SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS-13:  To qualify for this position, applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level related to or in the field of the position to be filled.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS-14:  To qualify for this position, applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-13 grade level related to or in the field of the position to be filled.

Examples of specialized experience includes:

1. Evaluate security architecture and its design against cyberspace threats as identified in operational and acquisition documents.
2. Patch network vulnerabilities to ensure information is safeguarded against outside parties.           
3. Detect exploits against networks and hosts and react accordingly Conduct network scouting and vulnerability analyses of systems within a network.          
4. Deploy tools to a target and utilize them once deployed (e.g., backdoors, sniffers).       
5. Validate intrusion detection system (IDS) alerts against network traffic using packet analysis tools.  
6. Maintain baseline system security according to organizational policies.
7. Design group policies and access control lists to ensure compatibility with organizational standards, business rules, and needs.
8. Configure and optimize network hubs, routers, and switches (e.g., higher-level protocols, tunneling, etc.).                   
9. Assist in the construction of signatures which can be implemented on cyber defense network tools in response to new or observed threats within the NE or enclave.
10. Assess exploited systems’ potential to provide additional access, target development information, intelligence and/or covert infrastructure.
11. Provide and maintain documentation for TTPs as inputs to training programs.
12. Construct signatures which can be implemented on cyber defense network tools in response to new or observed threats within the NE or enclave.
13. Capture security controls used during the requirements phase to integrate security within the process, to identify key security objectives, and to maximize software security while minimizing disruption to plans and schedules.
14. Identify security implications and apply methodologies within centralized and decentralized environments across the enterprises computer systems in software development.
15. Translate security requirements into application design elements including documenting the elements of the software attack surfaces, conducting threat modeling, and defining any specific security criteria.
16. Develop content for cyber defense tools.
17. Apply coding and testing standards, apply security testing tools including "'fuzzing" static-analysis code scanning tools, and conduct code reviews.
18. Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.
19. Develop software system testing and validation procedures, programming, and documentation.
20. Perform secure programming and identify potential flaws in codes to mitigate vulnerabilities.

THERE IS NO EDUCATION SUBSTITUTION AT THE GS-14 GRADE LEVEL.

In addition to the required specialized experience, applicants must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below: 
1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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.

Office of Personnel management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees.  If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule, C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.