Firewall Operations SME & Firewall Operations Analyst

Role Responsibilities

Whether you’re looking to contribute as an Analyst or step into a Subject Matter Expert role, this is your opportunity to make a real impact in network security. Join a team that values innovation, collaboration, and excellence, where your expertise can drive meaningful change and open doors for professional growth.

The Technical Services Unit oversees and enhances the Government of Alberta’s IMT infrastructure and productivity tools. It manages technical services such as servers, networks, storage, security, data centres, and shared IT facilities, operating across hybrid environments on government premises and in the cloud.

Firewall Operations SME (Systems Analyst 3)

Reporting to the Manager, Firewalls and Load Balancer Operations, this role is a key contributor to safeguarding critical government IT infrastructure. You will lead technical analysis, design, implementation, and support for IMT services and projects, applying industry best practices in Incident, Problem, Change, Project, Service, and Capacity Management to deliver innovative solutions to complex challenges.

As a subject matter expert, you’ll work independently while collaborating closely with the Firewall Team Lead and a skilled team of analysts. You will lead the design and architecture of enterprise firewall solutions using vasious platforms, provide advanced configuration and lifecycle management, and act as the technical escalation point for complex issues. You’ll also guide the integration of Zero Trust and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) components, and mentor SA2s and junior analysts.

Strong communication skills are essential as you engage with stakeholders to ensure project deliverables meet expectations. This position offers the opportunity to influence enterprise-level security strategies and implement cutting-edge technologies, making a tangible impact on how government systems are protected and accessed.

If you’re looking for a role where your expertise drives meaningful change and where you can grow as a leader in network security, this is your chance to join a team that values innovation and excellence.

Role Responsibilities continued

Firewall Operations Analyst (Systems Analyst 2)

Reporting to the Team Lead of Firewall Operations, this role plays a key part in delivering innovative IMT services and projects. You’ll work on technical analysis, implementation, and support, applying IT Incident, Problem, Change, Project, Service, and Capacity Management principles to solve complex challenges. While you’ll have the independence to manage your own work, you’ll also collaborate with a skilled team of analysts and occasionally guide junior staff.

In this position, you’ll maintain critical network security devices—primarily firewalls—both on-premise and in the cloud. You’ll configure and maintain firewalls, support IPS/IDS and VPN tunnels, and enforce security policies across hybrid environments. You’ll also contribute to Web Threat Management Services, respond to security incidents, and support Zero Trust and SASE integration.

The work is dynamic and often requires creativity and initiative to implement new technologies and procedures. Your contributions will have a broad impact, influencing how ministries and the public access and use government IT systems.

As technology evolves, so do the challenges in securing complex network environments. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a critical tool in enhancing cybersecurity, automating routine tasks, and enabling proactive threat detection. Our team is committed to leveraging AI-driven solutions to improve efficiency, strengthen security, and deliver innovative services across government systems.

For this reason, experience with AI technologies or a strong willingness to learn and adapt to AI-driven tools is considered a preferred skill for successful candidates. Whether you’re applying as an Analyst or a Subject Matter Expert, embracing AI will allow you to contribute to cutting-edge initiatives and position yourself at the forefront of modern cybersecurity practices.


Please click on this link to view the job description for Systems Analyst 3 position.
Please click on this link to view the job description for Systems Analyst 2 position. 

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:

https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

• Agility: Dentifies and manages required change and the associated risks. Identifies alternative approaches and supports others to do the same. Proactively explains impact of changes. Anticipates and mitigates emotions of others. Anticipates obstacles and stays focused on goals. Makes decisions and takes action in uncertain situations and creates a backup plan.
   
• Develop self and others: Seeks out learning and knowledge-sharing opportunities: Reflects on performance and identifies development opportunities. Takes initiative to stay current.  Shares with the team even when not asked. Actively coaches and mentors direct reports.
   
• Systems Thinking: Takes a long-term view towards organization’s objectives and how to achieve them. Takes holistic long-term view of challenges and opportunities. Anticipates outcomes and potential impacts, seeks stakeholder perspectives. Works towards actions and plans aligned with APS values.
   
• Creative Problem Solving: Engages the community and resources at hand to address issues. Engages perspective to seek root causes.Finds ways to improve complex systems. Employs resources from other areas to solve problems. Engages others and encourages debate and idea generation to solve problems while addressing risks.

Qualifications

Required: 

For Systems Analyst 3 Classification:

• University degree in a related field such as Computer Science, Information Technology.
• Minimum of Four (4) years of directly related experience in firewall and security technologies.
• Demonstrated supervisory or leadership experience managing teams of professionals.
• Proven ability to lead complex technical projects and design activities involving multiple teams or stakeholders.
• Experience in departmental and service planning, including contributions to technical roadmaps and strategic initiatives.
• Hands-on experience coordinating service testing, evaluation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prior experience serving as a senior technical authority within firewall and security teams, collaborating closely with Team Leads and peers.
• Expertise in evaluating new technologies, tools, and architectures for potential adoption within enterprise services.

• Equivalencies for Systems Analyst 3: Equivalencies are considered:  
• • A related two-year diploma in related discipline from a recognized post-secondary institution and six (6) years related experience; or
  • A related one-year certificate from a recognized post-secondary institution and seven (7) years of related experience.

For Systems Analyst 2 Classification:

• University degree in a related field such as Computer Science, Information Technology.
• A minimum of two (2) years of directly related experience in managing and supporting Fortinet Firewalls, Cisco Firepower, Palo Alto Firewalls, and other security technologies including Zero Trust frameworks.
• Proven experience in supporting hybrid infrastructure across cloud platforms such as Azure, AWS, and GCP.
• Experience in service lifecycle management, mentoring, troubleshooting complex network environments, and applying ITSM practices across large-scale government operations.
  
  
  Equivalencies for Systems Analyst 2: Equivalencies are considered:  

• • A related two-year diploma in related discipline from a recognized post-secondary institution and four (4) years related experience; or
  • A related one-year certificate from a recognized post-secondary institution and five (5) years of related experience.

Qualifications continued

Assets for both classifications:

• Possession of a valid Class 5 Driver’s License..
• Desirable Certifications (or equivalent hands-on experience):

• • • Cisco CCNA Security certification
    • Fortinet Certified Associate
    • Cloud Security Certifications
    • Azure Security Engineer
    • Associate AWS Certified Security
    • Specialty GCP Professional Cloud Security Engineer
    • Zero Trust / SSE vendor certifications (Zscaler, Palo Alto Prisma, Netskope)

• Proven experience with network systems, particularly firewalls and network security technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to design secure network architectures and manage the full lifecycle of firewall and security services.
• Strong foundational knowledge of core computer science principles, including software development, infrastructure, programming, networking, mainframe systems, and systems management.
• Familiarity with Government of Alberta IT policies and legislation, with the ability to apply them effectively to technical assignments.
• Hands-on experience using IT Service Management tools such as ServiceNow for incident tracking, change management, and workflow automation.
• Experience planning, developing, and coordinating projects at both departmental and cross-ministry levels.
• Ability to stay current with emerging technologies in infrastructure services, cloud platforms, and user support practices.
• Expert-level knowledge in infrastructure services, cloud technologies, and evolving cybersecurity frameworks.
• Experience aligning firewall and Web Threat Management Services (WTMS) capabilities with modernization initiatives, cloud security strategies, and Zero Trust principles.

*Applications will be evaluated, and candidates will be considered for the position/classification, most closely aligned with their skills, qualifications, and relevant experience.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 
Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

Term of Employment: Multiple Permanent full-time positions.
Hours of Work: 36.25hrs/ week – Monday to Friday
Location: Greater Edmonton or Calgary area

Final candidates will be required to undergo enhanced security screening.

A written assessment may be required as part of the interview process.

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across the Government of Alberta, at the same or lower classification level.

Applicants are advised to provide a cover letter summarizing information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience, and relevant examples of required competencies. 
 

Additional Information:
In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. As well, please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part-time, or full-time. For example, January 15, 2006 - June 25, 2009: Assistant (PT three 8 hrs. shifts/week).

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.


Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Leadership and mentorship programs
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