IT CYBERSECURITY SPECIALIST (APPSW/INFOSEC)

Duties
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• Serves as a technical authority and focal point for information security policies and procedures, including hardware, software (both applications and systems) and teleprocessing security.
• Plans and implements a security program that supports the Agency's financial management and information technology goals and objectives.
• Ensures that each information systems is operated, maintained, and disposed of in accordance with applicable policies and practices.
• Advises managers and supervisors on information security issues and policy. Develops mid and long range strategic information security plans and ensures information security plans are prepared for all sensitive and classified systems.
• Performs studies to monitor and improve or enhance information security-related projects.
• Possesses knowledge of state-of-the-art information technology hardware and software to combat unauthorized access and damage to sensitive financial and management data.
• Duties will be developmental in nature when the position is filled below the full performance level.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship or National
• Background Investigation
• Suitable for Federal Employment
• Registered for Selective Service (if applicable)
• In accordance with the DoD 8140 policy series, the position may be subject to completing Foundational Qualifications in 9 months and completing Residential Qualification requirements in 12 months.
• This national security position, which may require access to classified information, requires a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination.

Qualifications

This position is being filled under the Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense via delegated authority by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. We reserve the right to close this announcement early or to extend, as appropriate, based upon the needs of the Agency. Qualified application packages may be referred to management at various points in the selection process depending on the number and timing of applications received. Selections may be made at any point during the announcement open period..

Human Resources will determine your qualifications for each entry grade level based on your interest and the additional following criteria. Resumes for federal government positions need more detailed work descriptions and accomplishments than a typical private sector resume. Please be sure to clearly describe this in your resume.

FOR ENTRY AT THE GS-07 THROUGH GS-11

Basic Requirement: Applicants must have IT-related experience demonstrating the following competencies appropriate to, or above, the level of this position. Your resume and work experience should clearly support your ability to meet these competencies and will be evaluated as part of the entire application process.

• Attention to Detail- experience reviewing my own information technology-related work or data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency with standards. My work or the data that I produce is typically reviewed by my supervisor or another colleague
• Customer Service- experience having brief contact with customers to provide information about available information technology products and services and providing customers with standard products or routine services to address information technology needs
• Oral Communication- experience informing my supervisor and other IT staff of the status of information technology systems, projects, or daily operations, including the status of information technology systems, projects, or daily operations, including the communication of basic technical information to a non-technical audience
• Problem Solving- identifying or selecting from a number of alternatives to address routine information technology-related issues by gathering and applying information from standard sources that provide a limited number of solutions

IN ADDITION TO THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE for the GS 07, 09, 11:

For Entry at the GS-07 Level: One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade n the federal service (GS-05), which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required.

• Specialized experience is defined as: Applying basic IT principles and practices to provide support to Information Assurance processes.

For Entry at the GS-09 Level: One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade n the federal service (GS-07), which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required.

• Specialized experience is defined as: Assisting in implementing technical information assurance controls within automated information systems; assisting with information security design specifications and testing plans within automated information systems.

For Entry at the GS-11 Level: One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade n the federal service (GS-09), which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required.

• Specialized experience is defined as: Conducting information systems security evaluations, audits, assessments, and reviews; monitoring compliance with IT security policies and procedures in the development of information systems; reviewing software security alerts.

FOR ENTRY AT THE GS-12

Basic Requirement: Applicants must have IT-related experience demonstrating the following competencies appropriate to, or above, the level of this position. Your resume and work experience should clearly support your ability to meet these competencies and will be evaluated as part of the entire application process.

• Attention to Detail- experience reviewing my own information technology-related work or data and have been asked by others to review their work or data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency with standards
• Customer Service- experience maintaining relationships with customers, assessing current information technology needs of customers, and developing or identifying information technology products and services that are tailored to meet customer needs
• Oral Communication- briefing mid-level management and IT staff on the status of information technology systems, projects, or daily operations, including the communication of technical information to a non-technical audience
• Problem Solving- identifying alternatives to address complex information technology-related issues by gathering and applying information from a variety of sources that provide a number of potential solutions

IN ADDITION TO THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE for the GS-12:

For Entry at the GS-12 Level: One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade n the federal service (GS-11), which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required.

• Specialized experience is defined as: Participating in the design specifications, testing plans, and issue resolutions relating to Information Assurance software and systems; assisting in identifying and implementing technical controls related to protecting automated information systems, applications, and PII.

This position is developmental and selections may be made at the GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, or GS-12 entry grade levels. Once eligibility and qualification requirements are met, selectees will be eligible for promotion at management discretion to the GS-9, GS-11, and GS-12 grade levels without further competition.

Volunteer Experience: 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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

You may qualify for consideration if meeting time-in grade, specialized experience, education requirement, 90 days after competitive appointment requirement, and all other qualification requirements within 30 calendar days after the closing date of the announcement, unless otherwise indicated on the announcement.

The Security Designation will vary and dependent upon position and may require a secret clearance or higher. Employment in this position requires a background investigation which may delay starting date. If you are selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time due to disclosed/undisclosed background issues, the employment offer may be withdrawn. Individuals selected are required to obtain/maintain a favorable security determination to occupy a sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain eligibility to occupy a sensitive position may result in termination. For more information see the security section of Understanding Vacancy Announcements.

Education

Combination of education and experience is not applicable for this Job Series.

GS-7 Substitution of education for experience: One full year of graduate level education in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management; or superior academic achievement (SAA) with a 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, may be substituted to meet the specialized experience requirement. Combination of education and experience is not applicable for this position. Additional information on S.A.A. and/or which Honor Societies are recognized click on the link to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Classification & Qualifications Standards: Superior Academic Achievement.

GS-9 Substitution of education for experience: Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Master's degree or equivalent graduate 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. Combination of education and experience is not applicable for this position.

GS-11 Substitution of education for experience: A qualifying Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral 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. Combination of education and experience is not applicable for this position.

GS-12: Education is not substitutable for specialized experience at this grade level.

Additional information

• In accordance with the DoD 8140 policy series, the position is subject to completing Foundational Qualifications in 9 months and completing Residential Qualification requirements in 12 months.
• Moving expenses may be paid.
• Telework availability will be based upon the mission requirements and supervisory determination.
• **This Job Opportunity Announcement is using an additional online assessment tool to evaluate applicants. Please review the HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED, HOW TO APPLY and WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT sections below for instructions.
• This position is being filled under the Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense via delegated authority by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Positions may be filled as permanent or term with a full-time or part-time work schedule. Pay will vary by geographic location. We reserve the right to close this announcement early or to extend, as appropriate, based upon the needs of the Agency. Qualified application packages may be referred to management at various points in the selection process depending on the number and timing of applications received. Selections may be made at any point during the announcement open period.
• Employment with DFAS means access to generous benefits such as: health, vision, and dental insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off, and educational benefits.
• This announcement will be used to fill positions with an entry grade of GS-7, GS-9, GS11 or GS-12 with a target grade of GS-12
• Selections are subject to restrictions resulting from the DoD Program for Stability of Civilian Employment.
• A one year probationary period may be required.
• We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date.
• Travel requirement is Seldom.
• This position is not covered by a bargaining unit.
• Veteran's Preference: Veteran's preference does not apply under this Direct Hire Authority (DHA).
• This position is Non Exempt at the GS-07 level and Exempt at the GS-09, GS-11, and GS-12 levels from the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• DFAS recognizes the value of competencies gained through formal education and professional certifications. To ensure that consistent credit is given for these credentials in the selection process DFAS has developed standard selection criteria to be used when filling positions in professional and administrative series. Selections for professional and administrative positions will be based on four categories of selection criteria: Experience, Other, Education, and Certifications.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or be exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov ).
• Retired Civil Service Employee: Employment of retired Federal employees receiving an annuity is subject to the requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) policy guidance. (See DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 300, here ).