This position is located in the Cybersecurity Division, Technology Office (TO), Business Center - Operations Office, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Development (RD), and manages the information technology (IT) security architecture program. Direct Hire Authority: These positions are being filled through the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Direct-Hire Authority for this occupation.

Duties

Applies an in-depth knowledge of federal and industry IT security guidelines to effect agency-wide cyber defense planning. Responsible for the integration of cybersecurity throughout the IT solution development lifecycle (SDLC) through RD IT system-specific and agency-wide cyber defense planning; and the delivery of RD enterprise security services. Serves as a recognized authority, senior IT Specialist and the primary architect and engineering advisor for enterprise research and development initiatives in the TO. Supports the delivery of enterprise security services that support automated vulnerability scanning; manual and automated source code review; and penetration testing. Manages the quality assurance program. Conducts quality assurance testing, analysis, and reporting. Oversees quality requirements for new development work. Works closely with the Security Compliance Branch to document and test NIST controls. At the request, provides timely response to regular and ad hoc data calls and reporting requirements and audits by internal or external agencies. Serves as supervisor of a small group of IT specialists and contractors in carrying out security engineering program responsibilities. Acts as a contracting officer representative for cybersecurity and quality assurance contracts.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Subject to one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period.
• Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. For the GS-14 level: Applicants must possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level; or its non-Federal equivalent that demonstrates: experience leading the integration of cybersecurity best practices throughout the IT solution development lifecycle (SDLC) via cyber defense planning and the delivery of enterprise security services. Coordinates with IT system owners, developers, and project managers to provide full lifecycle vulnerability assessments for all IT systems using a variety of techniques that includes, but is not limited to: IT security requirements analysis (NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 controls allocation to IT solution components); solution architecture assessment (adherence to security requirements, use of secure design patterns, principles and best practices, such as threat modeling); and security risk assessment. Leads the delivery of the quality management program for new development and automated testing. There is no substitution of education for experience at the GS-14 level. NOTE: To be considered for this position, you must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the 2210 series set forth in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards by the closing date of the announcement. A copy is available at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Qualifications are based upon meeting specialized experience only. Education cannot be used to qualify for this position.

Contacts

• Address Rural Development 1400 Independence Ave SW Washington, DC 20250 US
• Name: Jessica Redman
• Phone: 302-857-3591
• Email: [email protected]