An exciting and challenging opportunity has emerged for a seasoned IT professional to join the U.S. Coast Guard’s Community Services Command. The Coast Guard Exchange is seeking a Senior Retail IT Specialist in Chesapeake, VA, to manage the complex network infrastructure that powers its retail operations. This is not a typical IT job; it is a mission-critical role that ensures the seamless operation of systems that serve Coast Guard members and their families across the nation. If you have a deep understanding of retail IT and a passion for leading complex projects, this is your chance to make a significant impact.
Senior Retail IT Specialist Jobs Overview
This permanent, full-time federal position offers a unique blend of technical challenge and public service, complete with a comprehensive benefits package. Here is a summary of the mission-critical details.
Attribute |
Information |
|---|---|
Position Title |
Senior Retail IT Specialist |
Agency |
Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard Exchange |
Work Location |
Chesapeake, VA (Headquarters) |
Pay Scale & Grade |
NF-4 |
Salary |
$76,914 per year (Negotiable) |
Travel |
Frequent travel required (76% or greater) |
Application Period |
Open until filled (posted April 3, 2025) |
Your Core Directives in Retail IT Infrastructure
As the Senior Retail IT Specialist, you are the pivotal expert for the organization’s retail technology. You will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of the IT network infrastructure—from planning and design to installation and support. Your work will directly impact the efficiency and security of retail environments, including Point of Sale (POS) systems, premise cabling, and major infrastructure renovations. This role is perfect for a hands-on leader looking for dynamic retail IT infrastructure careers.
Your primary duties will include:
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Designing and managing a resilient and scalable WAN/LAN architecture tailored for retail needs.
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Overseeing the strategic deployment of routers, firewalls, switches, and wireless devices.
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Ensuring all retail-specific IT systems are compliant with Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards.
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Spearheading major network projects, such as store infrastructure upgrades and system enhancements.
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Troubleshooting complex network issues to ensure secure and reliable connectivity.
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Collaborating closely with IT and retail teams to align technical solutions with business strategy.
This role is central to the success of the Coast Guard Exchange and is one of the most exciting federal IT jobs in Virginia.
What a Top Candidate Looks Like
The Coast Guard is looking for a specialist with extensive expertise in distributed network environments and a deep understanding of retail technology. To be considered for these Senior Retail IT Specialist jobs in Chesapeake, VA, you must have a strong technical foundation.
The ideal candidate will have:
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Education or Equivalent Experience: A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field; OR a high school diploma/GED with six years of appropriate related experience.
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Extensive Technical Expertise: Proven experience in architecting, configuring, and troubleshooting distributed Windows servers (Win11), desktops, and network hardware in a multi-location environment.
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Protocol Mastery: Deep knowledge of networking protocols essential for Windows Server administration, including AD, TCP/IP, DNS, and DHCP.
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Cloud Experience: Demonstrated experience managing systems and applications in an enterprise cloud environment.
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Willingness to Travel: This position requires frequent travel to various sites to facilitate network deployments.
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Preferred Certifications: An active BICSI Installer certification and/or Microsoft MCSE, CCNA, or CCNP certifications are highly preferred.
This is a key opportunity for anyone exploring U.S. Coast Guard jobs in the technology sector.
Your Application & Onboarding Protocol
For those learning how to get a job with the Coast Guard Exchange, following these application steps is crucial.
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Resume is Key: Federal agencies now only accept resumes up to two pages in length. Your resume is the primary tool used to assess your qualifications, so it must be clear, specific, and detailed.
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Application Portal:
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Outside Candidates: To apply, you must visit the website
https://shopcgx.com/and click on “Careers” at the bottom of the page. -
Internal Candidates: Sign into ADP Workforce Now and navigate to Myself > Talent > Career Center.
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Prepare Your Documents: Ensure your resume clearly identifies the announcement number (6155) and job title. Include all relevant personal and professional information as detailed in the announcement.
A Final Word on Your Mission
This is more than just a technical role; it’s a chance to support the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard by ensuring the services they rely on are modern, secure, and efficient. If you are an IT professional ready to take on a challenge with a real sense of purpose, this is your call to action. These Senior Retail IT Specialist jobs in Chesapeake, VA offer a direct path to a rewarding career in public service, specializing in critical POS systems support jobs and ensuring PCI compliance in IT roles.