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C4 Operations Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

IT SPEC (SYSADMIN)

Des Moines, IA · On-site +1

$75K - $97K/yr

Develops guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), bulletins and flyers regarding the operation/use of assigned C4 systems, services, and activities. Analyzes policies, regulations, and ...

C4 Operations information

How does a C4 Operations professional typically interact with other teams during mission planning and execution?

C4 Operations professionals play a vital role in coordinating communication, command, control, and computer functions across various units. They frequently collaborate with intelligence, logistics, and field operations teams to ensure information flows seamlessly and decisions are made swiftly. During mission planning, they help develop communication protocols and contingency plans, while during execution, they maintain real-time situational awareness and adapt systems as needed. This collaborative environment demands strong teamwork, adaptability, and clear communication skills.

What are C4 Operations?

C4 Operations refer to the integrated use of Command, Control, Communications, and Computers in military and defense organizations. These operations are essential for coordinating missions, managing information flow, and ensuring effective decision-making on the battlefield. Professionals in C4 Operations work to enhance situational awareness, streamline communication between units, and maintain the security and reliability of critical systems. The role often involves both technical and strategic responsibilities, requiring expertise in technology, security, and military protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a C4 Operations Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a C4 (Command, Control, Communications, and Computers) Operations Specialist, you need strong analytical skills, knowledge of military or security protocols, and typically a background in information technology or communications. Familiarity with secure communication systems, command and control software, and relevant certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP are often required. Exceptional problem-solving, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure are important soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the secure and efficient flow of critical information, which is vital for mission success and operational integrity.

What is the difference between C4 Operations vs C4 Cybersecurity Specialist?

AspectC4 OperationsC4 Cybersecurity Specialist
CredentialsSecurity clearance, military or defense certificationsCybersecurity certifications like CISSP, CEH
Work EnvironmentMilitary, defense agencies, government operationsIT firms, cybersecurity companies, government agencies
Industry UsageDefense, military operations, national securityInformation security, IT security, cyber defense
Search & ComparisonOften compared for operational roles in defenseCompared for cybersecurity expertise roles

While both roles involve security, C4 Operations focuses on command, control, communications, and intelligence in military contexts, whereas C4 Cybersecurity Specialist emphasizes protecting digital assets and networks from cyber threats. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in defense and cybersecurity sectors.

What job categories do people searching C4 Operations jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for C4 Operations jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for C4 Operations jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most C4 Operations job openings:
Infographic showing various C4 Operations job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 16% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

IT SPEC (SYSADMIN) with Security Clearance

Department of the Air Force

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Duties As a IT SPEC (SYSADMIN), GS-2210-11 your duties are below. * Serves as a technical expert and focal point for the installation and configuration of hardware and software on personal computers and for personal data assistants associated with assigned systems. Develops, modifies, and tests overall system backup and recovery strategies for assigned systems. * Serves as a systems administrator responsible for planning, coordinating, modifying, implementing, and troubleshooting in order to meet customer needs. Work pertains to the administration of all systems, including a myriad of associated hardware platforms, software applications and numerous interfaces included in the Local Area Network (LAN). * Serves as a technical expert on multiple operating systems and computer platforms. Determines equipment and communications requirements and interfaces with other systems. Evaluates machine usage and develops plans for the necessary acquisition to support future automation (hardware and software) requirements. * Analyzes, evaluates, and recommends hardware/software changes to various computer systems. Considers factors such as compatibility with standard systems, conversion or implementation costs, and impact on existing equipment. Installs, configures and tests products and equipment being reviewed. * Develops guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), bulletins and flyers regarding the operation/use of assigned C4 systems, services, and activities. Analyzes policies, regulations, and system provisions governing standard operating systems and provides assistance and advisory services to users. * Implements systems software changes, operating system releases and maintains the operational status of systems. Coordinates with system developers resolving hardware and/or software malfunctions. * Performs security management in accordance with National Guard Bureau (NGB) and Air National Guard (ANG) regulations and policies. Reviews and implements local policies regarding system access, network rights, and physical access to systems and equipment. * Implements ANG policy relating to systems storage requirements. Analyzes system operations to identify inefficiencies and takes action to resolve problems and ensure optimal performance and consistency. * Provides input to the ANG Continuity of Operation Plan (COOP) procedures for system disaster recovery. COOP recovery includes reestablishment of systems at multiple sites and locations. * Installs and configures workstation or network operating systems, and applications software on a wide range of configurable information systems devices. Configures a wide variety of devices requiring diverse interfaces and device drivers in multiple operating system environments using a wide variety of hardware platforms. Enforces command standards for hardware and software configurations. Configures workstation security parameters. Troubleshoots and corrects software problems to include resolving conflicts between applications, hardware and/or device conflicts, and operating system faults. Detects and removes computer viruses. Restores critical data files. Updates hardware and software architecture databases to reflect installations, turn-ins, and changes in reportable software. * Performs other duties as assigned. D1650P01 Requirements Conditions of employment NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED: This is an excepted position that requires military membership in a compatible military assignment in the Iowa Air National Guard. Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform. Acceptance of this excepted position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment. APPLICATION MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 08/28/2026 . FAILURE TO PROVIDE COMPLETE INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN YOUR NOT RECEIVING CONSIDERATION FOR THIS POSITION. Please refer to the Qualifications and Evaluations Section of this Announcement to understand the qualification requirements, and the How to Apply Section for detailed instruction on applying. TRIAL PERIOD REQUIREMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period or 1-year (Veterans Preference Eligibles Only) during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: * Your performance and conduct. * The needs and interests of the agency. * Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and * Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT: Employment is subject to attaining and maintaining a clearance as required by this position. If the selectee does not possess the applicable security clearance when hired, application must be made within 30 days of the start date. Failure to make application for the required security clearance will result in termination of employment. Failure to complete prescribed courses may be cause for reassignment or termination of FTS. Military Rank Requirements: ENLISTED MEMBERS (E-3 to E-6) Qualifications In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience. Applicants who do not fully address the minimum/specialized experience needed for the position in their resume will not be referred for consideration. Your resume must contain your own words. Resumes that are verbatim, from this announcement, any PD's, or any other applicants will not be considered. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Experience, education, and/or training that has provided a basic knowledge of data processing functions and general management principles that enabled the applicant to understand the stages required to automate a work process. Experience may have been gained in work such as computer operator or assistant, computer sales representative, program analyst, or other positions that required the use or adaptation of computer programs and systems. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: GS-2210-11: Must have experience in the following: * 1-year specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade. * Experience, education, or training that approaches techniques and requirements appropriate to an assigned computer applications area or computer specialty area in an organization. * Experience planning the sequence of actions necessary to accomplish the assignment where this entailed coordination with others outside the organizational unit and development of project controls. * Experience that required adaptations of guidelines or precedents to meet the needs of the assignment. * Experience preparing documentation on cost/benefit studies where is involved summarizing the material and organizing it in a logical fashion. * Experience in scheduling the use of computer time for program processing. * Experience collecting and sequentially staging input media with associated program instructions for processing. * Experience in at least one programming language. Education Substitution of Education for Specialized Experience - Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree To receive credit for education, you must provide college transcripts to support your educational claims. Additional information ENLISTMENT CASH BONUSES: Acceptance of a technician position may affect any bonus and/or educational assistance that may be applicable. Please contact your Education Office prior to accepting a position with the Iowa Army National Guard. Participation in direct deposit is mandatory. If you are a male applicant born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you are not eligible for appointment in this agency ( ).