Job Introduction
This is highly responsible work in firewall administration and security operations across a variety of computer platforms and departments. This is an in-office position with rotating on-call duties.
Nature Of Work
The Senior Security Systems Analyst is primarily responsible for the design, implementation, administration, and support of the City of Tampa's enterprise firewall infrastructure. As a key member of the Technology & Innovation Security Office, the incumbent ensures the security, availability, and performance of the City's network perimeter and internal segmentation controls. In addition to firewall-centric duties, the role provides secondary support for broader cybersecurity operations, incident response, and vulnerability management.
Examples of Duties
Firewall Architecture, Administration & Operations (Primary):
Deploy, configure, and maintain enterprise firewalls, including rule base management, NAT configurations, clustering, and failover operations.
Perform day-to-day firewall operations such as rule reviews, access request processing, log analysis, troubleshooting, and optimization.
Monitor firewall performance, availability, and security posture to ensure stable and resilient operation.
Perform firewall upgrades, patches, backups, and lifecycle management.
Conduct regular audits of firewall rules, objects, and configurations to maintain compliance and reduce risk.
Assist in network segmentation design and micro-segmentation strategies to minimize attack surface.
Collaborate with networking teams to support secure connectivity for city programs, facilities, and public safety initiatives.
Security Operations
Assist in monitoring and analyzing security alerts, incidents, and vulnerabilities.
Support penetration testing and vulnerability remediation efforts as they relate to network security and firewalls. Provide input during incident response activities, particularly for events involving network traffic, unauthorized access, or perimeter controls.
Participate in after-action reviews and recommend security improvements.
Risk Management
Identify risks related to firewall configurations, network exposure, and third-party connectivity.
Recommend technical controls to reduce risk within the firewall and broader network environment.
Collaboration and Training
Work with IT staff and departments to ensure network changes meet security requirements.
Offer guidance and training to technical teams regarding secure firewall and network practices.
Assist other teams in implementing and maintaining other platforms and services.
Vendor and Tool Coordination
Work with vendors to maintain and support firewall systems and related security solutions.
Evaluate firewall-related tools and enhancements to improve operational efficiency and security visibility.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Incident Response & Investigation:
Ability to support incident response activities, particularly when related to firewall events or network-based attacks.
Skill in documenting findings, creating logs, and communicating issues to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Collaboration & Communication:
Strong interpersonal skills for partnering with IT, networking teams, and other departments.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to explain firewall decisions, rule requirements, and network risks clearly.
Project Management:
Ability to plan and manage firewall projects such as upgrades, migrations, segmentation improvements, and lifecycle initiatives.
Skill in coordinating with vendors and partners on firewall-related deployments.
Continuous Learning:
Commitment to staying current with emerging firewall technologies and evolving threats.
Willingness to pursue relevant certifications and professional development opportunities.
Analytical & Problem Solving:
Strong analytical skills for resolving complex network and firewall issues.
Demonstrated experience deploying, managing, and supporting enterprise firewalls.
Ability to assess security risks and support remediation efforts.
Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
Strong understanding of networking, routing, switching, and network security technologies.
Physical Requirements
Mostly sedentary, indoors, requires extended use of computer, typing and viewing monitor.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field. Minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior-level security or network security engineering role, preferably in government or public sector.
OR
An equivalent combination of education (not less than possession of a high school diploma/GED), related training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above.
Licenses or Certifications
Possession of a valid driver's license is required.
Preferred Certifications: CISSP, CCNA, CCNP Security, CCSA/CCSE, CySA+, or equivalent.
Examination
Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.
Comments
Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.
Conclusion
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