TxDMV - Network Specialist (Cybersecurity) Job at Texas in Austin

State Title: Network Specialist IV

This position is required to work onsite at TxDMV Headquarters located in Austin, TX.

To apply for this position, complete an online application through the Applicant Career Section or through WorkInTexas. TxDMV does not accept paper applications.

Applicants who require accommodation for the interview process should contact Human Resources at 512-465-4043 when contacted to schedule an interview.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Our mission at the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) is to serve, protect and advance the citizens and industries in the state with quality motor vehicle related services. We are a dynamic state agency dedicated to customer service, consumer protection and the success of motor vehicle-related industries.

Performs highly complex network systems and cybersecurity work in support of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Information Technology division. Work involves designing, implementing, and monitoring the agency's network and security infrastructure to protect against cyber threats. May provide guidance to others. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Designs, implements, and maintains the organization's cybersecurity framework, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), VPN, and other security technologies.
• Monitors network security and operational environment; analyzes traffic, investigates and responds to security alerts, and takes corrective measures to ensure network integrity and performance.
• Conducts regular vulnerability assessments and penetration tests; manages the remediation of identified vulnerabilities to protect network resources.
• Coordinates and/or designs and maintains local and wide area network implementations, ensuring secure configurations.
• Designs or coordinates the design of procedures necessary to save and recover local or wide area network environments from hardware and software failures.
• Develops, maintains, and enforces security policies and procedures in alignment with regulatory requirements (e.g., TAC 202, NIST) and industry best practices.
• Installs, configures, and maintains network and security hardware and software; ensures systems are hardened and patched against known vulnerabilities.
• Functions as a technical lead on security-related network projects and provides guidance and training to other IT staff on security best practices.
• Travels up to 5% of the time. Travels by car (may include flying). May require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Required to attend work regularly and adhere to approved work hours in accordance with department policies and procedures.
• To be hired and to continue to maintain employment, the applicant/employee must have the ability to maintain the security and integrity of the infrastructure.
• Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Advanced network security principles, protocols, and best practices.
• Firewall technologies, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), VPN, and content filtering.
• Core networking concepts including TCP/IP, routing protocols (e.g., BGP, OSPF), switching, and VLANs.
• Cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST and regulatory requirements like Texas Administrative Code (TAC) 202.
• Incident response procedures and security information and event management (SIEM) systems.

Skill in:

• Coordinating and solving complex network and security problems.
• Configuring, troubleshooting, and managing firewalls (Palo Alto preferred), routers, switches, and other network hardware.
• Communicating complex technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences

Ability to:

• Maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure.
• Analyze and prepare documents, reports, and correspondence related to network security.
• Recognize problems and identify and facilitate solutions.
• Develop and modify policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of information of a sensitive or confidential nature.

The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills held or performed by employees in this job. Employees may perform other related duties as assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or U.S. equivalency in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field plus four (4) years of experience in network administration and/or network security. Additional related experience may be substituted for education on a year-per-year basis. (Experience requirements may be satisfied by full-time experience or the prorated part-time equivalent.) To be hired and to continue to maintain employment, the applicant/employee must have the ability to maintain the security and integrity of the infrastructure.

Preferred Experience:

Experience with Palo Alto Networks firewalls and security platforms.

Experience with network access control (NAC) systems and cloud security (Azure, AWS).

Experience working in a Texas state agency or government environment.

Experience with Cisco Systems firewall and Fortinet firewall

Preferred Certifications:

CompTIA Security+ or CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)

Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

BENEFITS

The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:

ü Retirement Plan

ü Paid Group Health & Life Insurance for employees

ü Paid Holidays

ü Paid Vacation Leave

ü Paid Sick Leave

ü Longevity Pay

ü Dental

ü Vision

ü Dependent Optional Life Insurance

ü Voluntary AD&D Insurance

ü Dependent Health & Life Insurance

ü Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts

ü Tuition Assistance Program

QUALIFIED EMPLOYER: In addition, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is considered a qualified employer for the Department of Education’s Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION AND/OR LICENSURE

A valid Class "C" driver's license is required. If not currently a Texas resident, must obtain a Texas Driver's License within ninety (90) days after entering Texas as a new resident. A satisfactory driving record is required for operating state or personal vehicles to conduct department business.

JOB OFFERS AND CONTINUATION OF EMPLOYMENT IS CONTINGENT UPON:

• Proof of education and experience listed on the application
• Eligibility to work in the United States
• Satisfactory results from a pre-employment criminal history background check and driver’s record check
• Compliance with Selective Service registration for males ages 18-25
• Required to attend work regularly and observe approved work hours in accordance with department policies and procedures.

MILITARY

If selected for the position the following must be provided for proof of military employment preference:

• Veteran must provide form DD 214
• Surviving Spouse or Orphan must provide DD 1300 or DD 214.

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes that may correspond to the state classification title for this position are listed on the State Auditor’s Office Job Descriptions; click on the occupational category for the position. Additional MOS can be found at the State Auditor’s Office Military Crosswalk Guide.

The Texas Veterans Commission provides helpful employment information.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION

Your application must be complete , accurate and reflect all experience and education . Omission of data can be the basis for disqualification. See Resume is not accepted in lieu of a completed online State of Texas application but attached resumes may be considered as additional supplemental information.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, pregnancy, disability, military status, age, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. The TxDMV provides accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you need help with the employment process or require other accommodation, please contact the Human Resources office for assistance on 512-465-4043.