IT CYBERSECURITY SPECIALIST (INFOSEC) Job

Vacancy No. DFAS-ML-12805691-26 Department Defense Finance and Accounting Service
Salary $56,763.00 to $100,361.00 Grade 7 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/7/2025 Close Date 10/21/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Cleveland, OHWhitehall, OH


Summary

  • Who may apply: Current, permanent DoD Federal Employees in the competitive service, PPP DoD Military Spouse Preference, current DoD VRA employees, VEOA, Military Spouse, ICTAP, PPP applicants.
  • Applicants on the Cleveland list may be placed at Bratenahl.
**This Job Opportunity Announcement is using an additional online assessment tool to evaluate applicants. Please review the HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED, REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, HOW TO APPLY and NEXT STEPS sections below for instructions.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to current, permanent DoD Federal Civilian Employees in the competitive service, current DoD VRA Employees, eligible Priority Placement Program DoD Military Spouse Preference applicants, Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) eligibles, eligible Military Spouse applicants, eligible Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan applicants (ICTAP), and eligible PPP applicants.

Duties

  • Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level (GS-11).
  • Ensures all users have the requisite security clearances and access authorization and are aware of their cybersecurity responsibilities.
  • Conducts information systems security evaluations, audits, assessments and reviews to identify vulnerabilities, risks and protection needs.
  • Implements modifications to systems to minimize vulnerabilities, troubleshoots security threats and vulnerabilities in response to incident reports, and identifies and isolates problem source.
  • Develops systems security contingency and disaster recovery procedures for assigned organizations.
  • Maintains a quality assurance program for assigned systems that covers file back-up and recovery, equipment maintenance, and quality control of systems processing and outputs.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a U.S Citizen or National
  • This national security position, which may require access to classified information, requires a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination.
  • Registered for Selective Service (males born after 12-31-1959)
  • Suitable for Federal employment
  • Time after Competitive Appointment: Candidates must have served 3 months after latest competitive appointment in the Federal service.
  • Time in Grade Requirement - see the Qualifications field below for more details.
  • In accordance with the DoD 8140 policy series, the position will be subject to completing Foundational Qualifications in 9 months and completing Residential Qualification requirements in 12 months.
  • New employees to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: Applicants must have IT-related experience demonstrating the following competencies appropriate to, or above, the level of this position. For vacancies below the full-performance level of the position, the basic requirement will be evaluated on a developmental basis. Your resume and work experience should clearly support your ability to meet these competencies and will be evaluated as part of the entire application process.
  • Attention to Detail - experience reviewing my own information technology-related work or data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency with standards. My work or the data that I produce is typically reviewed by my supervisor or another colleague.
  • Customer Service - experience having brief contact with customers to provide information about available information technology products and services and providing customers with standard products or routine services to address information technology needs.
  • Oral Communication - experience informing my supervisor and other IT staff of the status of information technology systems, projects, or daily operations, including the status of information technology systems, projects, or daily operations, including the communication of basic technical information to a non-technical audience.
  • Problem Solving - identifying or selecting from a number of alternatives to address routine information technology-related issues by gathering and applying information from standard sources that provide a limited number of solutions.
You may need to send proof of education or of certification to be considered for this position. Click here for more information on who must submit documentation at the time of application and what documentation is acceptable: Transcripts and Certifications.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement, qualified applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-05, GS-07, or GS-09) in the Federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

To be hired at the GS-07 entry grade level, applicants must minimally have:
One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of a GS-05 within the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required.
  • Specialized experience is defined as: Providing input to security systems evaluations and assessments, identifying vulnerabilities in information systems, and assisting in the evaluation of the effectiveness of information system controls.
To be hired at the GS-09 entry grade level, applicants must minimally have:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the federal service performing financial systems analysis in support of finance mission and applying knowledge of financial management principles as they relate to automated financial systems processing and operations.
  • Specialized experience is defined as: Assisting with planning and developing information security policy and procedures, implementing technical information assurance controls within automated information systems, and evaluating system controls and vulnerabilities.
To be hired at the GS-11 entry grade level, applicants must minimally have:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the federal service performing complex data analysis and evaluation of financial systems, policies, procedures, and regulations to ensure the continuity of a financial system's operations.
  • Specialized experience is defined as: Conducting information systems security evaluations, audits, assessments, and reviews to identify vulnerabilities, risks and protection needs, and monitoring compliance with IT security policies and procedures in the development of information systems.
This position is developmental, and selections may be made at the GS-7/9/11, GS-9/11 or at the GS-11. Once eligibility and qualification requirements are met, selectees will be eligible for promotion at management discretion.

Time-in-Grade: Current or former federal employees who have held a GS position in the preceding 52 weeks, must meet the time in grade requirement. Applicant must have served 52 weeks as a GS-05, GS-07, or GS-09 or higher grade in Federal Service.

You may qualify for consideration if meeting time-in grade, specialized experience, education requirement, 90 days after competitive appointment requirement, and all other qualification requirements within 30 calendar days after the closing date of the announcement, unless otherwise indicated on the announcement.

Education

Substitution of Education for Experience:

GS-07: One year of graduate education (or will have within 9 months from job post closing) in computer science, engineering, info science, info systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or tech management; or a bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement (S.A.A) that provided a minimum 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields above and required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or networks, may be substituted to meet the specialized experience requirement. S.A.A. is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.

GS-09: Qualifying Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of graduate education (or will have within 9 months from job post closing) leading to a Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree in computer science, engineering, info science, info systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or tech management or degree that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified above & required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or networks.

GS-11: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of graduate education (or will have within 9 months from job post closing) leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in computer science, engineering, info science, info systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or tech management or degree that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified above & required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or networks.

**Combination of education and experience is not applicable for this position.**

Additional information

  • The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 makes certain reimbursements/payments taxable. For information on these changes and the Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA), for which some appointees are eligible, click here.
  • Telework availability is limited and will only be provided on a rare case-by-case basis during situations where Agency Leadership has determined that telework serves a compelling DoD need.
  • We may use this announcement to make a temporary promotion. For some positions, the temporary promotion may be made permanent without further competition.
  • Selections are subject to restrictions resulting from the DoD Program for Stability of Civilian Employment.
  • You may be required to serve a 1 year probation period during which we'll evaluate whether continued employment advances the public interest. The evaluation will consider: performance/conduct; needs and interests of the agency; if continued employment advances agency goals; if continued employment advances the efficiency of the Federal service. At the end of the probationary period, employment will be terminated unless you receive certification that continued employment advances the public interest.?
  • We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 120 days of the closing date.
  • This position is Non-Exempt at the GS-07 level and Exempt at the GS-09 and GS-11 levels from the Fair Labor Standards Act.
  • Retired Civil Service Employee: Employment of retired Federal employees receiving an annuity is subject to the requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) policy guidance. (See DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 300, here.
  • Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments.
  • The Security Designation varies dependent upon position and may require a secret clearance or higher. Employment requires a background investigation which may delay starting date. If selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time, the employment offer may be withdrawn. Individuals are required to obtain/maintain a favorable security determination to occupy a sensitive position as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain eligibility to occupy a sensitive position may result in termination. For more information see the security section of Understanding Vacancy Announcements.

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.

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 windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

IMPORTANT NOTE - YOU MUST FOLLOW ALL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. ERRORS OR OMISSIONS MAY AFFECT YOUR RATING.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

  • Accountability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Decision Making
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Reasoning
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork


The USA Hire Assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.

Required Documents

You must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Resume: A two-page maximum resume is required. Applicant guidance on the two-page resume requirement may be found at OPM.gov or at USAJ Resource Center.
2. Complete initial Eligibility Questionnaire: Your resume must demonstrate the quality of your work as it relates to the experience requirements outlined in the job announcement.
3. Other Supporting Documents.
4. If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here.

The following supporting documents are ONLY required if applicable to your personal qualifications or status. They must be received by the closing date of the announcement.
1. Transcripts and/or Certifications: You must submit documentation if you are substituting education for experience. For additional information on acceptable documents or to see if you must submit documentation click here Transcripts and Certifications. You must also document your education and/or certifications in your resume.
2. SF-50: Current and former federal employees, including those currently working for the agency, must submit their SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) reflecting their highest grade held on a permanent basis for at least 52 weeks, tenure, and appointment type. Failure to provide this document may result in disqualification.
3. Veterans Documentation: Click to review these authorities and documents verifying eligibility for a VEOA, VRA and/or 30% or more disabled veterans hiring authorities.
4. Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: Military Spouse Preference applicants, must be selected and placed at the highest grade level for which they have applied and been determined best qualified up to and including the full performance level. You must include a completed copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Spouse Preference. To download the checklist, select "Save" or "Save As" instead of "Open." Save the document to your device then open it as a PDF. Once the form is opened, select "Enable All Features" and the form will populate so that it can be completed. https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/forms/dd3000_3499/DD3145-4/

5. Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
6. Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians Receiving Disability Retirement PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians receiving disability retirement PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
7. Retained Grade PPP Eligible: Retained Grade PPP applicants, must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Retained Grade preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
8. ICTAP Eligibles: A copy of the RIF separation notice and SF-50 if available.
9. Other Special Hiring Authorities: Click here to review these authorities and the documentation you are required to submit.
10. You may submit a cover letter which will be forwarded to the selecting official with your resume. Your cover letter will not be used to verify your qualifications or eligibility.

WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including any required documentation by 11:59 PM (EST) 10/21/2025, or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page will display the status of your application. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, or faxed is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.

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

The following link will help you determine if you meet the eligibility to apply for this position:
http://www.dfas.mil/careers/howtoapply/vacancyannouncement/appointment-eligibility.html

PLEASE NOTE: You will be considered only for those appointment eligibilities for which you select, attach supporting documentation and are found eligible.

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required assessments, and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

  1. Click the Apply Online button.
  2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
  3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
  4. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
  5. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
  6. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
  7. Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
  8. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us

To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.

Agency contact information

HR Customer Care Center
Address
DFAS - INFO AND TECHNOLOGY DIR OFFICE
4800 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22350
US

Next steps

The resume you submit will be used to assess your qualifications for the job and to identify the best-qualified applicants to be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews. We will notify you of the outcome after each of these steps is completed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.


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


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