Information Technology Specialist (NETWORK/INFOSEC) - DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. OIG-2025-0012 Department Department of State - Agency Wide
Salary $117,962.00 to $153,354.00 Grade 13 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/2/2024 Close Date 12/2/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

This serves as a public notice for the use of the Direct Hire Authority. The APPLY button is deactivated. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this Direct Hire Authority flyer to be considered. This direct hire public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in a selection. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer. 

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This direct hire public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection.

Duties

This position is located within the U.S. Department of State (State or Department), Office of Inspector General (OIG), which has statutory oversight responsibility covering the Department, the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), and the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC). The IT Operations is part of Management and Resources (MR). IT Operations focuses on ensuring mission-centric approach to IT operations focused on customer service, collaboration, and innovation.

As an Information Technology Specialist (Network/InfoSec), you will perform the following duties:

  • Serve as primary technical consultant and source of authoritative information regarding all aspects of assigned area of responsibility, including, Palo Alo, Zscaler, Juniper, Cisco and Azure Cloud Networking in ipv4 and ipv6.
  • Develop policies and procedures to ensure information systems reliability and accessibility and to prevent and defend against unauthorized access to systems, networks, and data;
  • Develop systems security plans (SSP), contingency plans, and disaster recovery procedures;
  • Interpret and implements higher-level security requirements such as those resulting from laws, regulations, directives, and Executive Orders;
  • Use various cybersecurity and compliance tools such as vulnerability scanning tools, endpoint detections and responses (EDR), and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM); assist with incident response processes to detect and isolate threats;
  • Identify threats and vulnerabilities of information system(s) and develop security risk profiles and/or plan of action and milestones (POA&Ms);
  • Assess security events to determine impact, initiate the intendent response process, and implement corrective actions;
  • Facilitate the gathering, analysis, and preservation of evidence to support the incident response process;
  • Identify the need for changes based on new security technologies or threats; perform security analysis of proposed system changes;
  • Participate in network and systems design to ensure implementation of appropriate systems controls and policies; 
  • Develop and implement programs to ensure that systems, network, and data users are aware of, understand, and adhere to systems security policies and procedures;
  • Ensure the rigorous application of information security information assurance policies, principles, and practices in the delivery of all IT services.
  • Promote awareness of security issues among management and ensuring sound security principles are reflected in organizations' visions and goals;
  • Conduct risk and vulnerability assessments of planned and installed information systems to identify vulnerabilities, risks, and protection needs;
  • Review proposed new systems, networks, and software designs for potential security risks and recommend security controls;
  • Conduct systems security evaluations, audits, and reviews;

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing.
  • Overtime and shift work may be required to include nights, holidays, and weekends in support of related mission requirements, as a condition of employment. Call back/virtual reporting and emergency duty are regular requirements of this position.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
  • One-year probationary period may be required, unless excepted by regulation.
  • Incumbent may be required to carry a Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) cellular device and maintain a personal working cell/home telephone at all times.
  • If selected, you will be required to file a Confidential Financial Disclosure (OGE Form 450).

Qualifications

Applicants applying for the GS-13 grade level must meet the following requirements: Have IT-related experience demonstrating EACH of the four competencies AND specialized experience listed below:

  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.

AND Have at least 1 full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service which provided you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following:

  • Experience developing Cybersecurity plans, strategy and policies to support and align with organizational Cybersecurity initiatives and regulatory compliance.
  • Experience in developing policies related to the protection and security of systems, networks, and data. In accordance with cybersecurity standard. (e.g., Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) and National Institute Standards and Technology (NIST) Risk Management Framework (RMF)).
  • Experience conducting risk assessments of planned and installed information systems.
  • Experience utilizing knowledge of network, systems design and evaluating the implementation of security controls to mitigate risks and meet compliance requirements. 
  • Experience investigating, analyzing and responding to cyber using data collected from a variety of cyber defense tool and following established incident response process. 

NOTE: In order to qualify for this position, your experience MUST be IT related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate.

There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-13 position.

Education

Education requirements do not apply to this vacancy announcement.

Additional information

  • For reasonable accommodation at the U.S. Department of State, please contact the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations at (202) 663-3474 or OAA@state.gov.
  • If eligible, telework agreements may be permitted with supervisory approval. 
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.  If eligible, applicants to this announcement may be referred to other similar positions in other Bureaus/Offices in the Department for up to 240 days.  Telework eligibility and security clearance requirements may vary for such similar positions. 
  • Recruitment, relocation or other incentives maybe offered if found to be in the best interest of the government.

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.  If you are selected, we will review your resume and required documents to determine if you meet the qualifications for this position, specifically the specialized experience, and Knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) necessary to perform the duties of the job.

Your resume serves as the basis for qualifications determinations and must highlight your relevant and significant work experience as it relates to this job opportunity.  

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).

As vacancies occur and selection(s) are made, the Human Resources Office will review your resume to ensure you meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this flyer. You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume, along with your supporting documentation.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies:

  • Ability to develop, interpret, and apply polices governing information technology throughout the agency. 
  • Knowledge of information technology life cycle management concepts. 
  • Knowledge of information technology performance measures. 
  • Skill in conducting risk assessments of planned and installed information systems.
  • Skill in conducting systems security evaluations, audits, and reviews.
  • Ability to develop systems security contingency plans and disaster recovery procedures. 
  • Knowledge of information technology specialty areas (e.g., application, system design database management, computer equipment, software, systems).
  • Knowledge of Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) process. 
  • Experience in managing government-wide recommendations for remediating cybersecurity incidents. 

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

All required documents listed below, that are applicable to you, must be submitted by the closing date of this announcement.

1. Resume showing relevant work/volunteer experience, education and training. Your resume MUST include the following information for each job listed: Job title; duties (be as detailed as possible); month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008); and full-time or part-time status (include hours worked/volunteered per week). Your resume serves as the basis for qualifications determinations and must highlight your relevant and significant work experience as it relates to this job opportunity.    

2. Performance appraisal: All other current and former Federal employees are strongly encouraged to submit their performance appraisal for the hiring manager’s consideration. If an appraisal is not available, you may provide a statement from you and/or your supervisor with an explanation along with your servicing HR Office contact information.

3. Most recent SF-50s (Notification of Personnel Actions), if you are a current or former Federal employee . The SF-50s must show: effective date, position title, series, grade, salary, tenure, position occupied, full promotion potential, and name of agency. Multiple SF-50s may be needed to show all required information (e.g., promotion, within-grade increase, and separation SF-50s). Award SF-50s often do not show the required information. 

4. Veteran Documentation, if applicable.

  • Veterans who are preference eligible OR who have been separated from the Armed Forces under honorable conditions (honorable or general discharge) after 3 or more years of continuous active service may apply under the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA). You must submit a DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member Copy 4 preferred) showing the dates you served as well as your type of discharge and qualifying service campaign medals OR if you are still on active duty, you MUST submit a certification on letterhead from your military branch which contains your military service dates, expected date of discharge or release, and the character of service to show that your military service was performed under honorable conditions. The expected date of discharge or release must be no later than 120 days after the certification is submitted for consideration for this job announcement. Current Federal employees applying under the VEOA must submit a qualifying SF-50 to show time-in-grade requirements.
  • If you are applying as a preference eligible with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more, you must submit the documentation required by the SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference) to support your claim (e.g., DD-214, official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs). For applicants claiming 10-point derived veterans’ preference (i.e., spouses, widows/widowers or mothers of veterans), a completed SF-15 must be submitted with the application with all required supporting documents listed on the form.
  • For more veterans’ preference information, visit the USAJOBS Help Center.

5. ICTAP/CTAP documentation, if applicable. Visit our agency’s ICTAP and CTAP sites for required documentation.

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

The APPLY button is deactivated on this Direct-Hiring Authority (DHA) Public Notice, application packages are being accepted directly by OIG. 

Interested applicants must submit resumes/application package to the below email: 

  • Resumes should be sent directly to oig2210hiring@stateoig.gov  
  • Email subject line MUST include:  Announcement Number: OIG-2025-0012;
  • Resumes that are not sent to the correct box will not be considered.
  • In addition, resumes should NOT be sent as a link to another website, they must be a PDF or Word attachment. We will not download an external link to access the resume, it must be an attachment. Please DO NOT send additional attachments with Personal Identifiable Information (PII) through unencrypted email.

Your resume MUST include the following information for each job listed: Job title; duties (be as detailed as possible); month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008); and full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week). It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that all information in their resume and documents, are received, legible, and accurate. HR will not modify answerers/documents submitted by an applicant. 

Please note: This is a Direct- Hiring Authority Public Notice that vacancies may exist. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of result letter will NOT be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer. If a hiring official determines you have the needed skillset for the vacancy, a member of the OIG team will contact you.  

Facsimile applicants will not be considered. 

All resumes/applications must be received no later than the closing date of this flyer. 

Due to the large number of applications received for all vacancies, status inquiry emails will not be answered.  Thank you for your interest in employment with the U.S. Department of State, Office of Inspector General.

Agency contact information

HELPDESK
Phone
000-000-0000
Fax
703-284-1821
Email
oig2210hiring@stateoig.gov
Address
U.S. Department of State
SA-39
Rosslyn, Virginia 22209
United States
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. This direct hire public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in a selection. 

If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted using the contact information listed on your resume. 

Our evaluation will be based on the information you provide. You should expect that we will verify performance, suitability, and security information and take that information into account in making employment offers. 


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