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 Cybersecurity Defensive Operations 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 Cybersecurity Defensive Operations - Intelligence Collection & Analysis as well as Planning, Execution & Analysis 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 Cybersecurity Defensive Operations expertise to perform a range of critical, complex, routine and non-routine tasks, including:

• Creating and implementing end-to-end tactical and strategic level cyber operations plans based on technical cybersecurity understanding, applicable policies, and rules of engagement.
• Supporting the development of primary and contingency action plans, using expertise to select the most appropriate and effective methods of defense/attack that align with operational protocols.
• Employing best practices and available capabilities for mounting defensive and/or offensive cyber operations against identified threats to DHS networks and systems.
• Applying knowledge of national strategies, plans, policies, and directives for offensive and/or defensive cyber operations including but not limited to U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 3600.1, Director of Central Intelligence Directives (DCIDs), National Security Presidential Directives (NSPDs), Homeland Security Presidential Directives (NSPDs).
• Examining indicators of compromise and integrating digital forensics and incident response data to bolster DHS and DHS partners' defenses at each step of the cybersecurity defensive operations process.
• Engaging with a community of network defenders as well as other intelligence components to better understand identified intrusion sets and deviations and to build better defensive cybersecurity strategies.
• Conducing reverse malware analysis and applying engineering techniques to prevent incidents or mitigate threats to DHS or Federal systems and networks.
• Collecting and disseminating information on cyber threats or threat actors using various intelligence collection tools and methods.
• Identifying information needs and requirements of customers and formulating effective, executable collection plans and strategies to meet those needs.
• Analyzing all-source intelligence on current and emerging cyber threats to identify and evaluate the intent and capabilities of cyber actors using intelligence community analytic standards.
• Providing cyber intelligence and analysis to inform cyber operations and supporting intelligence cycle by evaluating information and identifying customer needs for finished intelligence analysis.
• Preparing and refining draft or final intelligence products - including written reports or briefings - in tandem with counterparts in the intelligence community - for a variety of audiences, including senior government officials and other decision makers, planners, or network defenders.
• Serving as a technical mentor to DHS employees in cyber defensive operations and those seeking to build expertise in the field.

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.

• Integrate, manage, and execute all aspects of the cyberattack lifecycle to inform cyber defense operations.
• Plan and execute cybersecurity defense operations to protect assets
• Facilitate the flow and assessment of key intelligence data.
• Determine system security monitoring and incoming intelligence feeds based on dynamic security environment.
• Oversee immediate remediation and containment processes.

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 (DHS-CS) 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-CS. 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 within a prescribed period of time
• There is a different assessment for each DHS-CS 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.