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IT Cybersecurity Specialist

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This position is available in the following series:

GS-2210 - Information Technology Management

Position Overview

Are you a high performer looking for a new adventure? Do you have a passion for working in a dynamic environment that offers new challenges and opportunities every single day? If so, consider applying as a cybersecurity specialist! As a cybersecurity specialist you can make a difference by protecting DOI’s mission critical systems and defending them from domestic and foreign cyber-attacks. The cybersecurity specialist is responsible for a wide range of complex assignments to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all systems. Potential assignments include protecting DOI’s infrastructure, testing and implementing new technologies, implementing cybersecurity policies, managing vulnerabilities, and responding to incidents. The specialist is also called upon to provide advice, instruction or any other expertise to key decision makers, other employees, or supervisors.

This position is represented at the following bureaus

Bureau of Indian Affairs
Bureau of Land Management
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Bureau of Reclamation
Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
Office of the Secretary
National Park Service
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Geological Survey

Candidate Description

The ideal candidate is a creative thinker with a passion for cybersecurity who is willing to tackle complex problems. The candidate is also adaptable, with a willingness to learn and stay abreast of new cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and technologies, and well versed in problem solving. The candidate will possess knowledge and skill in applying IT security and cybersecurity principles and methods, and an understanding of federal cybersecurity requirements, policies, procedures, guidelines, and standards.

Specialty Areas

  • Cyber Defense Analysis
  • Cyber Defense Infrastructure Support
  • Cyber Governance
  • Cybersecurity Management
  • Cybersecurity Operations
  • Incident Response
  • Information Assurance
  • Risk Management
  • Threat Analysis
  • Vulnerability Assessment and Management

Work Environment

The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions. Some employees may occasionally be exposed to uncomfortable conditions in such places as research facilities.

Minimum Education Requirements

Please see the Individual Occupation Requirements on the OPM website.

Career Level Requirements

Responsibilities by Level

  • Entry:

    • Assists higher-graded specialists in providing customer training.
    • Identifies and resolves problems in response to customer reported issues, and researches, evaluates, and provides feedback on problematic trends and patterns.
    • Implements security measures to ensure controlled access and maintains data integrity and confidentiality.

  • Mid:

    • Coordinates the implementation of security programs across platforms and establishes vulnerability reporting criteria Working with communities
    • Recommends ways to protect the bureau/office's information and information systems.
    • Modifies, adapts, and/or refines broader guidelines to resolve specific complex and/or intricate issues and problems; and identifies and researches trends and patterns in order to develop new methods and criteria and/or propose new policies and practices

  • Journey:

    • Serves as the senior principal contact for DOI responsible for a wide range of complex assignments and projects relative to information systems and cybersecurity matters.
    • As an expert, ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems, networks, and data through the planning, analysis, development, implementation, maintenance, and enhancement of information systems security programs, policies, procedures, and tools.

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Strengths by Level

Entry 5-7
Mid 9-11
Journey 12-13
  • Accountability
    Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established control systems and rules.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
  • Attention to Detail
    Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
  • Compliance
    Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
  • Creative Thinking
    Uses imagination to develop new insights into situations and applies innovative solutions to problems; designs new methods where established methods and procedures are inapplicable or are unavailable.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
  • 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.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
  • Decision Making
    Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
  • Influencing/Negotiating
    Persuades others to accept recommendations, cooperate, or change their behavior; works with others towards an agreement; negotiates to find mutually acceptable solutions.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
  • Information Management
    Identifies a need for and knows where or how to gather information; organizes and maintains information or information management systems.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
  • Interpersonal Skills
    Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
  • Learning
    Uses efficient learning techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills; uses training, feedback, or other opportunities for self-learning and development.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
  • 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.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
  • Organizational Awareness
    Knows the organization's mission and functions, and how its social, political, and technological systems work and operates effectively within them; this includes the programs, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the organization.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
  • Partnering
    Develops networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
  • Problem Solving
    Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
  • Project Management
    Knowledge of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including monitoring and inspecting costs, work, and contractor performance.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
  • Reasoning
    Identifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
  • Resilience
    Deals effectively with pressure; remains optimistic and persistent, even under adversity. Recovers quickly from setbacks.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
  • Strategic Thinking
    Formulates effective strategies consistent with the business and competitive strategy of the organization in a global economy. Examines policy issues and strategic planning with a long-term perspective. Determines objectives and sets priorities; anticipates potential threats or opportunities.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
  • Teaching Others
    Helps others learn through formal or informal methods; identifies training needs; provides constructive feedback; coaches others on how to perform tasks; acts as a mentor.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
  • Teamwork
    Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
  • Technical Competence
    Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13
  • Writing
    Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 12-13