IT Cybersecurity Specialist

Summary These positions are to be filled under the OPM Government-Wide Direct Hire Authority for Cyber Positions for grades GS 12-15. 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. Learn more about this agency Duties The Department of Energy is responsible for defining and advancing America's energy policy, technology, and security. Through our national laboratories and distinctive range of program centers we discover, deliver, and manage the energy breakthroughs that keep the nation and its economy safe and secure through the 21st century and beyond! We are truly honored that DOE has been named America's #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans. As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation, we are deeply committed to their success and advancement. Veterans shape the future of energy 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 manage, supervise, lead, administer, develop, deliver, and support information technology (IT) systems and services. This series covers only those positions for which the paramount requirement is knowledge of IT principles, concepts, and methods; e.g., data storage, software applications, networking. Additionally, these positions have a cybersecurity requirement which involves the security of and operations in cyberspace and encompasses the full range of threat reduction, vulnerability reduction, deterrence, international engagement, incident response, resiliency, and recovery activities, including computer network operations, information assurance, diplomacy, military, and intelligence missions as they relate to securing the global information and communication infrastructure. As an IT Cybersecurity Specialist, at minimum you will: Evaluate system security plans and procedures, and assist in managing and directing the operations and functions of the office support contractors, addressing IT out-of-compliance issues, preparing, implementing, monitoring, and updating the project plan Develop Plans of Actions and Milestones (POA&Ms) to correct findings of non-compliance Initiate, direct and participate in the full life cycle of cyber security appraisals and network penetration testing of geographically dispersed and operationally diverse agency facilities Develop and recommend new and/or revised inspection, evaluation, and penetration testing methodologies for cyber security appraisals Provide recommendations on implementation strategies and policy recommendations based on industry best practices and governing directives Assist the Division by conducting research, conducting investigations of cyber events to include those that potentially violate regulatory requirements Collaborate with senior leadership, departmental and contractor managers and staff in scheduling, planning, coordinating, and implementing the Independent Oversight Cyber Security Appraisal Program. 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 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. 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. 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 and experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below at a proficiency level 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-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: Assisting with monitoring and evaluating systems' compliance with IT security requirements; Following standard procedures to implement IT security policies and procedures in the development and operation of network systems; Participating in the collection and analysis of technical and management data associated with cyber security programs; Participating in activities designed to ensure, protect, and restore IT systems, services and capabilities. 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: Developing, implementing, and coordinating activities designed to ensure, protect, and restore IT systems, services and capabilities; Monitoring and evaluating systems' compliance with IT security requirements; Providing advice and guidance on implementing IT security policies and procedures in the development and operation of network systems; Ensuring proper protection of evidence used in investigating computer crimes. 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: Providing technical advice, counsel, and instruction on cyber security issues, including preparing various reports, briefings, summaries, and progress reports; Initiating, directing, and participating in the full life cycle of cyber security appraisals and network penetration testing of geographically dispersed and operationally diverse company or agency facilities; Integrating information systems security with other security disciplines and ensuring coordination and/or collaboration on security activities; Evaluating and certifying systems or network accreditation. 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 3 of the following: Presenting data to an audit team, performing spot audits, defending compliance positions or creating plans and procedures designed to meet industry, company, or governmental policies or regulatory requirements; Developing and recommending new and/or revised inspection, evaluation, and penetration testing methodologies for cyber security appraisals; Leading the development of long-range plans for IT security systems that anticipate, identify, evaluate, mitigate, and minimize risks associated with IT systems vulnerabilities. NOTE: There is no substitute of education for experience at any of these levels. "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. Applications must be submitted and qualification requirements must be met by 11:59 p.m. ET of the closing date of the announcement. Education There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position. Additional information The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This public notice is to gather applications for current and future vacancies that may or may not result in a referral or selection. Applicants are limited to 4 geographic locations. There may or may not be promotion potential depending upon the actual position filled. Pay will be determined based on the duty location of the position. For more information on locality and pay scales, click here. Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation. Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with regulation and policy. For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov Status and Non-Status applicants from outside DOE selected under this authority are required to serve a mandatory one (1) year probationary period. A DOE career status employee selected for this position may be required to serve a new one (1) year probationary period, pursuant to 5 CFR 315.802. If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM ICTAP/CTAP website for more information. In order to be considered under the ICTAP program, your application must score within the pre-established "well qualified" category as stated in the Qualifications section. New employees to the Department of Energy will be required to 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 Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website. All males born after December 31st 1959 must abide by laws regarding Selective Service registration. To learn more about this law, visit the Selective Service web page, Who Must Register. If you are not registered and don't have an approved exemption, you will not be eligible for employment with the Federal government. Position may require you to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement, OGE-450, Executive Branch Personnel Confidential Financial Disclosure Report upon entering the position and annually (5CFR Part 2634, Subpart I USOGE, 6/08). For additional information and to obtain the form, please visit the Office of Government Ethics. EEO Policy: https://www.energy.gov/justice/eeo-complaint-process Reasonable Accommodation Policy: https://www.energy.gov/hc/department-energy-reasonable-accommodation-program Veterans Information: https://www.energy.gov/careers/veterans-military-spouses Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/ The Fair Chance Act prohibits specific inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal or credit background unless the hiring agency has made a conditional offer of employment to the applicant. An applicant may submit a complaint to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged noncompliance by completing the Fair Chance Act Intake Form and submitting it to the Administrative Investigations Program at [email protected]. Positions may be filled at varying levels of leadership, ie Team Lead, Manager, Supervisor. Supervisory positions may require a 1-year probationary period, if not yet completed. Expand Hide  additional information 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. 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.