This announcement will remain open until 06/03/2022. It will be used to collect applications and fill vacant positions as they become available in the Office of the Chief Information Officer within FSIS. Cut-off dates for referral to hiring managers for selection consideration will be established as needed by the agency. When a request is received to fill a vacant Cybersecurity Specialist a list of the qualified applicants interested will be sent to the hiring manager for further consideration.
Summary
This announcement will remain open until 06/03/2022. It will be used to collect applications and fill vacant positions as they become available in the Office of the Chief Information Officer within FSIS. Cut-off dates for referral to hiring managers for selection consideration will be established as needed by the agency. When a request is received to fill a vacant Cybersecurity Specialist a list of the qualified applicants interested will be sent to the hiring manager for further consideration.
Perform a combination of network and security design and implementation duties, as well as performing network and security penetration testing to ensure security compliance following federal regulations, standards and best practices.
Lead a team the design, configure, implement and maintain all network and security platforms such as routers, switches, wireless access points, intrusion prevention systems, security information and event management solutions.
Design, deploy and manage network and security SSL/TLS technologies such as: cloud VPN solutions, Antivirus, and Application Control.
Responsible for daily triage of network and security related issues using the FSIS ticketing system.
Assist with the process of developing, designing and implementing enterprise network and cyber security network access controls for Information Technology (IT) infrastructure systems, servers, network and application solutions.
Design Cyber security architectural artifacts while meeting federal Cyber-security regulatory requirements for Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability, Authentication, and Authorization of federal IT systems.
Perform continuous monitoring and threat intelligence of the FSIS infrastructure systems, integrates advanced forensic tools and techniques to mitigate Cyber-security attacks.
Coordinate and perform log and trending analysis of the network and security posture to ensure compliance with USDA policies.
Provide oversight and recommendations with security risk analysis, security test and evaluation, certification and accreditation, infrastructure system hardening, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning.
Serve as a liaison between FSIS and USDA on network and security related matters.
Provide visible leadership in the development/deployment of network and security controls, processes and best practices throughout a geographically dispersed IT community, promoting user awareness and training of network and security best practices.
Responsible for preparing weekly network and security intelligence action reports of critical infrastructure risks and conducts weekly briefings to OCIO senior leadership.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt
Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check
Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
Qualifications
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-14 level: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in Federal service.
Specialized experience includes comprehensive experience with network and security design principles, practices, and implementation. Specifically infrastructure threat and vulnerability management, mitigation, remediation, and patch and audit management experience. This includes experience with supporting Microsoft Active Directory, Linux, and OpenShift/Cloud technologies, firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, security information and event management, web proxy, endpoint management solutions, and incident response activities.
Candidate must have the ability to work autonomously, independently provide guidance/instruction, and communicate program missions, objectives, assignments, problem resolutions, and deadlines; monitoring or reporting work progress; analyzing and improving collaboration by providing alternatives/determining work methods, procedures or improvements; and experience dealing effectively and tactfully with individuals and groups at different organizational levels.
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.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Services has authority to recruit and fill Permanent (Career/Career-Conditional) positions under Direct Hire Authority. Under this authority, any U.S. citizen may apply.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible see Career Transition. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of your choosing.
This announcement may be used to fill additional like vacancies should any occur in the announced duty location(s).
This position is eligible for telework and other flexible work arrangements. Employee participation is at the discretion of the supervisor.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact: USDAs TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).
It is the policy of the Government not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or has had financial difficulties that have arisen through no fault of the individual. To see more information visit CHCO Council.
If you are selected, you may need to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) prior to being appointed to determine suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. False statements or responses on a resume or application can jeopardize employment and may be grounds for disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service
If you are newly hired, the documentation you present for purposes of completing the Department Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 on your entry-on-duty date will be verified through the DHS "E-VERIFY" system. Federal law requires the use of E-VERIFY to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. Under this system, the new hire is required to resolve any identified discrepancies as a condition of continued employment. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The Office of Personnel Management has granted Direct Hire Authority for Cyber positions. There is a critical hiring need and these positions play an important role in protecting the nation's food supply.
Due to the Direct-Hire Authority (DHA), applicants are not rated and ranked numerically, and Veteran's preference does not apply. Applicants are strongly encouraged to provide complete information about their job-related experience and education. Your resume must document that you meet the Qualification Requirements detailed above. Applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements established for the position will be placed in the Eligible category.
Although Veteran's preference does not apply due to the existence of the DHA for this position, applicants are still encouraged to provide documentation related to veteran's preference.
All applicants qualifying based on experience must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below. Please refer to the competency definition shown below, when addressing those competencies.
Problem Solving: Providing oversight of work methods, practices, and procedures; including the selection and application of appropriate problem solving methods and techniques.
Oral Communication: Ensuring that an IT organizations strategic plan, mission, vision and values are communicated to subordinates and are integrated into the team's strategies, goals, objectives, work plans and work products and services.
Customer Service: Exercising significant authority in dealing with officials of other units/organizations and advising management officials of higher rank on operational issues while marketing an IT organization as a trusted partner for mission/technology convergence.
Attention to Detail: Directing, coordinating and overseeing work through subordinate supervisors or team leaders.
Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, you may be found ineligible. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.
Clicking the link below will present a preview of the application form. The application form link below will only provide a preview and does not initiate the application process. To initiate the online application process, click the "Apply Online" button to the right.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
Resume that includes:1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) other qualifications. If you need assistance in creating a federal resume click here.
You must submit the documents below if you claim any of the following:
Veterans' Preference: If claiming veteran's preference, you must submit a DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active duty you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. Enlisted Record Briefs and military identification do NOT qualify as official documentation. The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. Veteran's preference must be verified prior to appointment. Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran's preference and your application will be evaluated based on the material(s) submitted.
If claiming 10-point veteran's preference you must provide the DD214 or certification requirements (see above bullet), plus the proof of entitlement of this preference as listed on the SF-15 Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference. The SF-15 should be included but is not required. Failure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preference. For more information on veterans' preference visit USAJobs - Veterans
Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.
Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. The following instructions outline our application process.
You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement. We are available to assist you during normal business hours. Applying online is highly encouraged. If applying online poses a hardship, please contact our office for an alternate method. All hardship application packages with supporting documents must be complete to be considered.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us if you require this for any part of the application and hiring process.
To begin, click "Apply Online" and follow the instructions to complete the Assessment Questionnaire and attach your resume and all required documents.
NOTE: You must verify that uploaded documents from USAJOBs transfer into the Agency's staffing system. Each file must not exceed 5MB. Documents must be in one of the following formats: GIF, JPEG, JPG, PDF, PNG, RTF, or Word (DOC or DOCX). Do not upload Adobe Portfolio documents because they are not viewable. Uploaded documents may not require a password, digital signature, or other encryption to open.
It is an applicant's responsibility to submit updated information. You can update your application or documents anytime while the announcement is open. Simply log into your USAJOBS account and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application" to continue.
If you do not have access to the Internet, you are strongly encouraged to visit your library, state employment office, or another establishment that provides internet service to complete the online application and the assessment questionnaire. If this is not an option, refer to the Alternative Methods for Applying section below for specific instructions.
Alternative Methods for Applying: If you are unable to apply using the internet, please fax your request for an application package along with your name and mailing address to: 1-833-840-9220.
Food Safety and Inspection Service
1400 Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC 20250
US
Next steps
Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS account to check your application status.
NOTE: You must choose to turn on email notifications in your USAJOBS profile if you want to receive important email notifications that may impact your applicant experience (e.g. If you start an application and do not submit it prior to the closing date, USAJOBS will send an email reminder that the closing date is approaching and your application is in an incomplete status).
We expect to make a final job offer approximately 40 days after the deadline for applications.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
Resume that includes:1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) other qualifications. If you need assistance in creating a federal resume click here.
You must submit the documents below if you claim any of the following:
Veterans' Preference: If claiming veteran's preference, you must submit a DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active duty you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. Enlisted Record Briefs and military identification do NOT qualify as official documentation. The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. Veteran's preference must be verified prior to appointment. Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran's preference and your application will be evaluated based on the material(s) submitted.
If claiming 10-point veteran's preference you must provide the DD214 or certification requirements (see above bullet), plus the proof of entitlement of this preference as listed on the SF-15 Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference. The SF-15 should be included but is not required. Failure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preference. For more information on veterans' preference visit USAJobs - Veterans
Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.
Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. The following instructions outline our application process.
You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement. We are available to assist you during normal business hours. Applying online is highly encouraged. If applying online poses a hardship, please contact our office for an alternate method. All hardship application packages with supporting documents must be complete to be considered.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us if you require this for any part of the application and hiring process.
To begin, click "Apply Online" and follow the instructions to complete the Assessment Questionnaire and attach your resume and all required documents.
NOTE: You must verify that uploaded documents from USAJOBs transfer into the Agency's staffing system. Each file must not exceed 5MB. Documents must be in one of the following formats: GIF, JPEG, JPG, PDF, PNG, RTF, or Word (DOC or DOCX). Do not upload Adobe Portfolio documents because they are not viewable. Uploaded documents may not require a password, digital signature, or other encryption to open.
It is an applicant's responsibility to submit updated information. You can update your application or documents anytime while the announcement is open. Simply log into your USAJOBS account and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application" to continue.
If you do not have access to the Internet, you are strongly encouraged to visit your library, state employment office, or another establishment that provides internet service to complete the online application and the assessment questionnaire. If this is not an option, refer to the Alternative Methods for Applying section below for specific instructions.
Alternative Methods for Applying: If you are unable to apply using the internet, please fax your request for an application package along with your name and mailing address to: 1-833-840-9220.
Food Safety and Inspection Service
1400 Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC 20250
US
Next steps
Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS account to check your application status.
NOTE: You must choose to turn on email notifications in your USAJOBS profile if you want to receive important email notifications that may impact your applicant experience (e.g. If you start an application and do not submit it prior to the closing date, USAJOBS will send an email reminder that the closing date is approaching and your application is in an incomplete status).
We expect to make a final job offer approximately 40 days after the deadline for applications.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
