SUPERVISORY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST (Digital Forensics Lab Director)
About This Position
This position is in the Office of Investigations (INV). The mission is to conduct worldwide criminal, civil, and administrative investigations impacting Department programs, personnel and resource. INV has broad jurisdiction over criminal, civil, and administrative investigations of alleged violations of Federal laws, regulations, and policies relating to Department, U.S. Agency for Global Media, and U.S. Section of the International Water and Boundary Commission programs and operations.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet all the required qualification requirements, including education, and any selective placement factors described below by the closing date of this announcement. Time-In-Grade Requirements: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions, per 5CFR 300, Subpart F.
NOTE: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements, by the closing date of this announcement. Time-in-grade documentation: If you are applying for a higher grade and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the 1-year time-in-grade requirement so you will need to provide an SF-50 which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements, such as your step increase SF-50. (examples of appropriate SF-50s include: Promotions, Within-grade Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old).
This position has both a basic occupational requirement and a minimum qualification requirement.
You must meet both requirements. BASIC REQUIREMENT: You must have IT-related experience, at the GS-13 grade level in the federal government, demonstrating each of the four competencies listed: I have IT-related experience, demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience obtained in either the private or public sector and/or completion of specific, intensive training that demonstrates that I possess each of the following four competencies: (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 MINIMUN QUALIFICATION: In order to qualify for the GS-14, you must meet the following: You must demonstrate in your resume at least one year (52 weeks) of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal government, obtained in either the private or public sector.
Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Leading and supervising digital forensics laboratory personnel, including assigning work, defining technical requirements and milestones, evaluating employee performance and work products, and implementing performance improvements or corrective actions. Developing, directing, and managing digital forensic lab operations, programs, and long- and short-range project plans; prioritizing and tracking technical support tasks; maintaining situational awareness of lab activities; and ensuring alignment with investigative mission requirements. Administering and overseeing enterprise forensic network systems, including user and permission management, security controls, data integrity, redundancy, virus protection, data backup, and performance monitoring for servers, switches, SAN devices, and related infrastructures.
Creating, maintaining, and enforcing digital forensic laboratory policies and procedures; ensuring compliance with governing directives, accreditation standards, and best practices; and managing equipment lifecycle requirements, including licensing, patching, and authority-to-operate compliance. Conducting or supervising complex digital forensic examinations using advanced tools and methodologies to collect, preserve, process, and analyze electronic evidence, including mobile devices, computers, and network sources, preparing technical reports and ensuring adherence to forensically sound procedures. Developing new forensic methodologies, approving procedural changes, reviewing reports for accuracy and compliance, analyzing metrics, and identifying operational gaps to enhance laboratory effectiveness, efficiency, and readiness.
Representing investigative technology and forensic lab capabilities to senior leadership, partner agencies, and external stakeholders; maintaining interagency liaison; and preparing and presenting briefings or training on digital forensic operations. In addition, applicant must possess at least one of the following Certifications OR recognized equivalent: International Association of Computer Investigative Specialist, Certified Computer Forensics Examiner (CFCE) OpenText, EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE) Exterro, Exterro Certified Examiner (ACE) Cellebrite Certified Physical Analyst (CCPA) GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE), Analyst (GCFA) or Network Forensic Analyst (GNFA) There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-14 position. 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.
Major Duties
The duties of the Supervisory Information Technology Specialist (Digital Forensics Lab Director) GS-2210-14: Provides strategic and technical leadership for the INV digital forensics laboratory, including supervising personnel, defining work requirements, assigning tasks, evaluating work products, and overseeing performance management, workforce development, and equal opportunity compliance. Directs, develops, and manages all digital forensic lab operations, programs, and long- and short-range projects; prioritize and track support tasks; maintain situational awareness of lab activities; and ensure investigative teams receive timely, high-quality forensic support. Oversees enterprise forensic network operations, including administration of user accounts, security controls, data integrity, redundancy, system maintenance, and all assets supporting digital forensic activities such as servers, switches, and storage systems.
Develops, maintains, and enforces digital forensic laboratory policies, procedures, and documentation; ensure staff compliance with standards and best practices; manage equipment lifecycle (licensing, patching, authority-to-operate compliance); and supervise lab inventory. Serves as a working technical expert by conducting or overseeing complex forensic examinations and e-discovery activities-using advanced forensic tools to collect, preserve, recover, and analyze digital evidence, including mobile devices, computers, and network systems. Leads development of new forensic methodologies, approve changes to examination processes, review technical reports for accuracy and compliance, and ensure continuous improvement through analysis of metrics, lessons learned, and performance trends.
Represents INV in interagency, operational, and technical engagements; maintain liaison with federal, state, local, and international partners; provide briefings and training on forensic capabilities; and coordinate with external stakeholders to advance mission requirements.
Education
There is no education requirement for this position.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement.
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.
THIS POSITION REQUIRES A CERTIFICATION You are strongly encouraged to include a copy of your certification in your application package The USA Hire Assessments 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. Structured Resume Review: Subject matter experts (SMEs) will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required specialized experience. SMEs will review ONLY two (2) pages of your resume. SMEs will not review additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume). Applicants passing the structured resume review will move on to the next phase of the assessment process.
You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): Competencies Bullets Accountability Customer Service Decisiveness Flexibility Interpersonal Skills Problem Solving Resilience Partnering Computer Forensics Forensics Oral Communication Written Communication To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12952354 Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. Agency Career and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP and ICTAP) candidates must be considered well-qualified for the position and submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this job announcement to receive consideration for selection priority.
To be considered well-qualified,
in addition to meeting minimum qualifications, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in some, but not all of the major aspects of the position.
Additional Information
If eligible, telework agreements may be permitted with supervisory approval. A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to complete pre-employment requirements within established timeframes, or failing to meet any pre-employment requirements, including failure to timely schedule and report to any of the scheduled appointments. During the application process you may have the option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions.
Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. REASONABLE ACCOMODATION: For reasonable accommodation at the U.S. Department of State, please contact the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations at (202) 663-3474 or [email protected].
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 CompetencyBased 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. (https://appsupport-usastaffing.opm.gov/hc/en-us/sections/45063131363475-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information) ARE YOU A CURRENT OR FORMER POLITICAL SCHEDULE A, SCHEDULE C, NON-CAREER SES OR PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTEE EMPLOYEE? OPM must authorize employment offers for former or current Political Appointees.
If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information. 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.
How to Apply
USA Jobs offers a Help Page with information to assist you USA Jobs Help Center with a variety of topics. How to Apply Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: Click the Apply Online button. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date 05/26/2026 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 three (3) hour 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 at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/application/status/.
Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
Required Documents
YOU ARE REQUIRED TO DOCUMENT IN YOUR APPLICATION PACKAGE EVIDENCE THAT SUPPORTS YOUR ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATION CLAIMS.
You MUST upload the applicable documents with your application package. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
- All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages showing all relevant experience.
Your resume must address your technical qualifications for the position, and it may not exceed two (2) pages.
Your 2-page (or less) resume must be in PDF format, with no smaller than a 1" margin and no smaller than a 10-point font. If you submit a resume that exceeds the two-page limit and/or does not meet the margin or font limitations stated herein, you will immediately be deemed ineligible for this position and will receive no further consideration. If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent version will be reviewed.
The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent." If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you will not be considered for this vacancy.
- Other supporting documents: Cover Letter, optional Most recent SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade held. It is recommended you provide a SF-50 within the last 52 weeks before the closing date of this JOA for current federal employees.
We will use the employment date and grade on your resume in conjunction with the provided SF-50 to help determine initial eligibility but may require additional information to confirm at the job offer stage if needed. STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance appraisal College Transcript(s), if qualifying based on education. Official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
DD-214, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty from Veterans for consideration under Veteran hiring authorities CTAP documentation, if applicable (e.g., reduction-in-force (RIF) separation notice, RIF separation SF-50 personnel action, certification of expected separation, etc.). In addition submit a copy of your current (or last) performance rating of record which must be at least fully successful or equivalent and submit all required documents listed above that apply to you (e.g., resume, transcripts, etc.). Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) Non-competitive hiring authority eligibility documentation, if applicable.
For information related to Schedule A hiring authority for individuals with disabilities visit OPM's hiring information site. Other noncompetitive or special appointing authorities (e.g., Peace Corps, VISTA, Public Land Corp, Military Spouse, VRA, 30% Disabled Veterans, Certain Former Overseas Employees, Foreign Service, etc.) must provide substantiating documentation as required. Any other supporting documentation required for verification as described in the announcement.
Interchange Agreement with Other Merit Systems Eligible: Documentation of eligibility as listed in each individual interchange agreement. ARE YOU A VETERAN CLAIMING SOLE SURVIVORSHIP PREFERENCE OR 5-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE?
1.
You must provide legible copy/copies of the following: DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," showing all dates of service, as well as type of discharge and character of service (Honorable, General, etc.) or Statement of Service/Proof of Service (in lieu of a DD-214) from your command or local Personnel Support Detachment (PSD). The Statement of Service/Proof of Service must provide all dates of service, the expected date of discharge and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). Veterans should upload their DD-214 once they receive it upon separation.
- You should also document your complete military service information in the Veterans Preference and Military Service Section of the assessment questionnaire (type of preference, dates of service, date of VA letter, character of service, disability claim and rank and date of retirement if retired). ARE YOU A DISABLED VETERAN or CLAIMING 10-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE?
Disabled veterans, veterans, widows, spouses or the mother of a veteran, who are eligible for 10-point veterans' preference, you must provide legible copies of the following: Applicable supporting documents as noted on Standard Form-15 (SF-15). To obtain a copy of SF-15, go to: https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans?