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IT Cybersecurity Specialist

Department of Energy
Department of Energy - Agency Wide
This job announcement has closed

Summary

RECENT GRADUATE - The Program is a dynamic, 1 year developmental program that promotes careers in the Federal Government to recent graduates. You must apply within two years of receiving a qualifying degree or certificate, with the exception of veterans, who have up to six years to apply to the Recent Graduates Program due to military service obligations. Students may also apply up to nine months prior to completing their academic requirements, depending upon agency-specific policies.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
05/17/2019 to 05/27/2019
Salary
$51,440 to - $68,712 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 09
Locations
Few vacancies in the following locations:
Pittsburgh, PA
Morgantown, WV
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings, events, site visits, or other training requirements.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Recent Graduates
Work schedule
Full-Time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
12 - Grade 12 - This career developmental position will be filled at the GS-09 grade level. The employee may be non-competitively promoted when qualified and recommended by management; however, promotions are not guaranteed.
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
L Access Authorization
Drug test
Yes
Announcement number
TN-19-NT-00105-RG
Control number
534090000

Duties

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A successful candidate will serve in an intermediate trainee developmental level with assignments consisting of specific, often unrelated, tasks that are selected to orient employees in the practical application of theory and basic principles.  This is a developmental position with promotion potential to GS-2210-12. At the lower levels, the selectee will perform developmental assignments under closer supervision than that required at the full performance level of GS-12. Assignments become progressively more difficult until the next performance level is reached.

At the Full Performance Level of GS-12 an IT Cybersecurity Specialist will:

  • IT Specialist acts as the Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) overseeing the security posture for 1 or more system(s) throughout the entire lifecycle; provides continuous monitoring through scheduled audits, controls testing and audit reviews, and escalates issues as needed; administer the implementation of information technology (IT) security controls and security authorization documents, and ensure the system is compliant with mandated security policies and requirements; provide technical recommendations for all Risk Assessments and Vulnerability Assessments conducted for the system or site; provide security analysis of IT activities to ensure that appropriate security measures are in place and being enforced; promote IT security awareness information to the user community by validating the user community is completing their annual training; oversee and maintain regulatory requirements; participate on the Change Control Board (CCB) by reviewing changes for security implications and security applications; and be responsible for primary duties corresponding to capabilities outlined in the NIST’s Cyber Security Framework and perform duties as an IT Specialist (Security); ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems, networks, and data through the planning, analysis, development, implementation, maintenance, and enhancement of information systems security programs, policies, procedures, and tools.
  • Ensure the rigorous application of information, security and information assurance policies, principles, and practices in the delivery of all IT services; participate in defining IT security requirements and provide advice and guidance in implementing IT security policies and procedures in the development and operation of network systems; integrate information systems security with other security disciplines and deliver activities leading to security certification or accreditation; recommend new or revised security measures and countermeasures based on the results of accreditation reviews; plan and conduct security accreditation reviews for installed systems or networks; provide input in drafting information systems security documentation (e.g., systems security plans, risk assessments, disaster recovery plans, business continuity plans, and user security guides); plans, develops, and coordinates agency-level information assurance or information security programs and strategies (i.e. agency workforce security training program or security audit program); evaluate and respond to threat intelligence information developed locally and by other agencies and third parties; plan and deliver customer support services, including installation, configuration, troubleshooting, customer assistance, and training, in response to customer requirements.
  • Conduct capital planning and investment control, workforce planning, policy and standards development, resource management, knowledge management, architecture and infrastructure planning and management, auditing, and information security management; analyzes, plans, designs, implements, documents, assesses, and manages the enterprise structural framework to align IT strategy, plans, and systems with the mission, goals, structure, and processes of the organization; perform Contract Officer Representative duties consistent with Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI) definitions; and monitor the products or services throughout their life cycle, and Contractor's performance.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a United States Citizen.
  • This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
  • See "Other Information" section regarding Selective Service requirements.
  • Resume and application must be submitted online.
  • Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements (on DE).

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

  • NOTE: The announcement will close early if 100 applicants is reached prior to the scheduled closing date.
  • This position has a positive educational requirement. Applicants MUST have the required education, and documentation to verify your education MUST be submitted with your application in order to be considered for this position. Specific requirements for the grade level are listed below. You must submit your unofficial transcripts stating degree conferred and the date conferred.
  • A DOE "L" level clearance (L – Secret – Tier 5 – Noncritical Sensitive – Moderate Risk Tier 3 or High Risk Tier 5 – SF-86) background investigation is required.
  • This position has been designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) subject to testing for all illegal drug use. You will be required to pass an initial drug test as well as continued random drug testing.
  • Position may be filled in Morgantown, WV or Pittsburgh, PA – Depending on Departmental needs and discussions with selected candidate.
  • This position has been designated as a technical position subject to the requirements of the Department’s Technical Qualification Program (TQP). This position requires the incumbent to acquire and demonstrate technical competencies identified in a technical qualification standard and requires certification of the competencies by qualifying officials.
  • Conversion is not mandatory or guaranteed.
  • Subject to any OPM-imposed conversion limitations, the agency may (at their discretion) non-competitively convert the selected candidate, who has met Program requirements, to a term or permanent position in the competitive service.  If a candidate is non-competitively converted to term appointment in the competitive service they may be subsequently converted to a permanent position in the competitive service at any time before that term appointment expires.  Each Program has specific requirements for non-competitive conversion to the competitive service.
  • If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly.

Qualifications

This career developmental position will be filled at the GS-09 grade level. The employee may be non-competitively promoted when qualified and recommended by management; however, promotions are not guaranteed. The full performance level of this position is GS-12.

Successful applicants are placed in a one-year Excepted Service appointment and receive training and professional development, complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP), and are assigned a mentor. Under the formal training program, applicants will be provided a mentor and execute an Individual Development Plan outlining training requirements and program expectations. Participants who successfully complete the program may be converted to term or permanent positions.

To be eligible for conversion to a permanent or term positions, Recent Graduates must:

  1. Be a United States citizen;
  2. Have successfully completed at least one-year of continuous service in addition to all requirements of the Program.
  3. Demonstrate successful job performance.
  4. Meet the Office of Personnel Management's qualifications for the position to which the Recent Graduate will be converted.

Click here for more information on Pathways program: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students/

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7) in the Federal service

Specialized Experience for the GS-09 level is defined as:

  • Experience providing IT support to managers, supervisors and senior IT specialists.
  • Experience assisting in the planning and administering the IT programs and processes.
  • Experience providing functional and procedural guidance on IT matters.
  • Experience assisting managers, employees, and supervisors in the proper completion and submission of required forms and answers inquiries related to the various IT programs.

Your application and resume should demonstrate that you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). Do not provide a separate narrative written statement. Rather, you must describe in your application how your past work experience demonstrates that you possess the KSAs identified below. Cite specific examples of employment or experience contained in your resume and describe how this experience has prepared you to successfully perform the duties of this position. DO NOT write "see resume" in your application!

  1. Knowledge of total infrastructure protection environments.
  2. Substantial knowledge of systems security certification and accreditation requirements and processes.
  3. Knowledge of Federal information systems security protocols.
  4. Skill in integrating information systems security, with other security disciplines.
  5. Ability to certify systems or network accreditation
  6. Ability to ensure coordination and or collaboration on security activities.

"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.

Time-in-Grade: Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement to receive consideration.

CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

EDUCATION:

The following is the education and/or experience required to qualify for this position:

RECENT GRADUATE PROGRAM - The Recent Graduates Program affords developmental experiences in the Federal Government intended to promote possible careers in the civil service to individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs. To be eligible, applicants must apply within two years of degree or certificate completion (except for veterans precluded from doing so due to their military service obligation, who have up to six years after degree completion to apply). Successful applicants are placed in a dynamic, developmental program with the potential to lead to a civil service career in the Federal Government. The program lasts for 1 year (unless the training requirements of the position warrant a longer and more structured training program). Here are some key provisions of the Recent Graduates Program.

Eligibility:

  • Recent graduates who have completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution.
  • Veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree, due to military service obligation, have as much as six years after degree completion to apply.

This position has a positive educational requirement. Applicants MUST have the required education, and documentation to verify your education MUST be submitted with your application in order to be considered for this position. You must submit your unofficial transcripts stating degree conferred and the date conferred. Specific requirements for this series are listed below.

Basic Requirements:

The 2210 standard allows eligibility through meeting either the requirements specified in the section titled Education or the requirements specified in the section titled Experience.

Education: Undergraduate or Graduate Education: 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. All academic degrees and coursework must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions.

GS-9 Level: 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.  At GS-09 you may qualify with education alone, but MUST include transcripts!

OR

Experience: 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 GS-5 through GS-15 (or equivalent)

For all positions individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below. The employing agency is responsible for identifying the specific level of proficiency required for each competency at each grade level based on the requirements of the position being filled.

  1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
  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.
  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.
  4. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

AND

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Specialized Experience for GS-7 (or equivalent) and Above: Positions at GS-7 (or equivalent) and above require one year of specialized experience at the next lower GS-grade (or equivalent). Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Such experience is typically gained in the IT field or through the performance of work where the primary concern is IT. The employing agency is responsible for defining the specialized experience based on the requirements of the position being filled.

NOTE: Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for all grade levels for which both education and experience are acceptable. More information about qualifying education or combining education and experience can be found here under “Administrative and Management Positions”: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=Group-Standards



Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.

Additional information

The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.
  • Some positions may require completion of a probationary period of up to 1 (one) year.
  • Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation.
  • 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.
EEO Policy: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/EEO_Policy_Statement

Reasonable Accommodation Policy: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Reasonable_Accommodation_Policy_Statement

Veterans Information: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Veterans_Information
Telework: www.telework.gov
Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

The Department of Energy uses an application tracking system to evaluate the responses you provide in the applicant assessment questionnaire to place you into an initial quality category via OPM's Category Rating procedures. Then, the HR Office and/or Subject Matter Expert (SME) will conduct a quality review of your application and supporting documentation to ensure you have been placed into the appropriate quality category.

Your application is rated based on the extent and quality of your experience, education (when applicable), and training as described in your resume and applicant assessment. Your credentials are measured against the established duties of the position at the grade level(s) being advertised.

The quality categories are usually defined as "Best Qualified", "Well Qualified", and "Qualified", although they may differ slightly based on individual agency policy.

If you are eligible for career transition assistance plans such as ICTAP or CTAP, you must meet the definition of "well qualified" which is defined as having a score of 85 or better.

If you are a Veteran Preference eligible candidate, you will be listed at the top of whichever quality category your rating places you in. CP/CPS veterans are placed at the top of the highest category for all positions except professional and scientific positions at GS-9 and higher.

If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly.
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