We are hiring Information Technology (IT) Specialists across the Department in various regional and functional Bureaus.   This serves as public notice for the use of OPM's Direct Hire Authority. Applicants who meet the qualification requirements will be forwarded to the selecting official for consideration. We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies. See "Additional Information" section for September 15, 2024 HBCU career fair information. 

Duties

Conducts risk and vulnerability assessments of installed information systems to identify vulnerabilities, risks, and protection needs. Participates in assessments of breaches of security to determine their impact on system operations and the confidentiality, integrity, and reliability of the information stored and manipulated within the system. Drafts updates to procedures such as the organization's contingency or disaster recovery plans to respond to new security requirements or changes in the IT architecture; and presents updated plans to the IT security manager for review and approval. Coordinates development work with higher echelon information security organizations, end-users within and outside the Bureau and Department, and with other IT Specialists within the Bureau IT organization. At the GS-11 level, the incumbent performs essentially the same duties as outlined above; however, the scope and complexity of assignments are of less responsibility and independence and receives closer than normal supervision.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• 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/

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement. Applicants applying for the GS-11 grade level must meet one of the following requirements: A. Have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited or pre-accredited institution in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management;   OR  B. Have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited or pre-accredited institution that provided a MINIMUM of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified in Choice A above AND required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or networks;  OR C. Have 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited or pre-accredited institution in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management;  OR D. Have 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited or pre-accredited institution that provided a MINIMUM of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified in Choice A above AND required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or networks; OR  E. Have IT-related experience demonstrating EACH of the four competencies AND specialized experience listed below: Attention to Detail - Conducts risk and vulnerability assessments of installed information systems to identify vulnerabilities, risks, and protection needs. Customer Service -Delivers selected segments of an IT security awareness training program for end users at all levels in the organization. Oral Communication - Provides updates on organization’s contingency or disaster recovery plans to respond to new security requirements or changes in the IT architecture. Problem Solving - Participates in assessments of breaches of security to determine their impact on system operations AND Have at least 1 full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service which provided you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Experience applying IT security principles and methods to assist in conducting risk and vulnerability assessments of installed information systems to identify vulnerabilities, risks, and protection needs. Experience analyzing and evaluating program and/or policy information derived from a variety of sources to implement updates or new security requirements to IT architecture. NOTE: In order to qualify for this position, your experience MUST be IT related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate. Note: If you are qualifying based on education OR if there are mandatory education requirements listed under the Qualifications and Evaluations section, you MUST (1) submit a copy of your college transcript(s) with your application, and if selected, an official college transcript(s) will be required to verify education prior to employment; (2) transcripts MUST be legible AND include your name, major, school name/location, course title/number, date completed, grade, date degree conferred and number of credits earned; (3) if you attended more than one college you MUST submit a transcript from each institution if you wish your education to be considered in qualifying you for this position; (4) all college coursework that may be pertinent to qualifying you for the position MUST be included on the transcripts. If you fail to provide requested information, or the information you submit is insufficient to verify your eligibility, you WILL lose consideration for this position. Applicants applying for the GS-12 grade level must meet the following requirements: Have IT-related experience demonstrating EACH of the four competencies AND specialized experience listed below: Attention to Detail - Conducts risk and vulnerability assessments and develops systems security contingency plans and disaster recovery procedures. Customer Service - Coordinates the delivery of an IT security awareness training program for end users at all levels in the organization. Oral Communication - Provides advice in network and systems design to ensure that appropriate systems security policies and procedures are introduced into designs at the outset. Problem Solving - Participates in assessments of breaches of security to determine their impact on system operations. AND Have at least 1 full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service which provided you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Experience applying IT security principles and methods to conduct risk and vulnerability assessments of installed information systems to identify vulnerabilities, risks, and protection needs. Experience analyzing and evaluating program and/or policy information derived from a variety of sources to implement updates or new security requirements to IT architecture. Experience participating in assessments of breaches of security to determine their impact on system operations and contributing findings for the development of corrective measures/and or awareness and training modules. NOTE: In order to qualify for this position, your experience MUST be IT related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate. There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-12 position.

Education

See the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement for education requirements.

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials, visit: www.naces.org/members.php.

Contacts

• Address U.S. Department of State 1999 Dyess Ave Charleston, South Carolina 29405 United States
• Name: Special Projects Unit
• Phone: 000-000-0000
• Email: [email protected]