Developmental- Associate Cybersecurity Specialist

The Developmental Track is designed for professionals with approximately two years of experience ready to build on their foundational skills. This track offers structured professional development and exposure to complex, real-world security challenges to help you quickly expand your capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop Expertise: Participate in a structured program to build and apply advanced technical skills.

• Analyze & Resolve: Conduct routine technical analyses to help resolve real-world cybersecurity challenges.

• Collaborate: Partner with senior specialists to address complex security threats.

• Apply Learning: Translate continuous technical training into mission-critical operations.

Due to system configurations, this vacancy is posted under the Cyber Defensive Operations, Intelligence, Collection, and Analysis job series. However, we are actively recruiting and accepting applications for all cybersecurity technical capabilities as defined under the DHS Cybersecurity Service. You can view the full list of technical capabilities and career levels on our applicant portal under Resources: USAJOBS - DHS Cybersecurity Service - Resources.

DHS-CS Talent Pool

Applying places you in the DHS-CS Talent Pool for up to one year of ongoing consideration. Your application may be shared with the following DHS Components:

• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

• DHS Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO)

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

• U.S. Secret Service (USSS)

• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

• DHS Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans (PLCY)

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen or national.
• You must be 18 years of age.
• Must be registered for the Selective Service (if you are a male).
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Security clearance levels may vary.
• Must be able to submit to a drug test and receive a negative result.
• Must be able to comply with ethics and standards of conduct requirements, including completing any applicable financial disclosure.
• Serve a 3-year probationary period.

Qualifications

DHS Cybersecurity Service employees start at career levels and salaries matching their experience and expertise. Associate Cybersecurity Specialist generally have:

• 3+ years of cybersecurity work experience:

• Worked in an entry-level cybersecurity role

• Identified-and continuing to grow-a primary technical capability; and

• An interest in continuing to deepen technical expertise

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

All DHS Cybersecurity Service applicants participate in a multi-phase assessment process, which varies by career track. For the Developmental Career Track, applicants participate in a two-phase assessment process:

• You must successfully complete each phase to advance to the next phase.

• The total time commitment for the two phases is approximately 2.5 hours (many applicants require less time!)

• Before each phase, DHS will e-mail you instructions and information to help you prepare.

• Monitor your e-mail to ensure you have plenty of time to complete assessments prior to any deadlines or request an extension, if necessary

PHASE I: PROFESSIONAL CAPABILITIES ASSESSMENT

• Unproctored - you choose the time and location

• Includes two assessments: (1) a work styles inventory that will take about 30 minutes to complete; (2) a work simulation that you will have up to 2 hours to complete.

• The two assessments take about 90 minutes (on average) to complete.

• Requires a computer with audio (speakers or headphones) and a reliable internet connection.

• No knowledge of DHS or cybersecurity is required for these assessments, which measure non-technical capabilities that are important for professional success in the DHS Cybersecurity Service. This includes how you communicate, analyze information, and collaborate with others:

• The work styles inventory presents you with questions about your work-related interests and preferences.

• The work simulation presents you with realistic, work-related scenarios and asks you to respond to them.

PHASE II: GENERAL CYBERSECURITY KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT

• Unproctored - you choose the time and location

• The test includes a multiple-choice test that measures your foundational knowledge in cybersecurity. This customized approach efficiently measures your strengths, matching your skills to Department opportunities.

• The test focuses on foundational competencies critical to the Developmental Track:

• Cybersecurity Technology: Understanding core systems, hardware, software, and technical infrastructure.

• Information Assurance: Implementing measures to protect information systems and ensure data integrity.

• Risk Management: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating digital threats and system vulnerabilities.

• Identity Governance & Management: Managing user access, authentication, and digital credential systems.

• You will have up to 60 minutes to complete the assessment

1. Your resume: Visit the application portal and read the "Resume Tips" guide. Include MONTH and YEAR for each job and list ALL relevant experience.

2. Current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee: Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides, position title, type of appointment, Department/Agency, and the beginning and ending dates of appointment (include month and year)

Next steps

Additional locations