Public Notice for Direct Hire - IT Specialist (INFOSEC) (Open to Everyone) Job in Rockville, MD

Vacancy No. ALL OFC-2025-0047 Department Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Salary $99,200.00 to $191,900.00 Grade 12 to 15
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/20/2024 Close Date 12/18/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Rockville, MD


Summary

The NRC will use Direct Hire Authority to fill Information Technology (IT) Specialist Information Security (INFOSEC) positions.

This vacancy is a REPOSITORY of applications.

Applicants MAY BE periodically referred to Selecting Officials both during the open period and for up to 90 days after the closing date of the vacancy. Because of the large number of applications anticipated, applicants status will not be updated UNLESS referred.

Duties

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

Such duties include but are not limited to:

  • developing policies and procedures to ensure information systems reliability and accessibility and to prevent and defend
    against unauthorized access to systems, networks, and data.
  • conducting risk and vulnerability assessments of planned and installed information systems to identify vulnerabilities, risks, and protection needs.
  • promoting awareness of security issues among management and ensuring sound security principles are reflected in organizations visions and goals.
  • conducting 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.
  • participating in network and systems design to ensure implementation of appropriate systems security policies.
  • facilitating the gathering, analysis, and preservation of evidence used in the prosecution of computer crimes.
  • assessing security events to determine impact and implementing corrective actions; and/or
  • ensuring the rigorous application of information security/information assurance policies, principles, and practices in the delivery of all IT services.
  • Architect/Design, develop, and manage implementation of security solutions for AI systems and applications.
  • Effectively applies management processes, including requirements development processes and performance-based acquisition principles, to support the agency's mission to develop and implement a CUI program as it transitions from SUNSI to the CUI framework.
  • Executes strategic and operational implementation of cyber supply chain risk management (C-SCRM) functions from conceptual to existing SCRM framework and capabilities. Manages the agency SCRM risk register, solutions intake, and enterprise risk identification, while providing leadership, continuity, and active communications between CIO/CISO to characterize, understand, and mitigate enterprise risks



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.

This position is being filled using the agency's Direct Hire Authority.

Applicants will be rated in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for Information Technology (IT) Management Series, 2210.  Position requirements vary depending upon the specific grade.  You must meet any minimum experience or education requirements per OPM qualifications standards and demonstrate through experience and/or education that you possess the quality level of knowledge, skill, and ability necessary to perform the duties of the position at the grade level for which applying. 

For additional information, refer to the following link:  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0300/gs-2210-information-technology-management-series/ 

A DETAILED description of your work experience in your personal resume must clearly demonstrate that you have gained and currently possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position and grade being filled. 

Qualifications

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

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates may qualify for the 2210, IT Management Series by meeting either the Experience requirements specified in the Qualifications section of this announcement, or the Education requirements specified in the section titled Education.

For GS-12:  Experience that demonstrated accomplishment of computer project assignments that required a range of knowledge of computer requirements and techniques.  Participates in planning, analyzing, developing, implementing, maintaining, and enhancing information systems security programs, policies, procedures, and tools. Prepares and presents information and briefings on information security issues, problems, and projects to management officials and program staff. Applies new IT technologies to participate in developing methods and policies leading to successful accomplishment of organizational requirements. Interprets policies, procedures, and strategies in developing and delivering information security systems and programs to assigned organizations.

  • Knowledge of the methods, techniques, and procedures for developing and implementing IT information security programs, policies, procedures, and tools.
  • Knowledge of the IT infrastructure, systems, hardware, and software applications of the agency or organization, sufficient to function as a technical resource on IT security functions.
  • Knowledge of new and evolving IT technologies and developments, in order to participate in evaluating and recommending adoption of new approaches for delivery of IT services.
  • Skill in the principles, methods, and practices of customer support and determination of user requirements, to ensure that IT systems and services meet organizational and program needs.
  • Knowledge of program and project management principles and methods, in order to participate in IT programs and projects involving the development and implementation of IT systems and services of the organization

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE

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

  • Analysis of the interrelationships of pertinent components of the system.
  • Planning the sequence of actions necessary to accomplish the assignment; and
  • Personal responsibility for at least a segment of the overall project.

GS-13 and above:  Experience that demonstrated accomplishment of computer project assignments that required a wide range of knowledge of computer requirements and techniques pertinent to the position to be filled. This knowledge is generally demonstrated by assignments where the applicant analyzed a number of alternative approaches in the process of advising management concerning major aspects of ADP system design, such as what system interrelationships must be considered, or what operating mode, system software, and/or equipment configuration is most appropriate for a given project.

For all positions, individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies 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.

For all grades, one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (or equivalent) is required. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Such experience is typically gained in the IT field or through the performance of work where the primary concern is IT. 

-OR-

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is experience that involved ensuring 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.  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

You must include an unofficial or official copy of your college and/or university transcripts with your application.  Education must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of credibility of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency.  If you have multiple degrees (e.g., BS, MS, PhD) please submit transcripts for each degree.

Degree requirements:  A degree in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management or degree that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified above and required the development or adaptation of applications, systems, or networks and provided knowledge equivalent to a major in the computer field.

For additional information on substituting education for experience, please click the following link:  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/2200/information-technology-it-management-series-2210-alternative-a/

When qualifying based on education, transcripts and/or certifications must be submitted at the time of application.  Note: It is your responsibility to furnish documentation that verifies you meet the basic education requirements; in the absence of such documentation, you will not be considered.

Additional information

The duty location of this position is Rockville, MD. In general, employees are expected to be in the office at a minimum of 4 days per pay period.  Telework schedules, including full-time telework, are approved, on a case-by-case basis. If selected, telework will be determined in accordance with Agency policy and the Collective Bargaining Agreement, if applicable.

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

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 and responses to any vacancy questions to determine your level of knowledge, skill and ability related to the job requirements.  If you are among the top candidates for this position, your application will be referred to the hiring manager.

Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position.  Therefore, we encourage you to submit a thorough resume that directly relates to this position.


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

List of supplemental material that may be applicable:

If you are an NRC employee, you are required to submit your most recent Rating of Record (Performance Appraisal) or a statement saying that one is not available. Additionally, you must also submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action).

If you are a current/reinstatement eligible Federal employee with status (Tenure Group 1 or 2), you will be considered under our merit promotion procedures and must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify competitive status or reinstatement eligibility.  

Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g. DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; Current Active Duty members must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter.)  You can find additional information about Veterans' Preference at http://www.fedshirevets.gov/.

NOTE: Your complete application includes your resume, your responses to any vacancy questions, and if necessary, documents which prove your eligibility to apply. To ensure all of the essential information is in your resume, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS online Resume Builder. If you choose to use your own resume, please ensure it contains all of the required information and you organize it so we can associate the following information for each experience/position. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further. 

  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 prorate 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).

If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying on the basis of education, please submit your transcript OR list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study. If the position requires a certain number of credit hours, you are strongly encouraged to list the relevant courses along with the course credits in your resume. 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.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualifications. 

If you are applying for a position that requires a college degree, you must submit your College Transcripts.

All supplemental documents will now be collected electronically and should be submitted before the closing date of this vacancy announcement.  You have three choices for submitting your supplemental documents:

1.  Use the "USAJOBS" feature to download documents from your USAJOBS portfolio; or
2.  use the "Upload" feature to upload documents directly from your computer.  The following types of documents can be uploaded:  .gif, .jpeg, .png, .rtf, .pdf, and .doc; or
3. use the "Fax" feature to print the Fax Cover Sheet and fax it, along with your supplemental documents to 1-571-258-4052.

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

We strongly encourage you to complete your USAJOBS profile before you submit your application for this position.

Please read the entire announcement.  Your application for this vacancy must be received online via the USAJOBS application system BEFORE 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to submit a complete online application, you will not be considered for this position.

To ensure you are using the correct resume type when applying to our vacancies, please make sure that the resume you are using during the application process is listed with a format type of "USAJOBS Resume" and a source type of "Built with USAJOBS Resume Builder. Verifying this information on your USAJOBS resume before applying will ensure the successful submission of your application to the NRC job vacancy.

Paper applications will not be accepted unless hardship circumstances can be demonstrated. Requests for extensions WILL NOT be granted. If applying online poses a hardship for you, the Human Resources Specialist listed on the announcement will provide assistance to ensure that applications are submitted online by the closing date. Applicants must contact the Human Resources Specialist during business hours BEFORE the closing date of the announcement and speak to someone who can provide assistance for your online submission.

You must answer any job specific vacancy questions. You will be rated based on your responses to any vacancy questions and especially the information provided in your resume. 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. Abbreviated responses to the vacancy questions, such as “significant experience” or “see resume” do not provide enough information and should not be used. You will not be considered for this position if you leave any of the vacancy questions unanswered.


To begin the application process, select the "Apply On-line" button to the right on this screen. Then follow the prompts to login/register, submit all required supplemental documents, and complete the application process.

Agency contact information

Brent Gray
Phone
301-415-7000
TDD
240-428-3217
Fax
000-000-0000
Email
brentney.gray@nrc.gov
Website
https://www.nrc.gov
Address
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
US Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Office of Human Resources
Attn: Please Complete
Washington, District of Columbia 20555
United States
Learn more about this agency

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.