IT CYBERSECURITY SPECIALIST Job

Vacancy No. DCSA-25-12800998-MP Department Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency
Salary $131,437.00 to $179,613.00 Grade 13 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/12/2025 Close Date 9/22/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Huntsville, ALPhoenix, AZCypress, CAFremont, CA


Summary

Excel as a Technology Reviewer on DCSA's Cyber Operational Readiness Assessment (CORA) Team. Conduct advanced security assessments using STIGs, provide expert analysis, and strengthen national cyber defense. Build specialized expertise, shape solutions to complex risks, and advance your career as part of the Gatekeepers of America's Security.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to: Current Federal employees in the competitive and excepted service; Retained Grade Preference (RGP) eligibles, and Military Reserve and National Guard Technician eligibles in the commuting area may also apply.

Duties

As a IT CYBERSECURITY SPECIALIST you will be responsible for the following duties:As a IT CYBERSECURITY SPECIALIST (INFOSEC), CYBER CODE 541, you will be responsible for the following duties:

  • Perform assessments/inspections/reviews at contractor facilities in accordance with established DoD policies that include industrial security procedures, systems, standards, and regulations governing the safeguarding of classified information.
  • Evaluate technical & operational risks/vulnerabilities in IT environments: networks, systems, applications, & infrastructure. Protect assets by identifying weaknesses.
  • Review authorization and assurance documents to confirm that the level of risk is within acceptable limits for each software application, system, and network.
  • Provide an accurate technical evaluation of the software application, system, or network, documenting the security posture, capabilities, and vulnerabilities against relevant cybersecurity compliances.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a US citizen
  • Selective Service Requirement: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. For more information http://www.sss.gov
  • Resume and supporting documents received by 11:59PM EST will be considered
  • This is a Drug Testing designated position
  • Position is a (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under U.S.C. 1601
  • Work Schedule: Full Time
  • Overtime: Occasionally
  • Tour of Duty: Flexible
  • PCS (Permanent Change of Station): Not Authorized
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
  • Financial Disclosure: Required
  • Telework Eligibility: Supervisors may approve situational telework on a case-by-case, temporary basis for limited situations.
  • If selected, the incumbent must obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance as indicated in job announcement.
  • In accordance with DoD 8140.03, Cyber Workforce Qualification and Management Program, the incumbent must be certified under the DoD Cyber Workforce Framework (Cyber Code 541, Vulnerability Assessment Analyst) at least at the Basic level.
  • DoD Cyber Workforce Framework (Cyber Code 541, Vulnerability Assessment Analyst) Intermediate or Advanced certifications also meet this requirement.
  • Applicants not already certified must achieve the required certification within nine (9) months of appointment as a condition of employment.
  • The incumbent is also required to file and maintain a current OGE Form 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, in compliance with 5 C.F.R. Part 2634.
  • If not currently certified as a DoD Cyber Defense Command Technology Reviewer, selectee will be required to complete the appropriate training and successfully pass a check-ride for their primary technology area within six (6) months of appointment.
  • If achieved, applicants must provide a copy of their 8140.03 certification and/or DoD Cyber Defense Command Technology Reviewer Certification.

Qualifications

This position has a Basic Requirement for the 2210:

Experience must be IT related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate

GS-5 through GS-15 (or equivalent): For all positions individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below. The employing agency is responsible for identifying the specific level of proficiency required for each competency at each grade level based on the requirements of the position being filled.

  1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
  2. Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
  3. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
  4. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

and

Specialized Experience for GS-7 (or equivalent) and Above: Positions at GS-7 (or equivalent) and above require one year of specialized experience at the next lower GS-grade (or equivalent). Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Such experience is typically gained in the IT field or through the performance of work where the primary concern is IT. The employing agency is responsible for defining the specialized experience based on the requirements of the position being filled.


*NOTE: Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.

The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the Office of Personnel Management's (OPMs) basic qualifications requirements. See: Information Technology (IT) Management Series 2210 (Alternative A) for OPM qualification standards, competencies and specialized experience needed to perform the duties of the position as described in the MAJOR DUTIES and QUALIFICATIONS sections of this announcement by 09/22/2025

Applicant must have directly applicable experience that demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies necessary for immediate success in the position. Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position.

You must have specialized experience sufficient to demonstrate that you have acquired all the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade (GS/GG-12) in the Federal service and are prepared to take on greater responsibility.
Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience. Specialized experience for this GG-13 position includes:
  • Using Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) to assess technology areas such as networks, endpoint security, vulnerability scanning, DNS, operating systems, or databases.
  • Utilizing knowledge of cybersecurity principles, networking concepts, and security methodologies to perform impact and risk assessments.
  • Preparing audit reports that identify technical and procedural findings with recommended remediation strategies.
  • Utilizing risk management processes for assessing and mitigating risk.

Specifically you will be evaluated on the following competencies:
1. Teamwork: Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.

2. Cybersecurity: Protect and defend information and information systems to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability. (AKA Information Assurance).

3. Information Technology Performance Assessment: Conduct continuous performance measurement to ensure that Information Technology activities, processes, and/or hardware/software are achieving desired results.

4. Strategic Communication: Written and Oral Communication

Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.

Additional information

VETERANS PREFERENCE/CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL
In accordance with DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, veterans preference is not required to be applied when considering candidates with prior Federal competitive or excepted service who have completed a probationary or trial period and have not been separated for cause. Therefore, veterans preference will not be applied to applicants with current federal service, or former federal civilian service meeting the above criteria.

Other Notes:

Re-employed Annuitant: This position does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf

Applicants selected from this announcement may be required to serve a two-year trial period.

If selected, Federal employees currently serving in the competitive service must acknowledge that they will voluntarily leave the competitive service by accepting an offer of employment for a DCIPS excepted service positions.

If selected, non-DCIPS candidates must acknowledge in writing that the position they have been selected for is in the excepted service and covered by DCIPS.

Selection under this appointment authority does not confer civil service competitive status.

All current and former Federal employees must submit a copy of your latest SF50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your tenure, grade and step, and type of position occupied (i.e., Excepted or Competitive); or similar Notification of Personnel Action documentation, i.e., Transcript of Service, Form 1150, etc.

Resumes should NOT include: Classified information/SSN/Photo of yourself/personal information (gender, religion, affiliation etc/Encrypted digitally signed docs). Resumes with this prohibited information will be automatically ineligible for consideration.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

Read the job opportunity carefully to make sure you have included all required contact information.
Include dates, hours, level of experience and examples for each work experience
For each work experience you list, make sure you include:

  • Start and end dates (including the month and year).
  • The number of hours you worked per week.
  • The level and amount of experience-for instance, whether you served as a project manager or a team member helps to illustrate your level of experience.
  • Examples of relevant experiences and accomplishments that prove you can perform the tasks at the level required for the job as stated in the job announcement. Your experience needs to address every required qualification.
If your resume does not clearly outline details for each position as noted, you may be deemed "not referred" for this position.

Please limit your resume to two pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
  • It is recommended that your resume focus on the last ten (10) years of relevant experience, highlighting accomplishments, knowledge, skills, and abilities that demonstrate qualification for this position.
NOTE: The limit does not apply to cover letters, eligibility documents such as Standard Form (SF) 50, Military Spouse, DD Form 214, transcripts, etc.


Once the application process is complete, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the Occupational Questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job If you are found to be among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Required Documents

Please review the General Application Information and Definitions at:
https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DoDGenAppInfo%2012-1-2020.pdf?ver=ECNbdsHtGilTd3OENN4A0Q%3d%3d

The documents you are required to submit vary based on the authority you are using to apply (i.e., applying as a veteran, applying as a current permanent Federal employee, applying as a reinstatement, etc.).

Your complete application includes your COMPLETE resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

The following documents are REQUIRED:
1. Your resume:

  • If area of consideration is limited to the local commuting area, you must reside OR be currently employed within a reasonable distance of the advertised position's location(s). Please ensure your resume reflects your current home address and/or employer's address as this will be used to determine the area of consideration eligibility requirement when an SF50 is not applicable

  • Narrative responses in the assessment questionnaire do not replace content in your resume or vise a versa. Experience must be described in both places for qualification determinations.
Your resume must include your name and contact information and support the specialized experience described in this announcement.
  • For qualifications determinations your resume must contain the dates of employment (i.e., Month/Year to present). (See How You will be Evaluated)
  • Your resume may be submitted in any format. It must include your name and contact information and support the specialized experience described in this announcement.
  • For additional information see: What to include in your resume.
2. SF-50:
  • If applicable, all current and former Federal employees must submit a copy of your latest SF50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your tenure, grade and step, and type of position occupied (i.e., Excepted or Competitive); or similar Notification of Personnel Action documentation, i.e., Transcript of Service, Form 1150, etc. Failure to provide latest SF50 will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.
  • If selected, additional documentation may be required prior to appointment.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package as described in REQUIRED DOCUMENTS.

Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.

1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents.
2. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application.
3. Applications must be received by the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

To review the status of an application through USAJOBS:

1. Log into your USAJOBS account
2. Click Application Status within your profile to expand your application
3. Locate the job announcement and click the more information link under the Status column for this position. You will be routed to Application Manager. The Details tab displays by default. The Details tab displays comprehensive information about the selected Application Package including: assessment(s) and the status, supporting documents and their status, correspondence sent to you by the hiring agency, and your application processing status.

Agency contact information

DCSA Servicing Team
Address
Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency
27130 Telegraph Road
Quantico, VA 22134
US

Next steps

Once you successfully complete the application process, you will receive a notification of receipt. Your application package will be reviewed to ensure you meet the basic eligibility and qualifications requirements, and you will receive a notification. A review will be made of your online questionnaire and the documentation you submitted to support your responses. A list of qualified applicants will be created and sent to the selecting official. All applicants reviewed and/or referred will receive a notification letter.

The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews, and once the selection is made, you will receive a notification of the decision.

*NOTE: If you submit a resume but no questionnaire, you cannot be considered for the position. If you submit a questionnaire but no resume, you cannot be considered for the position. Your application will be appropriately documented and you will be removed from further competition against this announcement.

REGARDING INTERVIEWS: Interviews may be required for this position. Accommodations may be made to conduct telephonic interviews to preclude travel hardships for applicants. Note: Declining to be interviewed or failure to report for a scheduled interview will be considered as a declination for further consideration for employment against this vacancy.

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the point of contact for this job announcement. Your requests for reasonable accommodation will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

Additional Locations

  • Pasadena, CA
  • San Diego, CA
  • Suisun City, CA
  • Colorado Springs, CO
  • Denver, CO
  • Melbourne, FL
  • Oviedo, FL
  • Tampa, FL
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Augusta, GA
  • Downers Grove, IL
  • Fairview Heights, IL
  • Andover, MA
  • Hanover, MD
  • Livonia, MI
  • Dayton, OH
  • Charleston, SC
  • Farmers Branch, TX
  • Irving, TX
  • San Antonio, TX
  • Alexandria, VA
  • Herndon, VA
  • Quantico, VA
  • Virginia Beach, VA
  • Tacoma, WA


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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