DHS Cybersecurity Service (DHS-CS) uses a multi-phase assessment process to qualify applicants seeking employment through the DHS-CS. Given the ever-advancing nature of cybersecurity and the ongoing need for cybersecurity talent, DHS-CS uses "Talent Pools" to pull qualified applicants (i.e., individuals who have successfully completed the multi-phase assessment process for their capability and career track/level) for consideration for these jobs.

This announcement is being used to fill the Security System Operations and Maintenance Talent Pool. By applying to this job announcement, you are opting to be part of the DHS-CS Talent Pool for ongoing consideration for employment for relevant open jobs and will remain eligible for consideration for up to one year from the date of completion.

There are a variety of Security System Operations and Maintenance opportunities across the Department, including supporting several specialized programs at the DHS Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans (PLCY), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), DHS Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

As a DHS Cybersecurity Service employee in the Technical Career Track, you will continually maintain and share your Security System Operations and Maintenance expertise to perform a range of critical, complex, routine and non-routine tasks, including:

• Performing technical and nontechnical network, system, or application security reviews to identify gaps in security architecture, recommend risk acceptance, and develop a security risk management plan
• Proposing highly effective solutions to stakeholders, resolving computer security incidents, and ensuring compliance using tools and processes that enable agile response to cyber incidents
• Actively assessing the configuration and monitoring of security devices in accordance with DHS or Component policies and best practices to support network mitigation efforts
• Proactively performing cybersecurity testing of developed applications and/or systems to maintain the security of relevant DHS or Component systems
• Engaging with experts in cybersecurity efforts to continuously monitor and maintain DHS or Component enterprise systems identifying unauthorized and/or malicious activities and events to maintain the system's security posture
• Applying knowledge of system implementation and configuration to identify security deficiencies during security reviews and certification testing ensuring successful transition from development to operation
• Using known information about incidents and their effects on networks, systems, cloud environments, and applications to classify the threat and risk levels of activities and events and recommending short- and long-term recovery and repair actions
• Customizing communications on aggregate security system's status and corresponding courses of action for different levels of leadership and other appropriate parties in support of mitigating any issues compromising DHS or Component security
• Proactively analyzing plans and procedures to respond to security incidents that interrupt ongoing cybersecurity operations ensuring minimal damage, restoration of operations, maintenance of system integrity and maximum system resilience
• Working with HQ and/or Component system and network administrators to ensure systems are not compromised during system security changes or transitions from development to production and assist others who are less seasoned
• Collaborating with internal and external DHS stakeholders to collect, organize, analyze, report and act on information related to security activities and events on computer networks, systems, and applications
• Developing supporting documentation on incident response and containment procedures in alignment with DHS or Component policies and procedures

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen or national.
• You must be 18 years of age.
• Must be registered for the Selective Service (if you are a male).
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Security clearance levels may vary.
• Must be able to submit to a drug test and receive a negative result.
• Must be able to comply with ethics and standards of conduct requirements, including completing any applicable financial disclosure.
• May be required to serve a 3 year probationary period.
• While many of these positions are considered telework eligible, some individuals must live within 2 hrs driving distance to a DHS SCIF in either Chandler, AZ; Stennis, MS; Idaho Falls, ID; Arlington, VA; Pensacola, FL; Springfield, VA or D.C.
• Remote work may be available for some positions.

Qualifications

This position is in the Technical Track across a range of career levels. Employees in this career track generally:

• Have between 5-15 years of cybersecurity work experience.
• Range from experienced cybersecurity professionals who apply technical expertise and independent judgement to perform cybersecurity work - to - recognized Federal cybersecurity technical authorities with uncommon technical expertise who advise on cybersecurity challenges impacting DHS and the Nation.

• Implement, configure, and manage security devices and systems (such as firewalls, intrusion detection and log collectors, and vulnerability scanners) in accordance with policies, procedures, and best practices
• Install, manage, and monitor security measures to support mitigation efforts; shares relevant information with system and network administrators

DHS Cybersecurity Service employees start at career levels and salaries matching their experience and expertise. In recruiting for this opportunity, DHS may hire employees at higher or lower career levels and associated salaries. To learn more about DHS Cybersecurity Service career tracks and levels, visit our application portal.

This position is focused on Security System Operations and Maintenance.

DHS Cybersecurity Service jobs are structured cybersecurity specializations - called technical capabilities. To learn more about technical capabilities, visit our application portal.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

All DHS Cybersecurity Service applicants participate in a multi-phase assessment process, which varies by career track. For the Technical Career Track, applicants participate in a three-phase assessment process:

• You must successfully complete each phase to advance to the next phase.
• The total time commitment for the three phases is approximately 4 hours (many applicants require less time!).
• Before each phase, DHS will e-mail you instructions and information to help you prepare.
• Assessments are time sensitive, so monitor your e-mail to ensure you have plenty of time to complete them prior to any deadlines.

• Un-proctored - Completed online within a prescribed period of time.
• Includes two assessments: (1) a work styles inventory that will take about 30 minutes to complete; (2) a work simulation that you will have up to 2 hours to complete.
• The two assessments take about 90 minutes (on average) to complete.
• Requires a computer with audio (speakers or headphones) and a reliable internet connection.
• No knowledge of DHS or cybersecurity is required for these assessments, which measure non-technical capabilities that are important for professional success in the DHS Cybersecurity Service. This includes how you communicate, analyze information, and collaborate with others:
  • The work styles inventory presents you with questions about your work-related interests and preferences.
  • The work simulation presents you with realistic, work-related scenarios and asks you to respond to them.

PHASE II: TECHNICAL CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT

• Proctored - must be scheduled in advance and completed at a designated assessment center.
• There is a different assessment for each DHS Cybersecurity Service technical capability (visit Jobs to learn more about the technical capabilities).
• Most individuals only have a primary technical capability and complete only one Technical Capability Assessment, but in limited circumstances, you may complete a second Technical Capability Assessment.
• You will have up to 2.5 hours to complete each Technical Capability Assessment; each takes about 90 minutes (on average) to complete.
• Assessments present realistic, work-related cybersecurity scenarios and questions to assess technical skills.
• Cybersecurity knowledge is assessed, but no knowledge of DHS is required.

PHASE III: ADVANCED TECHNICAL INTERVIEW

• This interview is conducted on-demand (self-scheduled by you within a prescribed period of time) without live interviewers.
• Two types of questions will be presented: One type focuses on your previous experience and the other focuses on hypothetical situations or scenarios.
• This interview takes about 60 minutes (on average) to complete.