IT Specialist (Information Security)

You will:

• Serve as a Regional or Program Office expert on the design and implementation of information security programs.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments of existing network and system configurations to identify threats risks and mitigation needs.
• Develop and implement training and awareness programs related to IT security programs.
• Serve as Project Officer Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or Contracting Officers Technical Representative (COTR).

You will spend less than 25% of your work time on contracts grants/cooperative agreements and/or interagency agreements.

One or more positions may be filled (in the organization advertised and/or in other organizations) if appropriate to the position.

#LI-Onsite

You must be a U.S. citizen.

If you are selected you may be required to complete a one-year probationary period.

This position is designated as High Risk and requires a background investigation. Unless an appropriate background investigation is already on record with the Office of Personnel Management you must undergo a background investigation. All conditions of the pre-employment security process must be met before an official letter of employment can be issued with a report for duty date.

REAL ID requirements became effective on 05/07/25. If you are selected for this position and plan to use your drivers license or identification card during the onboarding process (i.e. for employment eligibility verification or to obtain your EPA identification card) the document must be a REAL ID-compliant state-issued drivers license or identification card that includes the REAL ID-compliant star marking or must be an Enhanced Drivers License (EDL). You will receive information about alternative acceptable documents (e.g. passport) prior to onboarding. For more information about REAL ID see Dept. of Homeland Security and REAL ID FAQs.

You will be required to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.

If you are selected you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure form within 30 days of your first day of employment and annually thereafter.

Pre-employment drug testing is required and random testing thereafter.

You must meet qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

To qualify for the GS-13 level you must meet the minimum proficiency level for each of the following required competencies:

• Attention to Detail (Level 4 - Advanced)
• Customer Service (Level 4 - Advanced)
• Decision Making (Level 3 - Intermediate)
• Information Management (Level 4 - Advanced)
• Interpersonal Skills (Level 4 - Advanced)
• Oral Communication (Level 3 - Intermediate)
• Problem Solving (Level 4 - Advanced)
• Teamwork (Level 4 - Advanced)
• Technical Competence (Level 4 - Advanced)

In addition you must have the equivalent of 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level defined as planning and executing IT security assignments; developing new IT security methods approaches or procedures; and evaluating and providing recommendations concerning an organizations compliance with IT security requirements.

You will need the following competencies in order to perform the duties of this position successfully:

• Accountability
• Attention to Detail*
• Self-Management
• Teamwork
• Technical Competence*
• Strategic Thinking*
• Interpersonal Skills
• Critical Thinking

*You will be evaluated on these critical competencies.

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.

*If you have part-time work experience read this: Part-Time Experience.