IT Cybersecurity Specialist (Information Security)

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Basic Requirement for Information Technology Cybersecurity Specialist (Information Security):

Specialized and Other Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes providing technical advice, and/or guidance in the integration and oversight of cybersecurity, information systems, and computer network defense. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11).

The specialized experience must include, or be supplemented by, information technology related experience (paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training, as appropriate) which demonstrates each of the four competencies, as defined:

(1) Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. Examples of IT-related experience demonstrating this competency include: completing thorough and accurate work independently, even in the most difficult or stressful situations. Occasionally review work completed by others

(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. Examples of IT-related experience demonstrating this competency include: resolving routine and non-routine problems, questions, or complaints. Develop and maintain strong, mutually supportive working relationships with customers. Conduct evaluation of support to determine quality of services and customer satisfaction, and recommend procedural changes based on customer need or changes in policy and/or regulation.

(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. Examples of IT-related experience demonstrating this competency include: convincingly conveying complex information to customers. Present thoughts that are well- organized and demonstrate confidence in the facts and ideas. Adjust style when working with individuals with different levels of understanding; use various methods to explain and convey information.

(4) Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations. Examples of IT-related experience demonstrating this competency include: solving complex or sensitive problems by developing and proposing strategic alternatives. Identify possible conflicts and shared benefits. team anticipate problems and identify and evaluate potential sources of information; provide feedback and coaching to others to help solve problems. Engage appropriate stakeholders when developing solutions in order to understand and incorporate multiple perspectives and needs. Evaluate the effectiveness of decisions and adjust future decisions as appropriate.

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.