Summary
Join the Office of Information Security (OIS) service line under OIT and be part of VA's digital transformation. OIS manages VA's cybersecurity program to protect Veteran data and VA information systems. Delivers enterprise-wide strategy, policy, governance, and network defense through collaboration with VA and OIT. As an IT Cybersecurity Specialist, you will enhance the security posture and resilience of VA's IT systems and data and protect the privacy and trust of Veterans and their families.
Duties
Advises and makes recommendations to senior officials concerning the feasibility and appropriateness of the department's cyber tools, technologies and configuration guidelines. Provide governing expert technical advice, guidance, and recommendations to management and other technical specialists on critical IT issues. Provides expert analysis and advice on complex risk management compliance and/or program issues and serves as a resource for congressional inquiries and Inspector General complaints in the identification and investigation of cybersecurity risk management problems. Responsible for program/project resources, allocation plans, workforce development plans, budget forecasts, initiatives, and policies. Coordinates the Advanced Analytics team analysts' activities to ensure that all workflow, analysis activities, work products and security recommendations are accurate and complete with regards to VA and CSOC policies and procedures. Develops solutions to integration/interoperability, manages assigned projects, communicates complex technical requirements to non-technical personnel and prepares and presents briefings to senior management officials on complex/controversial issues. Incumbent will have the broadest latitude in the exercise of own initiatives to create unique approaches to the solution of technical and administrative IT architecture problems. This position is primarily aligned to the following NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework work roles: 511-Cyber Defense Analyst For more information about these work roles, where they fit within the larger Cyber Workforce, and how they can support your unique career journey, please visit the Cyber Career Pathways tool on the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies website: https://niccs.us-cert.gov/workforce-development/cyber-career-pathways Position Description/PD#: IT Specialist (INFOSEC)/PD17668A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required Travel Required: Occasional travel may be required as needed for this position Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: As determined by the Agency Policy Virtual: This is not a virtual position Remote: This is not a remote position Telework: This position may be authorized for ADHOC/situational telework Bargaining Unit Eligible: No Physical Demands: The work is primarily sedentary during the planning/preparation phase. The work may require walking and standing for prolong periods in conjunction with travel and at the onsite assessment location. The incumbent may carry light items such as papers, books or computers, or drive a motor vehicle. The work does not require any special physical effort. Working Conditions: The work area is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated. The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions. This position requires occasional travel using both air and ground transportation.
Requirements
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Selectee is subject to background/suitability investigation. Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required. To be considered for this position, applicants must complete all required steps in the process. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your 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. All required documents must be uploaded at the time you submit your application. The system supports only one submission. Applicants will not be able to edit their application or upload additional documents once it has been submitted. Applications that are incomplete-including those missing required documentation-will not be considered. Applicants are responsible for reviewing the Required Documents section and ensuring all mandatory materials are included prior to submission. Note: Applicants will not be contacted for missing information. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide all documentation necessary to determine qualification and eligibility.
Education
There is no educational substitution for this position at this grade level.
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. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): 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. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. 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. In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process.