IT CYBERSECURITY SPECIALIST (INFOSEC) (DIRECT HIRE)

Clarification from the agency

Vacancy is open to All US Citizens. One or more vacancies may be filled at either of the listed Official Duty Stations (ODS). Relocation costs will not be paid. To participate in telework, when authorized, you must reside within a 2-hour commute to the assigned ODS by the time of your appointment.

• Analyzes log files, evidence and other information from a variety of sources (e.g., individual host logs, network traffic logs, firewall logs and intrusion detection system [IDS] logs).
• Identifies possible threats to network security and determine best methods for identifying the perpetrator(s) of a network intrusion.
• Validates intrusion detection system (IDS) alerts against network traffic using industry tools such as Wireshark, Splunk and Tanium.
• Oversees working groups, both internal and external to the agency, intended to further the collaboration and knowledge base of the Security Operations Center.
• Coordinate and publish division level after action reviews, lead efforts to revise processes and procedures as identified after action summary.

Conditions of employment

• This announcement serves as public notice. Applications will be placed into a pool and will remain on file for selection as positions become available.
• Vacancies may be filled for up to 6 months after the closing date of this announcement. Applicants may not receive notifications of referral status until the full 6-month eligibility period has elapsed.
• Cybersecurity position(s) are being filled through the Office of Personnel Management's delegated Direct Hire Authority and are open to all U.S. citizens.
• Selections made under this announcement will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees selected under this announcement will be processed as new appointments to the civil service.
• Under the provisions of the Direct Hire Authority, Veterans Preference and the "Rule of Many" do not apply.
• U.S. Citizenship is required. Selective Service Registration is required, if applicable (www.sss.gov).
• Fingerprinting and background and/or security investigation may be required. Job offers are contingent on fingerprinting and background / security investigation results.
• See QUALIFICATIONS, ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for other important information.
• Must have (or be able to obtain) and maintain a Top-Secret Security Clearance (TS-SCI).
• A resume associated with your USAJobs Account must be uploaded to your application. You can create your own resume or build one using the USAJobs Resume Builder. See REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for information on what your resume must demonstrate.

Qualifications

To meet Minimum Qualifications for this GS-13 Cybersecurity Specialist position you must demonstrate (1) Specialized Experience and (2) the IT Competencies for the federal 2210 series.

(1) SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE must have been gained in a federal position at or above GS-12 OR (if your position is on another federal pay scale OR outside of federal service) by performing duties at a level of responsibility and difficulty equivalent to GS-12 or above.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is IT-related work that primarily consists of planning, developing, implementing and/or maintaining information security programs or policies.

If you have this experience, your resume must describe, in your own words, the specific duties you perform that demonstrate it.

Reviewers cannot assume you perform duties you don't describe.

Your experience should include:
-- creating and interpreting IT security policies and procedures,
-- assessing risks and developing disaster recovery or contingency plans,
-- working with other teams or agencies to develop and implement security solutions and
-- explaining technical security information and recommendations to different audiences.

(2) The following IT Competencies are applicable to this position.

Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.

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.

Decision Making: Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.

Information Management: Identifies a need for and knows where or how to gather information; organizes and maintains information or information management systems.

Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations

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.

Problem Solving: Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

Teamwork: Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.

Technical Competence: Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Specialized Experience and IT Competencies) must be met by the closing date of this announcement.


Selectees must have (or be able to obtain) and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance (TS-SCI).

Information on this job series can be found at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/competency-based-policy/general-schedule/2200/2210-competency-based-policy/competency-based-qualification-standard/

How you will be evaluated

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

You will be evaluated on the experience you describe in your resume.

Do not simply list projects on which you worked or list experience in terms of accomplishments or achievements. You must describe duties you perform that pertain to the requirements for this position.

Your resume must clearly describe the duties you perform that demonstrate the required Specialized Experience or you will not be considered for this position.

Information not specifically stated in your resume cannot be assumed, even if you hold (or held) a position in this series.

The experience you claim is subject to verification by the selecting official.

SEE QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR RESUME MUST DEMONSTRATE.

Preview questions here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13073011

Applicants who demonstrate the Specialized Experience will be referred to the hiring manager following Priority Selection procedures and applicable documents will be forwarded for further review.

Your claimed knowledge, skills and abilities are subject to verification by the selecting official. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation or to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed experience.


PRIORITY SELECTION:
Well-Qualified ICTAP eligibles will receive first consideration IF appropriate supporting documents are provided (see Career Transition Guide AND Required Documents below).

Veterans' Preference is not considered under Direct Hire.

See Required Documents for information on how to support these claims.

Resume - all applicants
SF-50 - recommended all current and former federal employees
ICTAP documents -- if claimed (read the information below)

DOCUMENTS PREVIOUSLY UPLOADED TO YOUR USAJOBS ACCOUNT MAY BE OUTDATED AND CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONSIDERATION.

RESUME: A resume associated with your USAJobs Account must be uploaded to your application. You can create your own resume or build one using the USAJobs Resume Builder. Your resume must show:
-- your name and contact information
-- employer name and position held
-- full start and stop dates (month/day/year) for each position
-- full-time or part-time hours worked per week
-- your grade and pay scale (for federal positions) and
- a clear description of the duties you perform that relate to the experience required for this position.

If you no longer hold a position, it must show an ending date.

Do not simply list projects on which you worked or list experience in terms of accomplishments or
achievements. You must describe, in your own words, the duties you perform that pertain to the requirements for this position.

Information not specifically stated in your resume cannot be assumed. Information copied or restated from the announcement or rating criteria will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible.

If your qualifying experience is part of a federal career-ladder, separate your grade-relevant experience from duties performed at lower grades.

SF-50: recommended for all current or former federal employees

ICTAP (Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan): applies only to competitive service employees who have been displaced (RIF'd) from another federal agency. The duty station from which you were RIF'd must be in the local commuting area (i.e., 30-mile radius) of the duty station to which you are applying.

To demonstrate eligibility, ICTAP-applicants must provide:
-- a copy of the separation SF-50 (Notice of Personnel Action) AND
-- a copy of the RIF Notice (If the RIF Notice doesn't provide verification of your most recent Performance Appraisal, you must also provide a copy of that document to demonstrate that your final rating was at least 'fully successful.')

For more information see Career Transition (opm.gov)

Eligibility for Priority Selection will be granted based on the documents received.

Next steps