As a Lead IT Cybersecurity Specialist at the GS-2210-14, you will be part of CIO IT Security Management, Office of Personnel Management. If selected, you will be responsible for serve as the lead on matters pertaining to the operations of Enterprise Patch Management as well as the lead technical consultant and source of authoritative information regarding the security and integrity of the organization's information systems by overseeing and leading comprehensive patch management initiatives.
Summary
As a Lead IT Cybersecurity Specialist at the GS-2210-14, you will be part of CIO IT Security Management, Office of Personnel Management. If selected, you will be responsible for serve as the lead on matters pertaining to the operations of Enterprise Patch Management as well as the lead technical consultant and source of authoritative information regarding the security and integrity of the organization's information systems by overseeing and leading comprehensive patch management initiatives.
Do you want to join an innovative, forward-thinking, and adaptive cybersecurity team? Are you up-to-date with the cutting-edge and emerging trends in cybersecurity, such as zero trust, cloud computing, automation, and artificial intelligence? Are you proficient at gaining support from mission stakeholders for complex cybersecurity initiatives; striking a balance between a positive customer experience and a proactive cybersecurity posture? Can you comfortably describe the difference between an API and an APT to a nontechnical audience; highlighting the risk associated with each? If the answers to these questions is an excited "yes," then consider applying to join the OPM Cyber Team!
Develop maintenance schedules, deploy software updates, monitor deployments, and remediate patching activity for our internal and external enterprise clients and mobile devices. Develop and deploy automated cloud patching mechanism to push security patches. Leverage cloud technologies to centrally manage patching. Assist in maintaining update collections by completing moves, adds, and changes per client request.
Utilize scripting languages to automate routine tasks, ensuring timely and error-free deployment patches. Create and maintain scripting libraries for various patching scenarios, ensuring scalability and adaptability. Recognize that software fixes may require configure changes including modifications to the registry keys or other device settings. Attention to detail, the ability to comprehend technical release notes, and creating patching activity reports is required. Create knowledge articles to document software patch deployment and remediation tasks. Work with software patch distribution vendors to resolve complex technical issues. Complete emergency (zero day) patch deployments. Monitor and remediate patching activity across a range of maintenance schedules. Manage and ensure effectiveness of security solutions, including firmware upgrades, anti-virus solutions, and software patches. Establish and maintain regular written and in-person communications with the client and organization's executives, decision-makers, stakeholders, department heads, and end users regarding pertinent Patch Management activities. Perform routine audits of patching activity to confirm all updates are being applied and reported correctly.
Stay abreast of industry best practices, emerging threats, and vulnerabilities to enhance the effectiveness of the patch management program. Create pre- and post-patch reports and present results to internal and client stakeholders.
Coordinate the timely deployment of security patches across the organization's information systems. Establish and maintain processes for monitoring patch compliance, ensuring all systems are up to date with the latest security patches. Ensure compliance with organizational and government security policies related to patch management. Work closely with compliance and auditing teams to address any gaps and mitigate risks. Maintain accurate documentation of patch management processes, procedures, and activities. Generate regular reports for leadership, providing insights into patching effectiveness, compliance levels, and areas for improvement.
Lead a team of patch management specialists, setting clear performance expectations and providing guidance on patching priorities. Foster a collaborative work environment, promoting knowledge sharing and continuous improvement in patch management processes. Participate in internal and external program/project management reviews. Own project from inception to decommissioning and/or O&M. Track, project schedules, risks, dependencies, team capacity and costs.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required
This position is not eligible for inclusion in a bargaining unit
Qualifications
For the GS14: You must have one full year (52 Weeks) of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-13 level (obtained in either the public or private sectors) that is IT-related and included experience in specialized experience for this position includes all of the following:
1) Developing and implementing patch management policies, procedures, and standards in alignment with organizational security requirements and best practices; and
2) Developing metrics and reporting mechanisms to track patch management effectiveness and compliance with security policies and regulations; and
3) Providing technical guidance and support to IT staff and system administrators on patching methodologies, tools, and procedures; and
4) Conducting thorough analysis of vulnerabilities and exploit techniques to prioritize patching efforts and mitigate potential security risks.
You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
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.
Additional information
This announcement will be used to fill vacancies through OPM-authorized Direct Hire Authority due to Critical Hiring Need/Severe Shortage of Candidates. Veteran preference and traditional rating/raking of applicants do not apply. For more information on OPM's authorization of Direct Hire Authority, please visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/direct-hire-authority/
Relocation expenses will not be paid.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across OPM.
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire
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.
Due to the high number of applications we anticipate for the vacancy, this announcement will close the day we receive 500 applications or after 7 days - whichever comes first. Regardless of the number of applications it will be open for a minimum of two days.
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
Accountability
Attention to Detail
Customer Service
Decision Making
Flexibility
Influencing/Negotiating
Integrity/Honesty
Interpersonal Skills
Learning
Reading Comprehension
Reasoning
Self-Management
Stress Tolerance
Teamwork
The USA Hire Assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position; and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Your Resume showing the applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment, and duties performed to include pay plan, series, and grade level for relevant federal experience. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications.
Do not include the following types of information in your resume:
Classified or government sensitive information
Social Security Number (SSN)
Photos of yourself
Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.
Encrypted and digitally signed documents.
Other supporting documents:
Cover Letter, optional
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)Documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here.
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.?
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 and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
1. Click the Apply Online button.
2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
4. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
5. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
6. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
7. Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
8. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
OPM Human Resources
1900 E St., NW
Washington, DC 20415
US
Next steps
Once referred, you may be asked to complete a structured interview, written demonstration, and/or fit interview. Deliberate attempts to falsify information may be grounds for not selecting you or for dismissing you from the position/agency during the probationary period.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated. You will receive another notification about the status of your application.
We expect to make a job offer within 40 days after the closing date of the announcement. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Your Resume showing the applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment, and duties performed to include pay plan, series, and grade level for relevant federal experience. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications.
Do not include the following types of information in your resume:
Classified or government sensitive information
Social Security Number (SSN)
Photos of yourself
Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.
Encrypted and digitally signed documents.
Other supporting documents:
Cover Letter, optional
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)Documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here.
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.?
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 and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
1. Click the Apply Online button.
2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
4. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
5. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
6. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
7. Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
8. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
OPM Human Resources
1900 E St., NW
Washington, DC 20415
US
Next steps
Once referred, you may be asked to complete a structured interview, written demonstration, and/or fit interview. Deliberate attempts to falsify information may be grounds for not selecting you or for dismissing you from the position/agency during the probationary period.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated. You will receive another notification about the status of your application.
We expect to make a job offer within 40 days after the closing date of the announcement. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
