Duties

This series covers positions that manage, supervise, lead, administer, develop, deliver, and support information technology (IT) systems and services. This series covers only those positions for which the paramount requirement is knowledge of IT principles, concepts, and methods; e.g., data storage, software applications, networking. Additionally, these positions have a cybersecurity requirement which involves the security of and operations in cyberspace and encompasses the full range of threat reduction, vulnerability reduction, deterrence, international engagement, incident response, resiliency, and recovery activities, including computer network operations, information assurance, diplomacy, military, and intelligence missions as they relate to securing the global information and communication infrastructure.

• Vacancies filled under this public notice may have varying levels of promotion potential and supervisory level, if any.
• Positions may be filled as permanent, term, or temporary with a full-time or part-time work schedule.

As an IT Cybersecurity Specialist, at minimum you will:

• Evaluate system security plans and procedures, and assist in managing and directing the operations and functions of the office support contractors, addressing IT out-of-compliance issues, preparing, implementing, monitoring, and updating the project plan
• Develop Plans of Actions and Milestones (POA&Ms) to correct findings of non-compliance
• Initiate, direct and participate in the full life cycle of cyber security appraisals and network penetration testing of geographically dispersed and operationally diverse agency facilities
• Develop and recommend new and/or revised inspection, evaluation, and penetration testing methodologies for cyber security appraisals
• Provide recommendations on implementation strategies and policy recommendations based on industry best practices and governing directives
• Assist the Division by conducting research, conducting investigations of cyber events to include those that potentially violate regulatory requirements
• Collaborate with senior leadership, departmental and contractor managers and staff in scheduling, planning, coordinating, and implementing the Independent Oversight Cyber Security Appraisal Program.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Subject to satisfactory security and suitability requirements.
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
• Positions may be filled as permanent, term, or temporary with a full-time or part-time work schedule. Pay will vary by geographic location.
• The vacancies filled through these appointments have varying levels of background investigative requirements, up to a Top Secret DOE "Q" clearance.
• These positions are to be filled under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA - P.L. 117-58).

Qualifications

You must meet the four IT Competencies listed in the "Education Requirements" section and the "Specialized Experience" to qualify for this series as described below.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR GS-07 : You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience for this position includes:

• Assisting in supporting IT security systems; AND
• Participating in defining IT security requirements; AND
• Review IT requests or problems and assists in analyzing requirements to determine the methods and procedures to be used.

OR EDUCATION: Completed 1 year of graduate level education. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED)

OR SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: Based on a bachelor's degree that is demonstrated through class standing (upper 1/3 of class); grade point average (3.0/4.0 overall or 3.5/4.0 in major), or election to membership in a qualifying national scholastic honor society. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED)

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR GS-09 : You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience for this position includes:

• Providing technical assistance and information concerning routine issues regarding cybersecurity issues; AND
• Researching current and emerging cybersecurity trends and concerns; AND
• Responding to requests for information on IT procedures and processes; AND
• Integrating information systems security with other security disciplines.

OR EDUCATION: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED)

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR GS-11: You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience for this position includes:

• Developing, implementing, and coordinating activities designed to ensure, protect, and restore IT systems, services, and capabilities; AND
• Monitoring and evaluating systems compliance with IT security requirements; AND
• Providing advice and guidance in implementing IT security policies and procedures in the development and operation of network systems.

OR EDUCATION: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED)

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR GS-12: You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience for this position includes:

• Developing, implementing, and coordinating activities designed to ensure, protect, and restore IT systems, services, and capabilities; AND
• Monitoring and evaluating systems compliance with IT security requirements; AND
• Providing advice and guidance in implementing IT security policies and procedures in the development and operation of network systems; AND
• Maintaining a full range of security issues to assure effectiveness within a large organization information security program.

NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-12 level.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR GS-13 : You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience for this position includes:

• Providing technical advice, counsel, and instruction on cyber security issues; AND
• Participating in the collection and analysis of technical and management data associated with the agency cyber security programs; AND
• Exchanging information in connection with cyber security requirements; prepare various reports, briefings, summaries, and progress reports pertaining to this area; AND
• Preparing and recommending new and/or evaluations, and penetration testing methodologies for cyber security appraisals.

NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-13 level.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR GS-14 : You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience for this position includes:

• Providing technical advice, counsel, and instruction on cybersecurity issues; AND
• Initiating, directing, and participating in the full life cycle of cyber security appraisals and network penetration testing of geographically dispersed and operationally diverse agency facilities; AND
• Participating in the collection and analysis of technical and management data associated with the agency cyber security programs; AND
• Maintaining continued technical liaison with the appropriate staff elements throughout the agency; AND
• Preparing various reports, briefings, summaries, and progress reports pertaining to Cybersecurity.

NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-14 level.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR GS-15 : You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience for this position includes:

• Providing technical advice, counsel, and instruction on cybersecurity issues; AND
• Initiating, directing, and participating in the full life cycle of cyber security appraisals and network penetration testing of geographically dispersed and operationally diverse agency facilities; AND
• Participate in the collection and analysis of technical data associated with the agency cyber security programs; maintain continued technical liaison with the appropriate staff elements throughout the agency; AND
• Prepare various reports, briefings, summaries, inspection guidance, and progress reports pertaining to this area; AND
• Present data to an audit team, perform spot audits, defend compliance positions, or create plans and procedures designed to meet regulatory requirements; AND
• Develop and recommend new and/or revised inspection, evaluation, and penetration testing methodologies for cyber security appraisals.

NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-15 level.

"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.

OPM Qualification Standards for the GS-2210 series can be found at the following website: OPM Qualification Standards for the GS-2210 series.

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

This public notice may be used to fill multiple positions as needed; therefore, applicants must meet the qualifications at the time the applications are reviewed.

Education

IT Competencies: GS-5 through GS-15 (or equivalent): For all positions individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below.

Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.

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.

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.

Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

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.

If qualifying solely based on education, transcripts must be provided.

Additional information

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

• Your position may be eligible for workplace flexibilities which may include remote work or telework options, and/or flexible work scheduling. These flexibilities may be requested in accordance with the DOE Workplace Flexibilities policy.
• This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE.
• For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov
• Status and Non-Status applicants from outside DOE selected under this authority are required to serve a mandatory one (1) year probationary period. A DOE career status employee selected for this position may be required to serve a new one (1) year probationary period, pursuant to 5 CFR 315.802.
• 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.
• This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection.
• More than one selection may be made under this hiring authority.
• Some positions may require completion of a probationary period of up to 1 (one) year.
• Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation.
• Positions may be filled at varying levels of leadership, ie Team Lead, Manager, Supervisor.
• Supervisory positions may require a 1-year probationary period, if not yet completed.
• 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.
• 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.
• Relocation or Recruitment Incentive may be authorized.
• This position may be 100% remote.

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
Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/