This is a Post-Secondary Student Hiring Authority announcement that provides students with on-the-job training to prepare them for a career in the federal government. Selectee(s) will receive a time-limited appointment in the competitive service and may be required to serve a one-year trial period.
This is a Post-Secondary Student Hiring Authority announcement that provides students with on-the-job training to prepare them for a career in the federal government. Selectee(s) will receive a time-limited appointment in the competitive service and may be required to serve a one-year trial period.
Open to individuals pursuing a bachelors or graduate degree on at least a part-time basis, or accepted for enrollment, in a qualifying higher educational institution.
Joining CISA means being part of the team focused on securing the Nation's physical and cyber infrastructure against threats to public health and safety, economy, and national security; we Defend Today, Secure Tomorrow.
Visit www.cisa.gov to learn more about CISA and how you can be part of the team to Defend Today; Secure Tomorrow.
In this position, you will serve as a Student Trainee (Program Specialist) in the Policy and Communication Service. Typical work assignments include:
Serving as a program specialist to support coordination, planning, facilitation, and execution of program activities (e.g., product development, events, workshops, training) and/or developing policies, guidance, and best practices regarding school safety and security programs on behalf of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)/Infrastructure Security Division (ISD).
Gathering information and developing required documentation for contract solicitation, modifications, and planning, executing, monitoring, reviewing, and approving the work of contract vendors in accordance with applicable laws, regulation, and policies.
Participating with school safety stakeholder, including private sector partners, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners, as well as other federal agencies to provide information regarding school safety and security that focus on evolving threats and the potential impacts of those threats on various communities.
Assisting in the development and execution of risk mitigation strategies for school communities to deploy.
Attending and participating in engagements with stakeholder organizations and associations, keeping abreast of ISD programs and legislative actions relative to school safety and security.
PROGRAM COMPLETION AND CONVERSION:
Post-Secondary students may be non-competitively converted to a permanent position in the competitive service without further competition. Eligibility for conversion does not guarantee that CISA will offer conversion.
To be eligible for conversion, Post-Secondary students must:
Complete a course of study leading to the baccalaureate or graduate degree (or certificate as appropriate);
Complete not less than 640 hours of current continuous employment acquired through the Post Secondary Program;
Meet the qualification standards for the position to which the student will be converted; and
Meet time-in-grade requirements in accordance with 5 CFR part 300 subpart F.
If Post-Secondary student successfully completes the program requirements and converts to competitive service, time spent in trial period will count towards the required one-year probationary period.
Selective Service - Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service see http://www.sss.gov/
All Federal employees are required to participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer for salary payments.
DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
This position has been identified as a drug testing designated position (TDP) for purposes of the CISA's Drug-Free Workplace Program. All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to a drug test to screen for illicit/illegal drug use prior to receiving a final offer of employment. A final offer of employment is contingent upon a negative drug test result. After appointment, you may be subject to periodic random drug testing.
You must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance suitable for Federal employment as determined by a background investigation. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
The duration of a Post-Secondary student appointment is a trial period.
This is a Term appointment with an initial period expected to last more than 1 year but less than 4 years in the competitive service.
Must complete degree in order to be considered for non-competititve conversion to a permanent position.
Qualifications
This announcement is being opened under the Post-Secondary Student Hiring Authority. The Post-Secondary Student Hiring Authority provides federal agencies with authority to hire interns under a new structure designed to facilitate an effective pipeline of new prospects for potential permanent appointment to help sustain the federal workforce.
To qualify for this position, you must meet the following Post-Secondary Student Hiring Authortity Eligibility and Minimum Qualification Requirements below:
Basic Eligibility-Applicants MUST:
Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an institution of higher education (as defined in 20 U.S.C. ยง 1001(a)) and pursuing a baccalaureate or graduate degree on at least a part-time basis as determined by the academic institution.
Individuals who have not yet started the course of study leading to the baccalaureate or graduate degree (or certificate as appropriate), may apply and be considered for a temporary appointment position in the weeks/months prior to the job being filled. These individuals must, however, complete enrollment requirements prior to appointment.
IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC ELIGIBILITY ABOVE, YOU MUST ALSO MEET THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
You qualify for the GS-09 grade level, if you have: EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-07 grade level (or equivalent) performing the following duties:
Coordinating, planning, facilitating and executing program activities;
Supporting participation in intelligence, technology, policy, and risk management working groups;
Conducting analytical studies, and developing school safety and security program informational resources and training;
Gathering information and developing required documentation for contract solicitation.
OR EDUCATION:
A. Master's or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited institution; OR B. Two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree from an accredited institution; OR C. LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws) or J.D. (Juris Doctor) degree, if related. OR COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: To combine education and experience, determine your total qualifying experience as a percentage by dividing your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then determine your education as a percentage by dividing the total number of completed graduate education beyond the first year (total graduate education minus 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours) by 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours. Finally, add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100% to qualify at this grade level.
You qualify for the GS-11 grade level, if you have: EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-09 grade level (or equivalent) performing the following duties:
Assisting in the development and execution of risk mitigation strategies for school communities
Provides logistical support, planning, coordination, and analysis of new substantive programs
Creating and maintaining sector-specific resources including school safety and security best practices, guidelines, and risk management products and resources; and
Modifying, planning, executing, monitoring, reviewing and approving the work of contract vendors in accordance with laws, regulations and policies.
OR EDUCATION:
A. Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited institution; OR B. Three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree from an accredited institution that included major study in the field of study described in statement "A" above. OR COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: To combine education and experience, determine your total qualifying experience as a percentage by dividing your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then determine your education as a percentage by dividing the total number of completed graduate education beyond the second year (total graduate education minus 36 semester hours or 54 quarter hours) by 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours. Finally, add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100% to qualify at this grade level.
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.
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
This position has an education requirement. You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent (e.g., letter from the registrar, acceptance letter, unofficial transcripts) showing eligibility for the educational requirements by the closing date of the announcement. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted that includes your name, the name of the educational institution, course title(s), number of credits, grade, and date of completion. Updated enrollment verification documentation will be required if you are selected.
Education must be from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the qualification requirements. You must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private U.S. organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.
Additional information
Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expenses will not be paid.
Other incentives may be authorized.
If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
This position has been designated EXCLUDED from bargaining unit representation under the national security provision of 5 U.S.C. 7112(B)(6).
When entering a federal job at a grade level lower than the highest promotion potential level, you may be promoted to more complex duties and work more independently, as your career progresses. NOTE: Career ladder promotions are not automatic, and all eligibility and qualifications requirements must be met in order to progress to the next grade level.
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with a disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, contact the CISA Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (OEDIA) by sending an email to CISAOEDIAFO@cisa.dhs.gov and accommodations@hq.dhs.gov with the subject line, "Reasonable Accommodation Request @CISA." In the email itself, you must include your name, vacancy announcement number(s), and state your intent to seek a reasonable accommodation. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. For more information, please go to the Reasonable Accommodations at DHS website.
Current or Former Political Appointees: The 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.
Shared Certificate: When CISA completes their selections, the remaining list of qualified candidates may be shared with other DHS Component agencies who are hiring for similar positions. You will have an opportunity to opt-in if you would like your name, application materials, and assessment results shared to be considered for employment with other DHS Component agencies. There is no guarantee of further consideration, and you can continue to explore other job opportunity announcements.
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.
Under the provisions of the Post Secondary Hiring Authority, veterans' preference does not apply.
Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents) and the responses you provide on the application questionnaire.
Traditional rating and ranking of applications do not apply to this vacancy.
If you are determined qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. The interview process may consist of in-person or phone panel interview.
Under this hiring authority, DHS is not required to provide selection priority to eligible and qualified applicants entitled to it pertaining to Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Program (I/CTAP).
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 and must be provided with your application. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.
1. RESUME: Your resume MUST show a detailed description of your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates with the month and year and hours worked per week (if less than 40) for each job title listed. If including Federal civilian service experience, provide your pay plan/band, series, and grade (e.g., GS-0201-09). Be clear and specific when describing your work history since human resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Do NOT include photographs (or links to social media such as LinkedIn), inappropriate content, or other personal or sensitive information such as date of birth, social security number, gender, religious affiliation. Please view Resume & Application Tips.
2. COVER LETTER (OPTIONAL): Your cover letter will not be used to determine your qualifications but will be included with your resume if you are referred.
3. OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (only submit if applicable):
CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE: Submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action which shows the grade, step, tenure code "1" (Career) or "2" (Career-Conditional), and type of position occupied. Provide proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an Interchange Agreement. If applying for a higher grade, provide a SF-50 which shows the length of time you have been in your current/highest grade or promotion potential held (examples of appropriate SF-50s include appointment/conversion, with-in grade/range increases and promotion actions). NOTE: Pay adjustments and awards are NOT acceptable.
QUALIFYING BASED ON EDUCATION: Submit a copy of your most recent official transcript, official documentation of registration, a tuition bill, or, if you are a new student, a copy of your acceptance letter from an accredited institution. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted that includes your name, name of the educational institution, declared degree program, course title(s), credits completed, grade, date of completion, Grade Point Average (GPA), and date of degree conferral. If selected, updated enrollment verification documentation will be required.
VETERAN DOCUMENTATION: Submit a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member Copy 4 or equivalent).
ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of active service, rank/grade, expected character of service (i.e., honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e., separation or retirement). NOTE: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If selected, a DD-214 must be provided prior to appointment.
10-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If claiming 10-point Veterans' Preference, you will need to submit a SF-15 and provide an official document from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces certifying your overall compensable service-connected disability rating (NOTE: Your overall percentage must be clearly shown), and/or any other associated documentation based on your preference.
CURRENT OR FORMER POLITICAL SCHEDULE A, SCHEDULE C, NON-CAREER SES OR PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTEE EMPLOYEE: Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
Position title;
Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee);
Agency; AND
Beginning and ending dates of appointment.
If you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, your application will be determined incomplete, and you will not be considered for a position.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be received by 11:59 PM EST on 10/04/2023 to receive consideration.
PLEASE NOTE: If your materials are not received by the closing date, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available, and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible.
The application process is as follows:
To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on 10/04/2023.
You may update your application documents and some questions related to your personal information at any time during the announcement open period. To make an allowed update to your application, return to your USAJOBS account (https://usajobs.gov). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account at https://usajobs.gov. On the Home page, scroll down and locate your job application. Once the job has been located, click the "Track this application" link on the right under the application date. The page will refresh to display the Agency's Application Information page where you can scroll down and review any notifications the agency has sent you. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: http://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
1616 N. Fort Myer Dr.
CISA-FMD Stop 0380
Arlington, VA 20598-0380
US
Next steps
This position is announced under the Post-Secondary Student Hiring Authority, applicants who are tentatively eligible for this position based on their self-rating of their qualifications will be placed on a ranking list for further consideration. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Employee Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
Thank you for your interest in the Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency!
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.
1. RESUME: Your resume MUST show a detailed description of your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates with the month and year and hours worked per week (if less than 40) for each job title listed. If including Federal civilian service experience, provide your pay plan/band, series, and grade (e.g., GS-0201-09). Be clear and specific when describing your work history since human resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Do NOT include photographs (or links to social media such as LinkedIn), inappropriate content, or other personal or sensitive information such as date of birth, social security number, gender, religious affiliation. Please view Resume & Application Tips.
2. COVER LETTER (OPTIONAL): Your cover letter will not be used to determine your qualifications but will be included with your resume if you are referred.
3. OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (only submit if applicable):
CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE: Submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action which shows the grade, step, tenure code "1" (Career) or "2" (Career-Conditional), and type of position occupied. Provide proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an Interchange Agreement. If applying for a higher grade, provide a SF-50 which shows the length of time you have been in your current/highest grade or promotion potential held (examples of appropriate SF-50s include appointment/conversion, with-in grade/range increases and promotion actions). NOTE: Pay adjustments and awards are NOT acceptable.
QUALIFYING BASED ON EDUCATION: Submit a copy of your most recent official transcript, official documentation of registration, a tuition bill, or, if you are a new student, a copy of your acceptance letter from an accredited institution. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted that includes your name, name of the educational institution, declared degree program, course title(s), credits completed, grade, date of completion, Grade Point Average (GPA), and date of degree conferral. If selected, updated enrollment verification documentation will be required.
VETERAN DOCUMENTATION: Submit a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member Copy 4 or equivalent).
ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of active service, rank/grade, expected character of service (i.e., honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e., separation or retirement). NOTE: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If selected, a DD-214 must be provided prior to appointment.
10-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If claiming 10-point Veterans' Preference, you will need to submit a SF-15 and provide an official document from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces certifying your overall compensable service-connected disability rating (NOTE: Your overall percentage must be clearly shown), and/or any other associated documentation based on your preference.
CURRENT OR FORMER POLITICAL SCHEDULE A, SCHEDULE C, NON-CAREER SES OR PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTEE EMPLOYEE: Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
Position title;
Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee);
Agency; AND
Beginning and ending dates of appointment.
If you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, your application will be determined incomplete, and you will not be considered for a position.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be received by 11:59 PM EST on 10/04/2023 to receive consideration.
PLEASE NOTE: If your materials are not received by the closing date, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available, and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible.
The application process is as follows:
To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on 10/04/2023.
You may update your application documents and some questions related to your personal information at any time during the announcement open period. To make an allowed update to your application, return to your USAJOBS account (https://usajobs.gov). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account at https://usajobs.gov. On the Home page, scroll down and locate your job application. Once the job has been located, click the "Track this application" link on the right under the application date. The page will refresh to display the Agency's Application Information page where you can scroll down and review any notifications the agency has sent you. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: http://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
1616 N. Fort Myer Dr.
CISA-FMD Stop 0380
Arlington, VA 20598-0380
US
Next steps
This position is announced under the Post-Secondary Student Hiring Authority, applicants who are tentatively eligible for this position based on their self-rating of their qualifications will be placed on a ranking list for further consideration. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Employee Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
Thank you for your interest in the Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency!
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
