DHS Cybersecurity Service (DHS-CS) uses a multi-phase assessment process to qualify applicants seeking employment through the DHS-CS. Given the ever-advancing nature of cybersecurity and the ongoing need for cybersecurity talent, DHS-CS uses "Talent Pools" to pull qualified applicants (i.e., individuals who have successfully completed the multi-phase assessment process for their capability and career track/level) for consideration for these jobs.

This announcement is being used to fill the Digital Forensics Talent Pool. By applying to this job announcement, you are opting to be part of the DHS-CS Talent Pool for ongoing consideration for employment for relevant open jobs and will remain eligible for consideration for up to one year from the date of completion.

There are a variety of Digital Forensics opportunities across the Department, including supporting several specialized programs at the DHS Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans (PLCY), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), DHS Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

• Applying techniques for gathering, recovering, analyzing, interpreting and presenting digital information and evidence from sources such as computers, mobile devices, websites, network packets, etc. to support DHS and Component investigative activities.
• Using forensic artifacts, data, and reports to understand and/or reconstruct a digital process, event, or activities, and assisting others who are less seasoned in these areas.
• Applying various techniques and tools (e.g., hexadecimal dumper, disassembler, debugger) to analyze software/hardware, retrieve its source code, and understand its component parts, functions, and purpose to identify the software's underlying vulnerabilities and exploitable weaknesses.
• Preserving digital media (e.g., hard drives, CDs, mobile phones, GPS, etc.) for examination and analysis to see the intrusion as the user may have seen it, avoiding unintentional alteration to the native environment.
• Conducting analysis of log files, evidence, and other information using network monitoring tools to capture and analyze data and network traffic associated with malicious activities and determine best methods to identify network perpetrators.
• Collecting and analyzing intrusion artifacts (e.g., source code, malware, and system configuration) to identify the TTPs (tactics, techniques and procedures) of an adversary and use discovered data to enable mitigation of potential cyber events.
• Communicating incident findings from a forensic investigation to appropriate stakeholders outlining recommendations to prevent and mitigate future risks and threats using cyber defense techniques.
• Providing key technical input to assist organizational leaders with decision-making and actions related to a variety of critical cybersecurity threats and/or incidents and providing strategic-level analysis to support broader DHS cyber missions.
• Providing technical and non-technical assistance to investigative personnel on digital evidence matters using a full range of investigative tools and processes in accordance with applicable laws, policies, guidelines regulations and procedures.
• Examining recovered data and applying knowledge of malicious software programs and code that interferes with normal computer functions to perform malware analysis.
• Advising Federal and National DHS stakeholder organizations on handing highly complex cybersecurity investigations and influencing policy decision making on a range of technical topics within and outside DHS.
• Leveraging collaborative networks of internal and/or external DHS partners and/or national technical experts to facilitate achievement of strategically important DHS and national cybersecurity goals.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen or national.
• You must be 18 years of age.
• Must be registered for the Selective Service (if you are a male).
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Security clearance levels may vary
• Must be able to submit to a drug test and receive a negative result.
• Must be able to comply with ethics and standards of conduct requirements, including completing any applicable financial disclosure.
• May be required to serve a 3 year probationary period.

Qualifications

This position is in the Technical Track across a range of career levels. Employees in this career track generally:

• Have between 5-15 years of cybersecurity work experience.
• Range from experienced cybersecurity professionals who apply technical expertise and independent judgement to perform cybersecurity work - to - recognized Federal cybersecurity technical authorities with uncommon technical expertise who advise on cybersecurity challenges impacting DHS and the Nation.

DHS Cybersecurity Service employees with a technical capability in Digital Forensics will generally:

• Collect, process, analyze, interpret, preserve, and present digital evidence in support of network vulnerability mitigation, intelligence operations, and different types of investigations (including but not limited to administrative, criminal, counterintelligence and law enforcement)
• Apply tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for investigative processes

DHS Cybersecurity Service employees start at career levels and salaries matching their experience and expertise. To learn more about DHS Cybersecurity Service career tracks and levels, visit our application portal.

This position is focused on Digital Forensics.

DHS Cybersecurity Service jobs are structured cybersecurity specializations - called technical capabilities. To learn more about technical capabilities, visit our application portal.

How you will be evaluated

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

All DHS Cybersecurity Service (DHS-CS) applicants participate in a multi-phase assessment process, which varies by career track. For the Technical Career Track, applicants participate in a three-phase assessment process:

• You must successfully complete each phase to advance to the next phase.
• The total time commitment for the three phases is approximately 4 hours (many applicants require less time!).
• Before each phase, DHS will e-mail you instructions and information to help you prepare.
• Assessments are time sensitive, so monitor your e-mail to ensure you have plenty of time to complete them prior to any deadlines.

• Un-proctored - Completed online within a prescribed period of time.
• Includes two assessments: (1) a work styles inventory that will take about 30 minutes to complete; (2) a work simulation that you will have up to 2 hours to complete.
• The two assessments take about 90 minutes (on average) to complete.
• Requires a computer with audio (speakers or headphones) and a reliable internet connection.
• No knowledge of DHS or cybersecurity is required for these assessments, which measure non-technical capabilities that are important for professional success in the DHS-CS. This includes how you communicate, analyze information, and collaborate with others:
  • The work styles inventory presents you with questions about your work-related interests and preferences.
  • The work simulation presents you with realistic, work-related scenarios and asks you to respond to them.

PHASE II: TECHNICAL CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT

• Proctored - must be scheduled in advance and completed at a designated assessment center within a prescribed period of time
• There is a different assessment for each DHS-CS technical capability (visit Jobs to learn more about the technical capabilities).
• Most individuals only have a primary technical capability and complete only one Technical Capability Assessment, but in limited circumstances, you may complete a second Technical Capability Assessment.
• You will have up to 2.5 hours to complete each Technical Capability Assessment; each takes about 90 minutes (on average) to complete.
• Assessments present realistic, work-related cybersecurity scenarios and questions to assess technical skills.
• Cybersecurity knowledge is assessed, but no knowledge of DHS is required.

PHASE III: ADVANCED TECHNICAL INTERVIEW

• This interview is conducted on-demand (self-scheduled by you within a prescribed period of time) without live interviewers.
• Two types of questions will be presented: One type focuses on your previous experience and the other focuses on hypothetical situations or scenarios.
• This interview takes about 60 minutes (on average) to complete.