IT Cybersecurity Specialist (Information Security) Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. DHA-12595877-25-KT Department U.S. Agency for Global Media
Salary $139,395.00 to $181,216.00 Grade 14 to 14
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/1/2024 Close Date 11/14/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

This position is located in the IT Security Operations and Monitoring Division within the Office of Technology, Services, and Innovation (TSI). The selectee reports to the Division Director and provides technical expertise to protect the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of agency information that is stored or processed on computing systems managed by TSI on behalf of the agency.

Position is Local Remote Work Eligible. Please see Additional Information for more details.

Duties

As an IT Cybersecurity Specialist (Information Security), you will be responsible for duties to include, but are not limited to:

  • Serves as senior member of core Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT) to address security incidents, investigations, and resolution.
  • Serves as a member of the IT Security Operations Center (SOC) to lead or assist in "search and destroy" tasks, event and alert configuration and monitoring, and reporting on operations and findings.
  • Installs, maintains, and administrates security tools in an enterprise with cloud-based and on-premises systems.
  • Conducts and supports investigations. Analyzes events and alerts from agency systems and networks to identify suspicious activity for potential incidents. This may include investigating activities that indicate data loss, data mishandling, account compromise, etc. This could concern PII, criminal or policy violations, phishing, etc. Investigation may involve the analysis of system logs, security tools, file stores, email or other messaging, etc.
  • Ensure the safety of information systems assets and to protect systems and data from intentional or inadvertent access or destruction, while preserving, and where possible, enhancing information system usability.
  • Participates in strategic planning to ensure that USAGM's enterprise networks have the appropriate tools and employs the correct techniques to thwart an increasing cyber-crime and cyber espionage threat.
  • Supports the development and deployment of the agency's IT Security Awareness Training Program. This may come in the form of reviewing curriculum, making suggestions based on predictions and observed trends, and supporting digital security training/briefs for travelers going to high threat locations. May also include participating in briefing staff onboarding into the agency.
  • May serve as Contracting Officer's Representative; required to obtain and maintain COR level 1 to manage and oversee contracts. Evaluates contractor performed services on behalf of USAGM, verifies materials delivered, and approves contractor invoices for payment.
  • Assists with engagement of other agencies such as partial details to joint task forces relevant to USAGM and IT security operations while bringing information back to IT Security Operations on latest trends and threats.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S Citizen or U.S. National.
  • This is a national security position. If selected, this position requires the completion of the SF-86.
  • Suitability Determination: If selected, you will be subject to a background investigation to establish your suitability for federal employment. The background investigation may include, among other aspects, a review of your credit and legal history.
  • This position is covered by a Union Agreement: AFGE Local 1812, 330 Independence Avenue S.W., Room 1169, Washington, D.C. 20237, afgelocal1812@gmail.com, (202)920-4884.
  • This position may require serving a one-year probationary period.
  • If selected for this vacancy, you will be required to file the OGE Form 450 (Confidential Financial Disclosure Report).
  • The full performance grade level for this position is GS-14.
  • If you are a male applicant who is born after 12/31/59, you are required to be registered for the Selective Service.
  • Must be able to obtain/maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance.

Qualifications

Applicants applying for the GS-14 grade level must meet the following requirements: Have IT-related experience demonstrating EACH of the four competencies AND one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the Federal service as described below.

COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS:
  • Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. This skill may be demonstrated by assignments actively finding and addressing cybersecurity threats.
  • 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. This skill is generally demonstrated by assignments where the applicant is the point of contact for resolving customer IT issues and ensuring their satisfaction.
  • 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. This skill is generally demonstrated by assignments where the applicant serves on panels, committees, or task forces as a representative for the organization on technical or professional issues
  • Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations. This skill is generally demonstrated by assignments where the applicant troubleshoots complex IT issues and finds effective solutions.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must have a minimum of one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility comparable to the GS-13 or comparable pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector. Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position and includes all of the following:
  • Detecting, analyzing, and responding to IT security threats;
  • Integrating new tools, tactics, and technologies into incident detection and response workflows; and
  • Developing IT security procedures and recommendations to respond to IT security incidents.
**NOTE**: Applicants must ensure their resumes reflect their experience with all of the above specialized experience criteria.

Education

Education is not required for this grade level. It cannot be used for qualification purposes.

Additional information

Local Remote Work Possible: The selectee of this position can request a remote work agreement for a home duty station within the Washington-Baltimore-Arlington, DC-MD-VA-WV-PA pay locality area. This position does have occasional, irregular on-site responsibilities that require reporting to Washington, D.C. so home duty stations outside the Washington DC local commuting area will not be considered through this announcement.

USAGM is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.

Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by closing date of the announcement to be considered.

1. If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/59 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency. For Military Selective Service Act requirement information, please visit Selective Service

2. Your application to this vacancy announcement will only allow consideration for this announcement. We cannot electronically or manually move your application to corresponding announcements, if applicable.

3. Additional vacancies not reflected in the announcement that occur after the opening date of the vacancy announcement for position(s) identical (same grade, series and title) to the original vacancy may be filled from the selection certificate during the validity of the certificate.

4. Budgetary conditions may delay or otherwise affect filling this vacancy. However, all interested candidates should apply now.

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.

Once your application package has been received, a review of your qualifications will be made to ensure you meet the job requirements and competencies required for this position. A Subject Matter Expert (SME) may be consulted in reviewing qualifications for this vacancy announcement.

This position is announced under a government-wide Direct Hire Authority. Under the provisions of direct hiring authority, rating, ranking and veterans' preference does not apply; therefore, your responses to the questionnaire will not be used to determine a scored rating. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications in the job opportunity announcement, will be referred for selection consideration. While veterans' preference does not apply in DHA, preference eligible are encouraged to submit their supporting documentation (DD-214 stating disposition of discharge or character of service, VA letter, SF-15, etc.).

Fair Chance Act: Under the Fair Chance Act, agencies are not allowed to request information about an applicant's criminal history until a conditional offer of employment has been made, except as allowed for access to classified information; assignment to national security duties or positions; or recruitment of a Federal law enforcement officer. An applicant may submit a complaint or any other information related to an organization's alleged noncompliance with the Fair Chance Act. The complaint must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the date of the alleged noncompliance. To make a Fair Chance Act inquiry or complaint, send an email with the appropriate information to HROperations@usagm.gov, subject line: Fair Chance Act.

Required Documents

The following documents are required by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date for your application package to be complete. Encrypted or ineligible documents may result in loss of consideration.

  • Resume: Include contact information, education, and detailed work experience (including work schedules, employment dates, and position titles).
  • ICTAP: If you are an eligible Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) applicant, you may apply for selection priority. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated at 80 or above on the rating criteria for this position. ICTAP eligibles must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility for the special selection priority: a separation notice; a "Notice of Personnel Action" (SF-50) documenting separation; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; OR a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456.

How to Apply

You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you cannot complete the Application Package online, please contact the Human Resource Specialist listed in this vacancy announcement.

  • To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents and any appropriate Accepted Documents.
  • To begin, click Apply in the announcement; then, choose to create a new USAJOBS account or Sign-in into your existing account.
  • Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package.
  • You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before submitting it. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  • Click the following link to pre-view and print the occupational questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12595877.
  • After completing the questionnaire and uploading appropriate documents, click the Submit Application to submit your application package.
  • It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered in the profile is accurate and all required documents are uploaded and submitted before 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/14/2024 of the announcement to receive consideration.
  • Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. If a document is not in legible format, applicant will not be able to view it in Application Manager which means applicant must again upload the documentation to the system by the closing date of this announcement.
  • To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account. The page will display the positions for which you've applied as well as the status of each application.
  • To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click on the plus sign (+) next to the job title to expand information about the job. Next click on Update Application to complete the application process.
  • Note: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described previously. Please carefully review the complete job announcement, including the Required Documents, Other Information, and How to Apply sections of the announcement.
  • Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail or e-mail. All resumes/applications received at the addresses listed in the Contact Information or Agency Information will be destroyed and will not be considered for this vacancy announcement.
  • This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact HROperations@usagm.gov or 202-920-2400 to request this.

Agency contact information

Kyle Turner
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once the online questionnaire and application package is received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made, you will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.


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


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