Firewall Operations Lead

Role Responsibilities

The Technical Services Unit manages, operates, and evolves the information management technology (IMT) infrastructure and productivity tools, and manages the overall provision of technical services including servers, network, storage, security, data centres and shared IT facilities for the Government of Alberta.  This work is done both physically and logically in hybrid data centres existing on government premises and in the cloud.
 

Reporting to the Manager, Firewalls and Load Balancer Operations, this position delivers technical analysis, design, implementation, support and operations of IMT services and projects.  Work performed will utilize IT Incident, Problem, Change, Project, Service and Capacity Management principles to achieve innovative solutions to a variety of complex problems.  This position will work with and receive guidance from a team of analysts within the Technical Services unit. Communication with stakeholders and co-workers will be essential in ensuring that project deliverables meet client expectation. This position will use its diverse IT expertise to operate independently on assigned work; this position are subject matter experts in a particular area.
 
This position is responsible for maintaining network security devices on premise and in the cloud.  These will primarily be firewalls (Internal, External, Protected C, Cloud, VPN etc) and Zero Trust Security but may include additional security devices.  The Firewall Lead will also be the Service Owner of the Cloud Firewall Service and perhaps other services.    The position will be responsible for the service life cycle.  

The Firewall Team Lead is expected to support the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) approach to IT Service Management and to adhere to GoA Security Directives, Enterprise Architecture Standards and Federal and Provincial Protected A, B and C standards.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this 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

Requirements:

• University graduation in computer science, Information Technology or a related discipline.
• Four (4) years of related experience in Networking and Firewalls
• Supervisory/leadership experience in leading teams of professionals .
   

Equivalencies:   Equivalencies are considered:  

• A related two-year diploma in computer technology or a related discipline from a recognized postsecondary institution and six years related experience; or 
• A related one year certificate from a recognized post-secondary institution and seven years related experience.
   

Assets:

• A valid Class 5 Driver’s License.
• Experience with network systems specifically related to Firewalls and Network Security. 
• Experience with Network Architecture design to implement and maintain the lifecycle of a new service.  
• Knowledge of Government IT policies and legislation and an understanding of its application on related assignments.
• Experience with ITSM (ServiceNow) application.
• Experience in planing, developing and coordinating projects on a department or cross-ministry scale.
• The ability to work well in a team environment, lead and mentor junior employees and work within deadline constraints.
• Strong communication skills to explain IT concepts, consult with stakeholders and provide guidance. 
   

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: Permanent full-time position
Hours of Work:  36.25 hours per week
Location: Edmonton or Clagary
 
This position is eligible for hybrid work. 
 
Final candidates will be required to undergo security screening.
 

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. 
 

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.
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.