IT Cybersecurity Specialist (INFOSEC)
About This Position
This announcement is issued under the Direct Hire Authority (DHA) to recruit for positions for which there is a critical hiring need. Selectee(s) will receive a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service and may be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
Qualifications
Do NOT copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
Your resume must describe your work and experience, in your own words. To be considered minimally qualified for this position, you must demonstrate that you have the required competencies and experience for the respective grade level in which you are applying: BASIC REQUIREMENT: REQUIRED COMPETENCIES: Experience must be Information Technology (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.
You must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the 9 competencies listed below: Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. Minimum Proficiency Level: 4 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. Minimum Proficiency Level: 4 Decision Making - Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
Minimum Proficiency Level: 4 Information Management - Identifies a need for and knows where or how to gather information; organizes and maintains information or information management systems. Minimum Proficiency Level: 4 Interpersonal Skills - Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations. Minimum Proficiency Level: 4 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.
Minimum Proficiency Level: 4 Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations. Minimum Proficiency Level: 4 Teamwork - Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals. Minimum Proficiency Level: 4 Technical Competence - Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.
Minimum Proficiency Level: 4 AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
In addition to meeting the qualification requirement listed above, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower GS-grade level (or equivalent). Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you 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.
GS-13 I have at least one (1) year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sector). Experience includes performing the performing AT LEAST FOUR of the following duties: Developing Cybersecurity plans, strategy and policies or Developing methods to monitor and measure risk, compliance, and assurance efforts; or Managing the underlying information technology operational processes; or Advocating for changes in policy that will support new initiatives or required changes/enhancements; or Assisting with recommending the appropriate measures to internal and/or external Information Technology (IT) and/or Operational Technology (OT); or Conducting risk and vulnerability assessments to protect IT/OT infrastructure assets and mitigate network vulnerabilities; or Consulting with customers to evaluate functional requirements and translate functional requirements into technical solutions; or Assisting with conducting risk and vulnerability assessments to protect IT/OT infrastructure assets and mitigate network vulnerabilities; or Overseeing the development, implementation and evaluation of solutions for cybersecurity tools integration based on systems requirements, capabilities, and constraints to ensure the design meets customers' satisfaction; or Managing the Information Technology (IT) planning process to ensure that developed solutions meet customer requirements. GS-14 I have at least one (1) year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sector).
Experience includes performing the performing AT LEAST FOUR of the following duties: Leading development of methods to monitor and measure risk, compliance, and assurance efforts; or Reviewing needs analysis to determine opportunities for new and improved business process solutions are relevant to the organization; or Reviewing data (cyber and IT) to ensure they meet customer requirements; or Administering policy guidance to cyber management, staff and users; or Recommending the appropriate measures to internal and/or external Information Technology (IT) and/or Operational Technology (OT); or Conducting risk and vulnerability assessments to protect IT/OT infrastructure assets and mitigate network vulnerabilities; or Providing advisory services to leadership to ensure the proper operation of IT/OT systems throughout an organization; or Providing technical expertise of current and evolving best practices in cybersecurity and the broader IT industry; or Leading partnership meetings with external stakeholders. 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, 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. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Major Duties
This is a shared job announcement across the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, with multiple participating divisions. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. These divisions include, but are not limited to: Cybersecurity Division (CSD) Emergency Communications Division (ECD) Infrastructure Security Division (ISD) Integrated Operations Division (IOD) National Risk Management Center (NRMC) Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) Office of Strategy Policy and Plans (OSPP) Stakeholder Engagement Division (SED) Typical work assignments include, but are not limited to: Develop, review and recommend methods to monitor and measure risk, compliance, and assurance efforts.
Conduct needs analysis to determine opportunities for new and improved business process solutions. Conduct risk analysis, feasibility study, and/or trade-off analysis to develop, document, and refine functional requirements and specifications. Develop and document User Experience (UX) requirements including information architecture and user interface requirements.
Develop organizational cyber policy, programs, and guidelines for implementation. Responsible for ensuring 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.
Conditions of Employment
You must be a U.S. citizen. Selective Service - Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service, see http://www.sss.gov/ All Federal employees are required to participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer for salary payments. DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities. One-year probationary period may be required.
This position may be designated as essential personnel. Essential personnel must be able to serve during continuity of operation events without regard to declarations of liberal leave or government closures due to weather, protests, and acts of terrorism or lack of funding. Failure to report for or remain in this position may result in disciplinary or adverse action in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations (5 U.S.C. 7501-7533 and 5 CFR Part 752, as applicable).
This position has been identified as a drug testing designated position (TDP) for purposes of the CISA's Drug-Free Workplace Program. All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to a drug test to screen for illicit/illegal drug use prior to receiving a final offer of employment. A final offer of employment is contingent upon a negative drug test result.
After appointment, you may be subject to periodic random drug testing.
You must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance suitable for Federal employment as determined by a background investigation. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs. Since this announcement will be used to fill positions within multiple divisions across CISA, the type of investigation and security clearance level will be made in accordance with the specific position.
Education
No Educational Substitution: There is no substitution of education for experience at this grade level. You must meet the qualifications listed in the "Requirements" section of this announcement.
How You Will Be Evaluated
Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.
You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): Accountability Attention to Detail Customer Service Decision Making Flexibility Influencing/Negotiating Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Reading Comprehension Reasoning Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork The USA Hire Assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies.
You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered.
You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Program (I/CTAP): If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not I/CTAP eligible.
View information about I/CTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered under I/CTAP, you must be rated eligible based on minimum qualifications for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.
Veterans' preference procedures are not applicable when candidates are selected through Direct Hire Authority (DHA). To preview the application questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12962522
Additional Information
Other incentives may be authorized. If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
Additional vacancies may be filled with this announcement. A one-year probationary period may be required during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. We may consider your performance and conduct, the needs and interests of the agency, whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government, and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. The salary range indicated in this announcement reflects the minimum base pay, GS-13, step 1 up to the maximum base pay, GS-14, step
- This announcement covers multiple locations. The actual salary will be adjusted based on the grade, step, and locality for the selectee's duty location. General Schedule (GS) locality pay tables may be found at Salaries & Wages.
If selected below the full performance level, you may be noncompetitively promoted to the next higher grade level after meeting all regulatory requirements, and upon the recommendation of management. Promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application.
Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision.
You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees.
If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
How to Apply
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments, and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. A complete application package must be received by 11:59 PM (EST) on 05/29/2026 to receive consideration. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. The application process is as follows: To begin, click Apply to access the online application.
You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. Only resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Applicants with resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. If you submit multiple versions of your resume, only the most recent version, based on the submission date and/or time, will be reviewed for qualification determinations.
Click Submit Application prior to 11:59 PM (EST) on 05/29/2026. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email.
The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link.
Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments.
You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. Set aside about 2 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused. Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: You may update your application documents and some questions related to your personal information at any time during the announcement open period. However, you will not be able to make changes to questions related to assessing the minimum qualifications and competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics) mentioned in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section above. To make an allowed update to your application, return to your USAJOBS account.
There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account at https://usajobs.gov, all your applications will appear on the Welcome screen.
The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status. Shared Certificate: After CISA completes its hiring, the resumes of the remaining candidates referred for selection consideration may be shared with other DHS Components.
During the application process, you may choose to opt-in if you would like your name, application material, and assessment results to be shared. There is no guarantee of further consideration, and you continue to explore other job opportunity announcements.
Required Documents
All documents, including transcripts, must be in English.
- RESUME: Limit your resume to no more than two pages. The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages. Be clear and specific in describing your job-related qualifications, as HR cannot make assumptions regarding your experience.
Include dates (month and year) and hours worked per week. For military or Federal civilian service, you MUST include your pay plan/band, series, and/or rank/grade (e.g., Captain, E-5, GS-0301-9). Do NOT include photographs, social media links (e.g., LinkedIn), inappropriate content, or other personal or sensitive information such as date of birth, social security number, gender, religious affiliation.
IF INCLUDED YOUR RESUME WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
2.
COMPLETE APPLICATION QUESTIONNAIRE AND ONLINE USA HIRE ASSESSMENTS If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.
- OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (only submit if applicable): CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE: Submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action which shows the grade, step, tenure (block 24) "1" (Career) or "2" (Career-Conditional), and position occupied (block 34) "1" (Competitive Service). Provide proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an Interchange Agreement. If applying for a higher grade, provide a SF-50 which shows the length of time you have been in your current/highest grade or promotion potential held.
You may need to provide more than one (1) SF-50, if your SF-50 does not clearly demonstrate that you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirement (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Appointment/Conversion, Within-Grade/Range Increases and Promotion actions).
NOTE: Pay adjustments and awards are NOT acceptable. QUALIFYING BASED ON EDUCATION: Submit a copy of your transcripts from an accredited institution. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted that includes your name, name of the educational institution, declared degree program, course title(s), credits completed, grade, date of completion, Grade Point Average (GPA), and date of degree conferral.
If selected, an official transcript will be required. VETERAN DOCUMENTATION: Submit a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member Copy 4 or equivalent). ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification.
This must indicate your dates of active service, rank/grade, expected character of service (i.e., honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e., separation or retirement).
NOTE: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If selected, a DD-214 must be provided prior to appointment. 10-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If claiming 10-point Veterans' Preference, you will need to submit a SF-15 and provide an official document from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces certifying your overall compensable service-connected disability rating (NOTE: Your overall percentage must be clearly shown), and/or any other associated documentation based on your preference. INTERAGENCY/CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (I/CTAP): Submit a copy of the following: Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice, notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate, notice of disability annuity termination, or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement; SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action", documenting your RIF separation, noting your position, grade level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through reemployment priority list (RPL), etc.; Latest performance appraisal including your rating; AND Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.
CURRENT OR FORMER POLITICAL SCHEDULE A, SCHEDULE C, NON-CAREER SES OR PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTEE EMPLOYEE: Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title; Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee); Agency; AND Beginning and ending dates of appointment.