Summary
These positions are to be filled under the OPM Government-Wide Direct Hire Authority for Information Security (INFOSEC) Positions for grades GS 9-15. This serves as a public notice for the use of the Direct Hire Authority in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3327 and 3330 and 5 CFR 330. Under this recruitment procedure, applications will be accepted for each location/installation identified in this Public Notice. There may or may not be actual vacancies at the time you submit your application.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
U.S. citizens or U.S. Nationals; no prior Federal experience is required. This direct hire public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection, Military Spouses.
Duties
The Department of Energy is seeking motivated and highly-qualified candidates for exciting positions available in multiple locations throughout the United States.
The mission of the Energy Department is to ensure America's security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.
This series covers positions that evaluate the adequacy of, and recommend new or revised, IT security policies, standards, and procedures; review and analyze IT aspects of proposals and integrity studies to determine adequacy and conformity with security requirements; conduct or participate in assessments, audits, appraisals, program reviews, and inspections and surveys, as needed, ensuring effective operations of assigned program areas; analyze existing and/or proposed IT systems for the purpose of identifying and resolving associated security risks by recommending, coordinating and/or employing state-of-the-art technology and cost-effective solutions relative to electronic data acquisition, storage, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, encryption and assurance.
As an IT Specialist (INFOSEC), at minimum you will:
- Ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems, networks, and data through the planning, analysis, development, implementation, maintenance, and enhancement of information systems security programs, policies, procedures, and tools.
- Administers information technology (IT) principles, methods, and security products to protect and maintain the availability, integrity, confidentiality, and accountability of information system resources.
- Implements and advises on IT security policies and procedures to ensure the protection of information transmitted from installation using Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN).
- Accomplishes risk analysis, security testing, and certification due to modifications or changes to computer systems.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
- If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
- If selected, your appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
- If selected, you may be required to complete a one year probationary period.
- Positions are located agency-wide and may be filled as permanent, term, or temporary with a full-time or part-time work schedule. Pay will vary by geographic location.
- Appointments made with this authority may be processed as a new appointment into the Civil Service.
- The vacancies filled through these appointments have varying levels of background investigative requirements, up to a Top Secret - DOE "Q" clearance.
- Positions may be covered by a bargaining unit. Bargaining unit will vary by departmental element, grade, and/or location.
- Positions may require submittal of a Financial Disclosure Statement, OGE-450, Executive Branch Personnel Confidential Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of entering the position and annually.
- Positions may be a Testing Designated Position (TDP) subject to applicant testing and random drug testing thereafter. Failure to test or a positive result on random drug tests conducted after appointment may result in removal from Federal employment.
- This position does not support 100% remote work. You will be required to report physically to the official reporting worksite as specified by the supervisor, but no less than 2 days per pay period.
Qualifications
You must meet both the Basic Requirement and the Specialized Experience to qualify for this series as described below.
BASIC REQUIREMENT
Applicants must have IT-related education or experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below at a proficiency equivalent to the next lower grade level in federal service.
- 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.
- 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.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the basic requirement, a qualified candidate's online application and resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for these positions are defined as:
GS-09: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-07). Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting at least 2 of 3 of the following:
- Identifying basic anomalies or errors in network or system services;
- Assisting in taking actions to mitigate security risks, such as installing security patches, running anti-virus or other utilities;
- Assisting in documenting security problems.
OR
Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree; your education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. For this position, this is defined as a degree in computer science, information technology management, computer programming, database management, computer hardware engineering, network administration, cloud computeing, information security & assurance, or a similarly related major.
OR
Combination of education and experience as described above. Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level (i.e., credit hours beyond the first two years of full-time study may be credited).
GS-11: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-09). Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting at least 2 of 3 of the following:
- Assisting in implementing corrective or preventive actions network or system services;
- Taking actions to mitigate security risks, such as installing security patches, running anti-virus or other utilities;
- Documenting and initiating response to security problems.
OR
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; your education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. For this position, this is defined as a degree in computer science, information technology management, computer programming, database management, computer hardware engineering, network administration, cloud computeing, information security & assurance, or a similarly related major.
OR
Combination of education and experience as described above. Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level (i.e., credit hours beyond the first two years of full-time study may be credited).
GS-12: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-11). Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting at least 2 of 4 of the following:
- Carrying out activities leading to security certification or accreditation;
- Conducting integrated analysis of multiple audit logs (e.g., firewall, Web server);
- Participating in identifying and writing specifications to meet IT security requirements at the applications or network server level;
- Providing input in drafting information systems security documentation (e.g. systems security plans, risk assessments, disaster recovery plans, business continuity plans, user security guides).
GS-13: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-12). Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting at least 2 of 4 of the following:
- Evaluating, recommending, implementing, and disseminating IT security tools, procedures, and practices to protect information assets;
- Planning and coordinating the delivery of an IT security awareness training program for end users at all levels in the organization;
- Updating an organization's contingency or disaster recovery plans to respond to new security requirements or changes in the IT architecture;
- Coordinating development and implementation of policies and standards for classified or confidential network systems regarding sharing and safeguarding classified or confidential information.
GS-14: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-13). Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting at least 2 of 4 of the following:
- Recommending new or revised security measures and countermeasures based on the results of accreditation reviews;
- Evaluate new security authentication technologies such as public key infrastructure certificates, secure cards, and biometrics;
- Identifying and specifying information systems security requirements associated with migrations to new environments;
- Developing specifications to ensure compliance with security requirements at the systems or LAN level.
GS-15: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-14). Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting at least 2 of 4 of the following:
- Leading the development of long-range plans for IT security systems that anticipate, identify, evaluate, mitigate, and minimize risks associated with IT systems vulnerabilities;
- Identifying the need for changes based on new security technologies or threats, testing and implementing new policies, and instituting measures to ensure awareness and compliance;
- Planning and coordinating the development of specifications to meet security requirements at the company/agency or wide area network (WAN) level;
- Integrating security programs across disciplines including defining the scope and detail for security plans and policies applicable to the security program.
NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-12 through GS-15 levels.
Education
"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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.
OPM Qualification Standards for the GS-2210 series can be found at the following website: OPM Qualification Standards for the GS-2210 series.
CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section.
This public notice will be used to fill multiple positions as needed, therefore referral lists may be issued daily. Applications must be submitted and qualification requirements met by 11:59 p.m. ET each day in order to be referred on any certificates issued the following day.
If substituting education for specialized experience you must submit proof of your qualifying education. Failure to provide college transcripts may result in a rating of 'Ineligible'.
Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.
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.
This position is announced under a government-wide Direct Hire Authority (DHA) for INFOSEC positions in the GS-2210 series. Under this Direct-Hire authority, applicants are required to meet minimum qualification requirements at the grade level(s) of interest. Veteran's Preference, Schedule A, Category Rating, and other methods of consideration DO NOT APPLY under Direct-Hire Authority regulations.
Appointments made under this authority will be processed as new appointments to the Civil Service. Current Civil Service employees would, therefore, be given new appointments to the Civil Service. Current Federal employees may be required to serve a new probationary period (5 CFR 315.802(b).
If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly.
You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (03/31/2025) of this announcement.
To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12549323.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you MUST provide a complete application package which includes:
- Your RESUME showing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of the each employer; start and end dates (month/day/year); work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent); and any completed education and training (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
- Cover Letter, optional, expressing additional information not covered in your resume.
- Transcripts, if specific educational requirements are indicated in this job announcement. Unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements.
- Veterans' Preference documentation,if applicable, DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; current active duty members- certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter. For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center & OPM CHCOC website for VOW information.
- Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable(e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) For more information see the OPM Guide to Career Transition.
- Certain Military Spouses: Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders authorizing you to accompany the Military member to the new duty permanent station; OR verification of the member's 100% disability (VA Letter); and/or verification of the member's death while on active duty (DD-1300 and Death Certificate) AND verification of the marriage to the service member (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage). For more information visit the .
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. Do not provide photos or list a Social Security Number or date of birth on any attachment.
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
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration.
The application process is as follows:
- Click the Apply Online button.
- Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation.
- Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 pm (ET) on 03/31/2025.
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 verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each application status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you need help with login.gov or USAJOBS (e.g., account access, Resume Builder) visit the USAJOBS Help Center: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/
If you experience difficulty applying on USAJOBS, after clicking the Apply Online button, or you are experiencing a significant hardship hindering your ability to apply online, the Agency Contact listed in the announcement can assist you during normal business hours. If you receive any system error messages, take screenshots if possible, to aid technical support.
Next steps
Once you submit your online application, you will receive a confirmation notification by email that your submission was successful. Upon request of a certificate of eligibles, if your self-assessment responses place you as an eligible candidate for referral, we will refer your name to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview. We will notify you of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.
If you are interested in being added to our Schedule A or 30% or more Disabled Veterans repository, please submit your information by using the below links.
https://www.usajobs.gov/job/789178500 - 30 Percent or More Disabled Veteran Repository 2024 for Department of Energy
https://www.usajobs.gov/job/789179000 - Schedule A Repository 2024 for Department of Energy
Additional Locations
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San Diego, CA
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Denver, CO
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Golden, CO
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Grand Junction, CO
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Jefferson, CO
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Lakewood, CO
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Westminster, CO
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Washington, DC
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Ames, IA
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Idaho Falls, ID
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Scoville, ID
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Chicago, IL
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Lemont, IL
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Warrenville, IL
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Lexington, KY
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Paducah, KY
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Baton Rouge, LA
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Hackberry, LA
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New Orleans, LA
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College Park, MD
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Gaithersburg, MD
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Germantown, MD
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Weldon Spring, MO
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Plainsboro, NJ
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Albuquerque, NM
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Carlsbad, NM
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Los Alamos, NM
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Las Vegas, NV
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Niskayuna, NY
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Schenectady, NY
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Upton, NY
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West Valley, NY
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Cincinnati, OH
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Fernald, OH
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Piketon, OH
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Portsmouth, OH
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Albany, OR
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Pittsburgh, PA
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Aiken, SC
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Oak Ridge, TN
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Freeport, TX
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Houston, TX
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Winnie, TX
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Moab, UT
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Newport News, VA
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Hanford, WA
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Richland, WA
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Morgantown, WV
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