and/or experience providing competencies in: Computer Network Defense.
• Any combination of education and/or experience providing competencies in: Information Assurance.
• Any combination of education and/or experience providing competencies in: Information Systems/Network Security.
• Any combination of education and/or experience providing competencies in: Systems Testing and Evaluation.
• Any combination of education and/or experience providing competencies in: Web Technology.
• Training in computer science, information systems, information assurance, cybersecurity, or similar field; professional certification in information systems security; professional experience assessing infrastructure and data to identify vulnerabilities in software and hardware that could expose the infrastructure to a security breach; and experience evaluating the effectiveness of existing security measures.
• Knowledge of methods and controls to validate the identity of individuals to verify access approval for the lead email and identity security analyst function.
• Successful completion of a background check and security clearance through the Division of Public Safety, including fingerprinting.
• Ability to use the Alaska Public Safety Information Network (APSIN) by obtaining a security clearance issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS).
• At time of interview, provide: three (3) professional references and current contact numbers, including two (2) current or former supervisors; copies of the two (2) most recent employment performance evaluations (or letters of recommendation if evaluations are not available); and a copy of academic transcripts (unofficial acceptable).

Technologies

• Endpoint Detection and Response
• Secure Email Gateway
• Secure Web Gateway
• DNS security
• SOAR platforms
• IDS/IPS
• SIEM
• firewalls
• identity protection solutions
• APSIN

Benefits

• Retirement plans (with employer contributions)
• Health insurance for medical/dental/vision (with employer contributions)
• Group-based insurance benefits such as term life, short/long-term disability, pet insurance, and much more

Special Note

• Some positions may require the incumbent to have/obtain and maintain specific information security certifications such as CISSP or Security+.

APSIN and Security Clearance Conditions

• This position requires use of APSIN.
• A security clearance issued by DPS is necessary to use APSIN.
• DPS will deny security clearance for an applicant convicted of a felony or misdemeanor in this state or another jurisdiction, or who may be a fugitive from justice.
• Security clearance will be withdrawn if DPS discovers that material information was falsified or omitted at the time of the initial application for security clearance.

Working Environment

• OIT SSO offices primarily located in downtown Juneau (5th Floor State Office Building) and Anchorage (Bayview Building on Ship Creek Ave).
• Position is suitable for up to 100% (in-state) telework if all job duties and expectations can be met.
• Regular attendance at daily/weekly meetings is essential to stay abreast of ongoing activities and projects.

EEO Statement

• The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.

Application Information

• Apply only through the Workplace Alaska website or via hardcopy application.
• If accessed through an external job search portal (for example, AlaskaJobs or any other database), you must use a Workplace Alaska online or hardcopy application to apply successfully.

Job Location and Salary

• Location: Anchorage, AK (hybrid)
• Salary: USD 8,745 - 9,183 per month