IT Specialist (INFOSEC) Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. OST.CIO-2025-0005 Department Office of the Secretary of Transportation
Salary $99,200.00 to $181,216.00 Grade 12 to 14
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Part-time
Open Date 12/3/2024 Close Date 12/17/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

DOT/OST will use a Direct Hire Authority to fill Information Technology (IT) Specialist Information Security (INFOSEC) positions within the Office of the Chief Information Officer.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. citizen. Due to the potential of a high volume of applicants, not all applicants may receive consideration. Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position. The 'Rule of Three', Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy.

Duties

As a IT Spec (INFOSEC), you will:

GS-12 Duties:

  • Support DOT management and others on matters pertaining to information systems security programs policy/strategic development, IT continuity of operations planning/support, and support the Department in integrating information security services and related technologies to accomplish departmental IT security goals and program objectives.
  • Support efforts to develop policies and procedures to ensure information systems reliability and accessibility and to prevent and defend against unauthorized access to systems, networks, and data.
  • Conducts risk and vulnerability assessments of planned and installed information systems to identify vulnerabilities, risks, and protection needs.

GS-13 Duties:

  • Support the development and implementation of information systems security plans and procedures for assigned program and ensures appropriate product-related training and documentation are developed and made available to customers and ensures the rigorous application of information security/information assurance policies, principles, and practices.
  • Provide program advice to senior DOT management and others on matters pertaining to information systems security programs policy/strategic development, IT continuity of operations planning/support, and support the Department in integrating information security services and related technologies to accomplish departmental IT security goals and program objectives.
  • Develop policies and procedures to ensure information systems reliability and accessibility and to prevent and defend against unauthorized access to systems, networks, and data.
  • Conduct risk and vulnerability assessments of planned and installed information systems to identify vulnerabilities, risks, and protection needs.
  • Provide IT governance to ensure assigned programs demonstrate measurable results against broader DOT strategies and goals, meeting relevant legal and regulatory obligations.

GS-14 Duties:

  • Provide program advice to senior DOT management and others on matters pertaining to information systems security programs policy/strategic development, IT continuity of operations planning/support, and support the Department in integrating information security services and related technologies to accomplish departmental IT security goals and program objectives.
  • Develop policies and procedures to ensure information systems reliability and accessibility and to prevent and defend against unauthorized access to systems, networks, and data.
  • Conduct risk and vulnerability assessments of planned and installed information systems to identify vulnerabilities, risks, and protection needs.
  • Develop and implement information systems security plans and procedures for assigned program and ensures appropriate product-related training and documentation are developed and made available to customers and ensures the rigorous application of information security/information assurance policies, principles, and practices.
  • Promote awareness of security issues among management and ensuring sound security principles are reflected in organizations’ visions and goal.
  • Provide IT governance to ensure assigned programs demonstrate measurable results against broader DOT strategies and goals, meeting relevant legal and regulatory obligations.
  • Conduct systems security evaluations, audits, and reviews; developing systems security contingency plans and disaster recovery procedures; developing and implementing programs to ensure that systems, network, and data users are aware of, understand, and adhere to systems security policies and procedures. Participate and/or lead in network and systems design to ensure implementation of appropriate systems security policies.

The ideal candidate: DOT OCIO is looking for motivated mid-level to seasoned IT professional, who can share their expertise Information Security (INFOSEC).

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen & meet specialized experience to qualify
  • Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date
  • Required documents must be submitted by the closing date.
  • Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  • SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
  • GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel.  A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
  • PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Applicants may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
  • SECURITY CLEARANCE: Varies by position. If applicable, you must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position to which appointed.
  • BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: You may be required to complete a background/security investigation and meet preliminary requirements prior to onboarding.
  • FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Varies by position. If applicable, the applicant selected is required to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter.
  • CERTIFICATION: Must be able to obtain and maintain the Federal Acquisition Certification for Contracting Officer’s Representatives (FAC-COR) Certification Level 1.appointment and annually thereafter.

Qualifications

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.

To qualify for the Grade 12, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 it must include:

  • Experience providing IT support in the development, implementation and coordination of IT activities designed to ensure, protect, and restore IT systems, services, operations and capabilities.
  • Experience in monitoring and evaluating system compliance requirements which involve the collection and analysis of technical and management data associated with IT Security of IT systems, services, requirements, and capabilities.
  • Experience in contributing data and information to of various reports, briefings, summaries, and progress reports pertaining to IT Security of IT systems, services, operations, requirements and capabilities.

To qualify for the Grade 13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include:

  • Experience in providing technical advice, and instruction in the collection, testing and analysis of technical and management data associated with the agency IT Security programs. 
  • Experience preparing and communicating various reports, briefings, summaries, and progress reports pertaining to IT Security of IT systems, services, operations, requirements and capabilities.
  • Experience evaluating, recommending, implementing, and disseminating of IT Security issues and IT activities designed to ensure, protect, and restore IT systems, services, operations requirements and capabilities across various environments within an agency.

To qualify for the Grade 14, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include:

  • Experience in providing technical advice, counsel and recommendations, to ensure efficiency on IT Security issues both technical/non-technical, for short/long-term milestones to support an organization's IT Modernization efforts. 
  • Experience developing and guiding in the full life cycle of IT Security appraisals and network penetration testing of across various environments and operationally diverse agency facilities.
  • Experience participating in the collection and analysis of technical and management data associated with the agency IT Security programs, maintaining continued technical liaison with the appropriate staff elements throughout the agency.
  • Experience in preparing various reports, briefings, summaries, and progress reports pertaining to IT Security of IT systems, services, and capabilities and ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems, networks, and data through the planning, analysis, development, implementation, maintenance, and enhancement of information systems security and technology programs, policies, procedures, and tools.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

  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.
  5. Information Systems/Network Security - Applies methods, tools, and procedures, including development of information security plans, to prevent information systems vulnerabilities, and provide or restore security of information systems and network services.

For all types of consideration, 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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.  You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link:  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4

All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Additional information

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at, FairChanceAct@dot.gov. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation 

This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.

Qualified CTAP/ICTAP candidates receive priority and will be referred to the hiring manager.

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.

DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE: PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume/application does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). Your resume must contain sufficiently detailed information upon which to make a qualification determination. Please ensure that your resume contains specific information such as position titles, beginning and ending dates of employment for each position, average number of hours worked per week, and if the position is/was in the Federal government, you should provide the position series and grade level. 

All applicants:  For this announcement, applicants may be reviewed to determine if they meet the basic qualifications for this position, specifically the educational requirements.  Applications that are verified to meet the basic qualifications may be referred to the selecting official.

Applicants will not be rated or ranked.  Veteran’s Preference does NOT apply.

Please ensure that your work history provides enough details to support your answers. 


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

RESUME: – Your resume MUST contain specific information used to make a qualification determination that includes employment beginning and ending dates for each position, whether employment is Full-time or Part-time or average number of hours worked per week, and position titles.  If the position is/was in the Federal government, you will need to provide the position series and grade level.  The resume should show relevant experience and education as well as support the required specialized experience. Formatted resumes may be uploaded later in the application process. For assistance with the resume builder, please visit:  https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to

DISPLACED EMPLOYEES: If requesting consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency CTAP program (ICTAP), you must meet the well qualified standards for this vacancy (meeting minimum requirements for position and scoring at least an 80) and provide all of the following documents:  

  • your most recent performance appraisal,
  • the proof of eligibility letter from the Agency, and
  • your most current SF-50, displaying current series and grade.

Displaced employees may be eligible for ICTAP or CTAP priority consideration.  

For more information, please review the OPM Employee's Guide to Career Transition.

Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the vacancy will result in your removal from consideration for this position. Please review your application prior to final submission and ensure you have submitted all appropriate documents. Uploading documents to USA Jobs does NOT ensure inclusion with your application to our system.  You must verify that the documents are in the system with your application prior to final submission.

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

You must submit a complete application package (including resume, vacancy questions and supporting documents) no later than 11:59 pm (EST) on the closing date of the announcement.

  • To begin, click the "Apply Online" button on the job announcement posting.
  • Follow the directions to register, submit all required documents and complete the assessment questionnaire.
  • You may review your saved application(s) at https://help.usajobs.gov/

If you are having difficulty applying online, please contact the DOT Automated Staffing Office via email at:  Transjobs@dot.gov

Agency contact information

Automated Staffing Office
Address
DOT, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
Submit Application and Documents Online
1200 New Jersey Ave SE / HAHR - 50
Washington, District of Columbia 20590
United States
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

You may check your application status by logging into USAJobs.com (Select "My USAJobs" and click "Applications".  Within two weeks of the closing date, a Human Resources Specialist may evaluate your application. If evaluated, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.  If you are selected for an interview, the hiring agency will contact you directly.  Once the position is filled, we will notify all applicants of their final status.


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