IT Security Specialist I

Salary: $52,100.00 - $88,600.00 Annually
Location : Lexington County, SC
Job Type: Time Limited - Full-Time
Job Number: 190045
Agency: Department of Education
Opening Date: 07/06/2026
Closing Date: 7/20/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: AM80
Position Number:: 61165071
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: TEC04
Hiring Range - Min.: $65,000.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $85,000.00
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: Interested persons must complete a State Employment Application at Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The South Carolina Department of Education does not accept faxed, mailed, or hand delivered applications.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.


Job Responsibilities
The mission of the South Carolina Department of Education is to serve students, support teachers, empower parents, and engage the community so that every student graduates prepared to reach their full potential.
Job Purpose:

Under general supervision, the IT Security Specialist I assesses and documents critical and important business and technology functions across the Department, working with all areas and key stakeholders. This position performs security and risk assessments, supports security awareness and user training, manages incident response, and carries out other information security governance tasks. The incumbent creates and maintains plans, procedures, and documentation to protect the Department's systems and data, ensuring the agency's ability to provide secure services to staff and schools throughout South Carolina.
Responsibilities:

Security Policy & Compliance (30%)

• Design, implement, maintain, and assess agency information security policies and procedures to comply with existing policies protecting the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of computer systems and associated data.
• Develop and maintain standards and procedures in accordance with State and Agency regulations and/or policy.
• Support data classification, governance, audit, and regulatory compliance activities.

Security Operations & Risk Management (30%)

• Assist CISO staff in completing support tickets, risk and vulnerability assessments, and monitoring and responding to security and privacy issues.
• Monitor and deploy security solutions for the Agency.
• Support incident management activities and participate in business continuity and disaster recovery planning.

Program Coordination & Communication (25%)

• Coordinate, create, and lead various security programs and initiatives.
• Establish clear communication between the Chief Information Security Office, other internal agency offices, and external partners.
• Serve on and lead various teams to meet the needs of the agency's operations and information security program.

Reporting & Security Awareness (10%)

• Complete reports and documentation related to security programs, initiatives, and projects.
• Present on various programs, initiatives, and security awareness topics to internal and external audiences.
• Create and maintain documentation with a high level of attention to detail.

Other Duties (5%)

• Complete all other tasks as assigned, including various security and Agency support duties.

This position is located in the Office of Information Technology.

Minimum and Additional Requirements


A bachelor's degree in information technology systems, computer science, or a related field and experience in the information technology field to include experience in a security-focused role. Relevant experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of two (2) years' experience in information security, business continuity, and disaster recovery planning.
• Professional certification related to information security or privacy (e.g., Security+, or similar certification).
• Experience with security monitoring, data classification and governance, and business continuity programs including audit and regulatory compliance.
• Familiarity with state government or similarly regulated environments.

Additional Comments
WORKING CONDITIONS

• Overnight travel may be required.
• Criminal background check (SLED) required prior to employment.
• Employee works independently under the direction of the Chief Information Security Officer and is expected to work closely with employees across all divisions.

ONLY THOSE APPLICANTS CHOSEN FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE NOTIFIED BY LETTER THAT THE POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED.
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.


Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.


Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.


Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.


Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01


Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted or reviewed in lieu of the application. I have read and acknowledge the above statement.

• Yes
• No

02


I understand that a criminal record investigation will be conducted prior to employment being offered by the South Carolina Department of Education. My personal identifying information will be processed through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

• Yes
• No

03


Do you have a bachelor's degree in information technology systems, computer science, or a related field and experience in the information technology field to include experience in a security-focused role? Relevant experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis.

• Yes
• No

04


Do you have a minimum of two (2) years' experience in information security, business continuity and disaster recovery planning?

• Yes
• No

05


How did you hear about this position?

• Careers.sc.gov
• Indeed.com
• LinkedIn
• Social Media/Advertising
• Other (please specify below)

06


If you answered "other" in the question above, please specify where you heard about this position below.
Required Question