IT Cybersecurity Specialist (Network) Job in Albany, CA

Vacancy No. FSIS-25-MDH-12666452-AS Department Food Safety and Inspection Service
Salary $155,679.00 to $195,200.00 Grade 14 to 14
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/16/2025 Close Date 1/22/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Albany, CA


Summary

This position located in the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO). OCIO provides information technology (IT) planning, design, application development, systems administration, telecommunications, information assurance/security, information management, and IT customer support services for FSIS.

The incumbent serves as an IT Cybersecurity Specialist (Network) within a Branch of OCIO.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. citizen. Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position. Veterans' Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy.

Duties

  • Perform a combination of network and security design and implementation duties, as well as performing network and security penetration testing to ensure security compliance following federal regulations, standards and best practices.
  • Lead a team the design, configure, implement and maintain all network and security platforms such as routers, switches, wireless access points, intrusion prevention systems, security information and event management solutions.
  • Design, deploy and manage network and security SSL/TLS technologies such as: cloud VPN solutions, Antivirus, and Application Control.
  • Responsible for daily triage of network and security related issues using the FSIS ticketing system.
  • Assist with the process of developing, designing and implementing enterprise network and cyber security network access controls for Information Technology (IT) infrastructure systems, servers, network and application solutions.
  • Design Cyber security architectural artifacts while meeting federal Cyber-security regulatory requirements for Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability, Authentication, and Authorization of federal IT systems.
  • Perform continuous monitoring and threat intelligence of the FSIS infrastructure systems, integrates advanced forensic tools and techniques to mitigate Cyber-security attacks.
  • Coordinate and perform log and trending analysis of the network and security posture to ensure compliance with USDA policies.
  • Provide oversight and recommendations with security risk analysis, security test and evaluation, certification and accreditation, infrastructure system hardening, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning.
  • Serve as a liaison between FSIS and USDA on network and security related matters.
  • Provide visible leadership in the development/deployment of network and security controls, processes and best practices throughout a geographically dispersed IT community, promoting user awareness and training of network and security best practices.
  • Responsible for preparing weekly network and security intelligence action reports of critical infrastructure risks and conducts weekly briefings to OCIO senior leadership.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a US Citizen or US National.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
  • Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
  • Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
  • Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience, as defined below.

For the GS-14 level: Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-13 grade level.

Specialized experience for this position includes:
  • Applying knowledge of network and security design principles, practices, and implementation to ensure security compliance.
  • Employing infrastructure threat and vulnerability management, mitigation, remediation, or patch and audit management to identify vulnerabilities.
  • Utilizing Microsoft Active Directory, Linux, and OpenShift/Cloud technologies to support business needs.
  • Maintaining IT security using firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, security information and event management, web proxy, endpoint management solutions, and/or incident response activities.
Basic Requirements: All applicants qualifying based on experience must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below. Please refer to the competency definition shown below, when addressing those competencies.
  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.

For more information on the qualifications for this position, click Information Technology (IT) Management Series, 2210

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Education may not be used to substitute for specialized experience or to qualify for this position.

Additional information

  • This announcement will remain open until 01/22/2025 or until 50 applications are received.
  • This announcement may be used to fill additional like vacancies.
  • Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL) applicants: To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements.
  • CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applications must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
  • Follow this link to the Office of Personnel Management's website for information on how to apply CTAP, ICTAP, or RPL applicant: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.pdf
  • It is the policy of the government not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or has had financial difficulties that have arisen through no fault of the individual. See more information at this link: CHCO Council
  • If you are selected, you may need to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) prior to being appointed to determine suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. False statements or responses on a resume or application can jeopardize employment and may be grounds for disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service.
  • Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the USDA TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).
  • The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Services has authority to recruit and fill Permanent (Career/Career-Conditional) positions under Direct Hire Authority. Under this authority, any U.S. citizen may apply.
  • For more information on the GW-008 Government-wide Direct Hire Authority for Scientific, Technical, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) positions click here
  • This position is eligible for telework and other flexible work arrangements. Employee participation is at the discretion of the supervisor.
  • Recruitment incentives may be offered to those who are eligible. Incentives are neither implied nor guaranteed.

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.

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.

The Office of Personnel Management has granted Direct Hire Authority for Cyber positions. There is a critical hiring need and these positions play an important role in protecting the nation's food supply.

Due to the Direct-Hire Authority (DHA), applicants are not rated and ranked numerically, and Veteran's preference does not apply. Applicants are strongly encouraged to provide complete information about their job-related experience and education. Your resume must document that you meet the Qualification Requirements detailed above. Applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements established for the position will be placed in the Eligible category.

Although Veteran's preference does not apply due to the existence of the DHA for this position, applicants are still encouraged to provide documentation related to veteran's preference.

Applications will be evaluated in accordance with Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Qualification Standards. Applicants who meet basic minimum qualifications will be placed in the Eligible Category. Applicants must demonstrate possession of the following competencies within their resume:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Oral Communication
  • Problem Solving
Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your score may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may be found ineligible. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.

Clicking the link below will present a preview of the application form; i.e. the online questionnaire. The application form link below will only provide a preview and does not initiate the application process. To initiate the online application process, click the "Apply" button to the right.

To view the application form, visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12666452

Required Documents

The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.

  • Resume that includes:1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) other qualifications.
  • If claiming veteran's preference, you must submit a DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active duty you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. Veteran's preference must be verified prior to appointment .Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran's preference and your application will be evaluated based on the material(s) submitted.
  • If claiming 10-point veteran's preference you must provide the DD214 or certification requirements (see above bullet), plus the proof of entitlement of this preference as listed on the SF-15 Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference. The SF-15 should be included but is not required. Failure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preference. For more information on veterans' preference visit FEDSHIREVETS
  • Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.

Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages must be complete and submitted no later than noon ET on the closing date of the announcement in order to be entered into the system prior to its closing.

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact the Agency Contact to request this.

To begin, click "Apply" and follow the instructions to complete the Assessment Questionnaire and attach your resume and all required documents.

NOTE: Please verify that documents you are uploading from USAJOBs transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Uploaded documents must be less than 5MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, TXT or Word (DOC or DOCX). Do not upload Adobe Portfolio documents because they are not viewable.

Agency contact information

Alyssa Scott
Address
Food Safety and Inspection Service
1400 Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC 20250
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS account to check your application status.

You must choose to turn on email notifications in your USAJOBS profile if you want to receive important email notifications that may impact your applicant experience (e.g. If you start an application and do not submit it prior to the closing date, USAJOBS will send an email reminder that the closing date is approaching and your application is in an incomplete status).

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; acceptance or retention in the armed forces; 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 fsis.fca@usda.gov, subject line: Fair Chance Act.


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


© 2006-2025, exclusive of U. S. government job opportunity announcements