This announcement is issued under the Direct Hire Authority (DHA) to recruit for positions for which there is a critical hiring need. Selectee(s) will receive a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service and may be required to serve a one year probationary period.
Who May be Considered:
U.S. Citizens
View common definitions of terms found in this announcement.
This position is located in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA),
Responsibilities
The primary purpose of the position is to serve as the IT Specialist (INFOSEC).
Responsibilities include defining the scope and level of detail for security plans and policies; applicable to the security program. Assess new systems design methodologies to improve software quality. Leads new security technologies implementation activities. Institutes measures to ensure security technologies awareness and compliance. Identifies need for changes based on new security technologies and/or threats.
Applying Computer Network Defense (CND) systems security principles and policies to develop long-range plans for IT security systems that anticipate and minimize risks associated with IT systems vulnerabilities.
Performing real-time cyber defense incident handing (e.g., forensic collections, intrusion correlation and tracking, threat analysis, and direct system remediation) task to support deployable Incident Report Teams.
Providing assessments of proposed design measures feasibility, based on broad knowledge of parameters imposed by the IT infrastructure and operations.
Travel Required 25% or less - 25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Supervisory status No
Promotion Potential 14
Requirements Conditions of Employment
You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
You must successfully pass a background investigation. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
Selective Service - males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service see http://www.sss.gov/
You must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI or lower level security clearance as identified by CISA security clearance.
Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements.
One-year probationary period may be required.
You must submit to a drug test and receive a negative test result prior to appointment to this position.
If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application.
DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify , including your rights and responsibilities.
Relocation expenses are not authorized. Other recruitment incentives may be authorized.
This position has been designated excluded from bargaining unit representation under the national security provision of 5 United States Code Section 7112(B)(6).
All employees are required to participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer for salary payments.
This position may be designated as essential personnel. Essential personnel must be able to serve during continuity of operation events without regard to declarations of liberal leave or government closures due to weather, protests, and acts of terrorism or lack of funding. Failure to report for or remain in this position may result in disciplinary or adverse action in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations (5 U.S.C. 7501-7533 and 5 CFR Part 752, as applicable).
Qualifications This is an open continuous announcement for 30 days, or until all positions are filled. It will be used to fill immediate and future vacancies for this agency. There may be multiple cut-off dates with the first being 10 days after the initial opening date of 08/02/2021. Additional cut-off dates may be established as needed until all vacancies have been filled.
You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess information technology related experience demonstrating each of the four required competencies:
Attention to Detail: Thoroughness in monitoring all phases IT systems security
Customer Service: Assessing the needs of cybersecurity stakeholders
Oral Communication: Providing advice to IT stakeholders
Problem Solving: Identifying cybersecurity problem areas and recommending solutions to fix problems
In addition to the above requirement you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level performing the following duties:
Serving as a cyber defense incident responder, with experience providing technical support to cyber defense technicians in resolving cyber defense incidents;
Reviewing proposed new systems, networks, and software designs for potential security risks;
Assessing IT security systems that minimize risks associated with IT systems vulnerabilities;
Reviewing and evaluating security incident response policies.
You qualify for the GS-14 grade level (starting salary $108,885) if you possess information technology related experience demonstrating each of the four required competencies:
Attention to Detail: Thoroughness in monitoring all phases IT systems security
Customer Service: Assessing the needs of cybersecurity stakeholders
Oral Communication: Providing advice to IT stakeholders
Problem Solving: Identifying cybersecurity problem areas and recommending solutions to fix problems
In addition to the above requirement you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-13 grade level performing the following duties:
Serving as a cyber defense incident responder, with experience coordinating expert technical support to enterprise-wide cyber defense technicians in resolving cyber defense incidents;
Developing long-range plans for IT security systems that minimize risks associated with IT systems vulnerabilities;
Evaluating the scope and level of detail for security plans and policies;
Leading the implementation of new security technologies.
National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Qualifications Must Be Met The qualification requirements listed above must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Education This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
The full performance level of this position is GS-14.
This is a non-supervisory position.
Pursuant to Executive Order 12654 and DHS policy, DHS is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Headquarters personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing and all applicants tentatively selected for employment at DHS Headquarters are subject to drug testing resulting in a negative test result.
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Under the provisions of the Direct-Hire Authority, veterans' preference does not apply.
We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, we will use a job questionnaire to further evaluate your experience, education, and training. The competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job are: Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Oral Communication, Problem Solving, and Technical Competence If you are determined qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. Preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11185957 .
Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Program (I/CTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not I/CTAP eligible. View information about I/CTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under I/CTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.
Interview Requirement: Interviews may be required for this position. Failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration. The interview process may consist of a in-person or phone panel interview.
Background checks and security clearance
Security clearance Other
Drug test required Yes
Position sensitivity and risk Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk
Trust determination process Credentialing , Suitability/Fitness , National security
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:1. Your resume showing a detailed description of your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates with the month and year and hours worked per week (if less than 40) for each paid and non-paid work experience job title listed.2. Other supporting documents ( only submit if applicable ):
Are you a current or former federal employee? Submit a copy of your SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action that demonstrates your eligibility for consideration, e.g., length of time you have been in your current/highest grade (examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, with-in grade/range increases); your current promotion potential; proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an interchange agreement; etc.
Are you a veteran? Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 or other (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or notice form. Those applying for 10-Point preference must fill out the SF-15 and provide an official document dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces, and/or any other associated documentation based on your preference. If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions.
Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP/CTAP)? If so, submit:
A copy of your RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate, notice of disability annuity termination, or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement;
A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action'', documenting your RIF separation, noting your position, grade level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through RPL, etc.;
A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and
Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.
Are you eligible for a special noncompetitive hiring authority (e.g., Schedule A Disability, Peace Corps, Former Overseas Employees, etc.)? Submit documentation of proof that supports your eligibility under a special hiring authority.
Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
Position title;
Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee);
Agency; and
Beginning and ending dates of appointment.
You may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal and/or incentive awards.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
