Information Technology Specialist (INFOSEC) - Direct Hire Authority

Department of State Headquarters•Arlington, VA

About The Position

This position is located in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Office of Technology Innovation and Engineering, Emerging Technologies Division. It is being announced under OPM’s Direct Hire Authority. Applicants who meet the qualifications may be forwarded to the selecting official, and one or more vacancies may be filled from this announcement or another source. The position leads assigned Innovation and Emerging Technology initiatives within the Emerging Technologies Division. It plans, coordinates, and conducts research, evaluation, testing, and assessment of emerging information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) solutions proposed for Department use. The role conducts security reviews and cybersecurity assessments to identify vulnerabilities, assess risks, evaluate security controls, and determine compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, standards, and frameworks. It also develops, coordinates, and recommends cybersecurity policies, standards, guidelines, and procedures for the secure implementation and use of emerging technologies, IT systems, and OT solutions. The position requires U.S. citizenship, random drug testing, and the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance and eligibility to access Sensitive Compartmented Information. Applicants must pass E-Verify employment verification. Situational telework may be permitted if eligible and approved by a supervisor.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Must obtain and maintain eligibility to access Sensitive Compartmented Information.
Must pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing.
For GS-13, demonstrate IT-related experience in attention to detail, customer service, oral communication, and problem solving.
For GS-13, have at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service.
Specialized experience must include conducting cybersecurity assessments to identify, evaluate, and prioritize vulnerabilities and threats; recommending safeguards and corrective actions to reduce risk and strengthen security protections; and delivering cybersecurity consulting and advisory services to stakeholders on secure implementation of IT and OT systems.
Experience must be IT-related and may include paid or unpaid experience or specific intensive training, such as IT certification, as appropriate.
There is no education substitute for specialized experience at the GS-13 level.

Responsibilities

Lead assigned Innovation and Emerging Technology initiatives within the Emerging Technologies Division.
Plan, coordinate, and conduct research, evaluation, testing, and assessment of emerging IT and OT solutions proposed for Department use.
Conduct comprehensive security reviews to identify vulnerabilities, assess risks, evaluate security controls, and determine compliance with applicable requirements.
Perform cybersecurity assessments, vulnerability analyses, configuration reviews, and security control evaluations of hardware, software, cloud-based services, communications technologies, and integrated systems proposed for Department use.
Develop, coordinate, and recommend cybersecurity policies, standards, guidelines, and procedures governing secure implementation and use of emerging technologies, IT systems, and OT solutions.