Summary GAO supports the Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities to legislate, appropriate, and oversee the Federal government for the benefit of the American people. GAO, commonly referred to as the investigative arm of Congress, or the congressional watchdog, is independent and nonpartisan. GAO assists Congress in making informed decisions by providing information on policy and program issues, as well as by providing recommendations to make government more effective and responsive. Responsibilities Band IIB staff apply mastery of audit and evaluation design and implementation to highly complex tasks, assignments, and projects having problems or issues not susceptible to treatment by generally accepted methods. With the supervisor providing administrative direction, Band IIB employees have full responsibility for planning and carrying out projects and assignments. Completed work is considered authoritative and normally accepted without significant change. Assignments require the resolution of critical problems affecting the work of other experts or major aspects of GAO programs, engagements, or other activities. As a technical authority, the Band IIB employee must frequently interpret nonspecific guidelines and develop applications to specific assignments. Duties of Band IIB staff involved in engagement execution include, but are not limited to the following: Takes a lead role in conducting logical access controls assessments that requires detailed technical testing and verification of controls in complex, diverse and interconnected network environments at organizations of audit interest. Controls assessments include but are not limited to a working knowledge and understanding of penetration testing tools and techniques, software applications including web-based systems, boundary protection, system and network protection, identification and authentication, authorization, cryptography, audit and monitoring, and configuration management. Supports teamwork, collaboration, and coordination in planning and timely execution of information systems general and application controls assessments. This includes involvement in the engagement design, data collection, analysis, message development, and drafting segments of products that are technically accurate, complete and appropriately targeted to the product audience. Conducts analysis of complex data collection efforts and documents results in accordance with auditing standards that identify the scope of work performed and logically supports conclusions and recommendations reached. Supports the operation and maintenance of hardware and software that include Windows and Linux/Unix-based systems, applications and databases, as well as various network components including firewalls, proxies, wireless network devices, routers and switches.- Presents results orally and in writing to technical and managerial audiences both internal to GAO and at external agencies. Reviews and assesses the operation and maintenance of hardware and software, as well as, various network components and makes recommendations for improvement. Serves as a mentor or resource for junior staff. Requirements Conditions of Employment Must be a current full-time or part-time GAO employee on a permanent appointment. Qualifications Band IIB Must be a full-time or part-time GAO employee on a permanent appointment. In addition, employees must have a minimum of 52 weeks of GAO experience, equivalent to at least the next lower band level (PE-IIA, PT-II, PT-III, PA-II, MS-I) in a position focused on conducting research, quantitative and qualitative analysis, or program evaluations by May 5, 2024 (effective date of promotions). In addition to meeting the qualifications requirements listed above, ALL applicants must meet the following 2 selective placement factors: (1) Extensive experience and demonstrated abilities in analyzing key aspects of automated information systems, such as development, acquisition, testing, operation, and maintenance. (2) Extensive experience and demonstrated abilities in analyzing elements of one or more of the following information technology domains: information security, enterprise architecture, information management, investment management, and telecommunications. Education Not Applicable Additional Information Band IIB Senior IT Specialist (Security) promotion opportunities for GAO's mission teams will be available in all applicable geographical locations. For information on the number of Band IIB promotion opportunities by team, please see the GAO-wide Notice published and distributed (via email) on 1/12/2024. BARGAINING UNIT STATUS: This position is included in the bargaining unit. If you would like to apply for Specialists promotion opportunities (IT Analyst, Financial Auditor, etc.), you must submit a separate application directly to the appropriate announcement for each Specialist position for which you wish to be considered. This position is a moderate risk public trust position with possible upgrade to a Secret or Top Secret or SCI clearance depending on the type of engagement the employee will be assigned to within the mission teams. If you are selected for a promotion and have applied for a Flexible Work Agreement (FWA) or Remote Work Agreement (RWA), and are approved for one of these agreements, you will have to re-apply if selected for promotion based on the new position to which you will be promoted. Additionally, you may have a 90-day waiting period if you have requested FWA or RWA to a new geographical location. If selected for promotion, you will be promoted in your current duty station.