Information Technology Specialist (Information Security)

This position is located in Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Marketing and Regulatory Programs Business Services (MRPBS). This position serves as a Cybersecurity Support Specialist. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring prompt and effective responses to cybersecurity incidents, performing cyber risk assessments for international travel, helping to protect organizational assets and maintain compliance with applicable regulations and standards.

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.

The duties may include, but are not limited to

Serves as the first point of contact for internal and external stakeholders seeking assistance with cybersecurity issues. Receive, log, and categorize Tier 1 and Tier 2 incidents related to cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and user-reported security concerns. Provide guidance to users regarding cybersecurity policies, safe computing practices, and incident response procedures. Facilitates the intake of international travel requests.

Provides customers with instructions for requesting cyber threat assessments and requesting IT equipment. Implements procedural guides and/or instructions needed for the receipt of delivered services for division directorates and customers. Optimizes the effectiveness and efficiency of the Cybersecurity Program based on internal and Department-mandated performance metrics. Provide adhoc cybersecurity policy training, as needed, to other ITD Directorates and Programs.

Remains abreast of all applicable laws, regulations, policies, standards, and guidelines affecting international travel within MRP, including any periodic changes and amendments to those documents to ensure organizational adaptation and compliance.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

For The Gs-09 Level

Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Triaging, categorizing, and coordinating Tier 1 incident tickets related to cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and user-reported security concerns. Providing guidance to users regarding cybersecurity policies, safe computing practices, and incident response procedures.

Assisting with conducting security awareness training and/or creating training material on various cyber threats to ensure increased cybersecurity posture. Partnering with physical security to address overlapping security threats within organization buildings. OR Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree in computer science, computer engineering, information science, cyber security, or degree that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified above.

OR Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university.

Combination Of Education & Experience At The Gs-09 Grade Level

Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. In addition, all applicants qualifying based on experience must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below. Applicants must demonstrate possession of these competencies within the body of the resume; no separate statements addressing them are required: 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.

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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.