Information Technology Specialist (Security) (Security) Job in Rockville, MD

Vacancy No. NSIR/DPCP-2025-0006 Department Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Salary $142,488.00 to $185,234.00 Grade 14 to 14
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/5/2025 Close Date 9/26/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Rockville, MD


Summary

This position is located in the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC), Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response, 

Division of Physical and Cyber Security Policy Branch. The supervisor is Mario Fernandez.  This position is Non Bargaining Unit.

This position IS subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements.

This position IS subject to security ownership restriction reporting requirements

Duties

The successful candidate will perform the full range of IT Specialist duties.

Such duties include but are not limited to:

1. Acting as engineered systems technical analyst for the review of plant specific critical systems and critical digital assets and to determine adverse impacts including propagating effects from cyber compromise.

2. Providing technical support for the development of cybersecurity requirements and associated regulatory guidance.

3. Gathering and interpreting complex and diverse technical data; analyzes the data and forms recommendations for agency positions related to cybersecurity. Develops technical bases for agency positions related to cybersecurity.

4. Acting as contract project officer and directs contractors in working to support agency cybersecurity regulatory programs.

5. Communicating with external authorities such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other government agencies about cybersecurity activities and events.

6. Conducting cybersecurity risk analyses and reviews and ensures that actions are taken by licensees to address any vulnerabilities identified.

7. Developing and maintains regulatory security documentation, procedures, and other technical documents.

8. Providing responses to cybersecurity inquiries from internal and external authorities.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • This is a Drug Testing position.
  • Background investigation leading to a clearance is required for new hires.

You must meet the qualifications for this position by no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement and before placement in the position.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (GG-13) in the Federal Service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. 

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following: 

  1. Knowledge of and an ability to interpret and apply regulations, policies, guidelines, and procedures related to the operation and inspection or nuclear facilities.
  1. Knowledge of the theory, principles, and practices in field of security (cyber) with specific knowledge of nuclear power plant digital systems and equipment associated with safety, security, and emergency preparedness functions.
  1. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate technical information both orally and in writing.
  1. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement successful approaches to problem solving, conflict resolution, apply effective decision-making using available information and risk insights (risk analyses and reviews).

Specialized experience includes experience where you have demonstrated having experience developing regulations or standards, performing reviews of cybersecurity plans, assessing and/or evaluating high-risk critical systems or digital assets from critical infrastructure sectors (e.g., chemical, communications, manufacturing, dams, defense industrial base, energy, food and agricultural, healthcare, transportation systems, or water and wastewater systems) to determine adverse impact resulting from cyber compromise inspections in at least one of the of the following areas as described above.

A description of how you possess the specialized experience as well as how you meet the qualifications desired in an ideal candidate should be addressed in your resume.

Education

2210 Basic Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree: in one of the following Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Systems Management, Computer Programming, Networking, and Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations. A Master’s degree (preferred but not required) in Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity Engineering, Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations, or any other degree in Cybersecurity or Information Technology.

OR

Combination of education and experience (nuclear industry preferred), college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of networking concepts, network administration, vulnerability management, cybersecurity protections for IT and Operational Technology (OT) such as industrial controls systems (ICS) and/or supervisory control and data acquisition systems (SCADA) (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of industry standards (e.g. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) or International Organization for Standardization (ISO)) The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:1. Professional registration or certification such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Certified Penetration Tester (CPT), COMPTIA Security +, Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).

Additional information

The NRC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate.  Individuals with disabilities may contact the Selective Placement Coordinator for assistance with the application or hiring process via  Disability.Resource@nrc.gov.  Deaf applicants may contact the Disability Program Manager by calling the NRC videophone at 240-428-3217.

Individuals who are eligible for non-competitive appointment under an OPM special appointing authority may apply for consideration under a comparable NRC non-competitive appointing authority. Veterans, please visit:  http://www.fedshirevets.gov/

Selectee's will be required to complete a "Declaration of Federal Employment", (OF-306), prior to being appointed to determine their suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation.  False statements or responses on your resume or questionnaire can jeopardize your employment opportunity and subject you to disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service.

A transferable security clearance from another agency or a background investigation leading to a clearance is required for all new hires.  To begin work at the NRC without a security clearance, you must be granted a temporary waiver of the required clearance, referred to as a 145(b) waiver.  To be eligible for a 145(b) waiver you will need a favorable education verification, reference, credit, and criminal history checks.  If a wavier is granted, the successful completion of a background investigation and favorable adjudication is required for continued employment.  If you have resided outside the U.S. for an extended period of time, the agency may not be able to (1) grant the 145(b) waiver where the required investigation cannot be completed in a timely manner, or (2) achieve timely completion of the background investigation required for a security clearance.

The NRC is a zero tolerance agency with respect to illegal drug use.  Individuals selected for this position will be subject to pre-appointment drug testing unless currently in a NRC position subject to random drug testing AND will be subject to random drug testing upon appointment to the NRC.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

As an NRC employee you will enjoy excellent Federal Benefits, including: comprehensive health and life insurance plans; Flexible Spending Account Program for health and dependent care; Dental and Vision Insurance; retirement savings and investment plan similar to 401(k)  (Thrift Savings Plan); annual (vacation) and paid sick leave; family friendly leave policies; 11 paid holidays per year; transit benefits.  This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees.  https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_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.

When the application process is complete, your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the job requirements. You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume to determine your level of knowledge, skill and ability related to the job requirements.  Breadth, recency, and length of experience in the field; training, awards, and commendations; past and current performance; and community or outside professional activities will be considered to determine your level of knowledge, skill or ability for this position. You must respond to all required application questions.

If you are among the top candidates for this position, your application will be referred to the hiring manager for possible interview and selection based upon the number of available vacancies to be filled in each office.


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

The following documents are required for your application package to be complete. If you fail to provide any required documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
•    Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); and 4) other qualifications. Please limit your resume to 2 pages. See below for Additional Resume Information.
•    Transcripts: You must submit an official or unofficial copy of your college and/or university transcripts with your application, if the position has a positive education requirement. Failure to submit transcripts will result in loss of consideration. Diplomas do not provide the information needed for determining qualifications and will not be accepted in lieu of transcripts.

In addition to the above, you must submit the documents below if you claim the following eligibilities:
•    NRC Employees: You must submit your most recent Rating of Record (Performance Appraisal) or a statement saying that one is not available.
•    Current Federal Employees/Reinstatement Eligibles: You must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify competitive status or reinstatement eligibility. This SF-50 should not be an award SF-50.
•    Veteran Preference Eligibles: You must submit DD-214 showing type of discharge/character of service (e.g. DD-214 Member 4 Copy); SF-15 Form; and related documentation such as a VA letter showing disability percentage. 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.  You can find additional information about Veterans' Preference at http://www.fedshirevets.gov/
•    Individuals with Disabilities: If you are applying under the Schedule A Hiring Authority, you must submit supporting documentation (i.e., Schedule A Letter). You may refer to the following link for additional information. USAJOBS Help Center - Individuals with disabilities.

All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.

Additional Resume Information:
Your resume is crucial in our evaluation of your qualifications. Resumes should clearly demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and abilities. Please limit your résumé to 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, your resume will still be accepted, however only the first 2 pages will be reviewed and considered for qualifications and eligibility determination in whether or not the minimum qualifications for the position have been met. To ensure your resume contains all required information, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder. If you choose to use your own resume, please ensure it contains all the required information, and you organize it so we can associate the following information with each experience/position:
1.    Job title
2.    Name of employer
3.    Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/year) format
4.    Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will pro-rate part-time employment in crediting experience.
5.    Detailed description of job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable).
6.    Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position).
Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) or other inappropriate material on your resume or cover letter. If your resume contains prohibited information as listed above, your application may be determined ineligible, and you will not receive consideration for this position. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter, links to social media such as LinkedIn, to determine your qualifications. Cover letters are optional.

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

Carefully review this entire announcement and all instructions before starting your application. To be considered for this position, you must complete the online application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Your complete application must include your resume, responses to all vacancy questions (if applicable), and any required documents that prove your eligibility to apply.

You have two options for submitting these required documents:
1.    Upload from USAJOBS: Utilize the "USAJOBS" feature to download documents directly from your existing USAJOBS portfolio.
2.    Direct Upload: Use the "Upload" feature to upload files directly from your computer. Acceptable file types include: .gif, .jpeg, .png, .rtf, .pdf, and .docx.
To begin your application, select the "Apply" button located on the right side of this screen. Follow the subsequent prompts to log in or register, submit all required documents, answer the questions, and complete the application process.

Important Considerations:
•    Paper Applications: Paper applications will not be accepted unless you can demonstrate hardship circumstances through the agency contact listed below.
•    Application Extensions: Requests for application extensions will not be granted.
•    Hardship Assistance: If you experience hardship applying online, please contact the agency contact Human Resources Specialist listed below for assistance. You must reach out during business hours before the announcement closing date and speak with someone who can provide support for your online submission.

Agency contact information

Dariele N. Taswell
Phone
301-287-0728
Fax
000-000-0000
Email
Dariele.Taswell@nrc.gov
Address
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
US Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer
Attn: Please Complete
Washington, District of Columbia 20555
United States

Next steps

You may check the status of your application at any time after the announcement closes by logging onto USAJOBs and selecting “Application Status.”


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