Clarification from the agency

Current federal civilian employees in the competitive service on permanent career or career-conditional appointments; Former federal employees with reinstatement eligibility; Current federal employees eligible under Interchange Agreements; and Applicants eligible under special hiring authorities (Schedule A, etc.)

Fraud doesn’t stop, and neither do we. We’re the Office of Inspector General, an independent oversight office within the U.S. Department of Education (ED) charged with identifying and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse, and ensuring accountability and effectiveness within ED programs. If you want to help fight fraud and make a difference for America’s students, schools, and taxpayers, we may have the career for you! We offer competitive salaries, opportunities for rapid and substantial salary increases and career growth, great benefits, employee recognition programs, and more.

We’re the U.S. Department of Education (ED) Office of Inspector General (OIG). Often referred to as America’s watchdogs, it’s our job to help ensure that the hard-earned tax dollars that fund ED programs and operations are used as intended by law, achieve the desired results, and reach the intended recipients.

The OIG conducts audits and reviews of issues involving Federal student aid, K–12 schools, charter schools, special education, vocational education, adult education, and more. When our work identifies problems, we propose solutions. Our work has resulted in improvements to ED programs and changes to some of the most important Federal education laws in our country.

We conduct criminal and civil investigations into suspected fraudulent activities by schools, colleges, universities, contractors, subcontractors, school officials—any entity or individual that participates in ED programs or receives ED funding. Through our work, we have unraveled multimillion-dollar fraud schemes by people placed in positions of trust to educate our children. We’re also on the cutting edge of cybersecurity, using the latest technology and techniques to discover and defeat current and emerging threats from cyber and economic crime.

We tackle new and emerging issues head-on and continually work to improve our techniques and capabilities. We consistently expand our expertise by training and developing our staff. This dedication has enabled the OIG to become a leader in the Federal government in the areas of audits, investigations, and fighting cybercrime.

Whether you are just entering the workforce or are a seasoned professional, if you’re looking for a career rather than just a job, and shaping the next generation of American’s tackling tomorrow’s challenges, consider joining our team.

As a Supervisory Information Technology Specialist, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Supervises and manages Information Technology Specialists and Forensic Examiners within the TCD, providing leadership and direction to ensure all members effectively contribute to the division's objectives to include overseeing staff performance and development, conducting performance appraisals, and addressing training and career development needs, all with an emphasis on team cohesion and productivity to foster a collaborative environment that enhances forensic analysis capabilities. Additionally, plans, directs, and manages the overall performance of the TCD, which involves setting strategic goals and objectives, managing resources effectively to support various investigative activities conducted by the OIG.
• Provide expert technical consultation, guidance, and hands-on assistance to OIG investigators and senior management. This includes support with critical evidence retrieval and analysis related to information technology systems. Conduct independent forensic investigations of electronic and digital media. Testify before grand juries, courts, or administrative hearings regarding laboratory quality control procedures and systems, and the specific facts of investigative cases related to forensic laboratory analysis results, as well as testify as an expert witness in computer forensic matters.
• Provide essential administrative and policy direction to align with the agency's mission, managing the division's budget, overseeing financial expenditures, and ensuring compliance with regulations and policies. Make key decisions related to staff training requests, addressing complaints, and upholding performance standards. Additionally, promote team building and identify opportunities for improving organizational practices, thereby shaping a functional and effective environment that supports the division's goals and enhances operational efficiency.
• Oversees the quality assurance processes of the digital forensic laboratory, managing the laboratory’s network and computer infrastructure, and conducting forensic examinations on computers and digital evidence obtained through search warrants, subpoenas, consent to search, or information requests. In addition, provides maintenance, and oversees replacing forensic servers, equipment, workstations, and data storage devices, while ensuring their accountability throughout their lifecycle as well as updating forensic software, operating systems, and computer BIOS as needed.

Conditions of employment

• Must be a US Citizen.
• Males 18 and over must be registered with the Selective Service.
• You may be subject to serve a one-year supervisory probationary period.
• Top Secret Clearance is required.
• May be required to complete a background and fingerprint check.
• Subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.

Condition of Employment:

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a probationary period or trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period OR trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

If you are a current federal employee, you must meet all time-in-grade and time-after competitive appointment qualifications within 30 days of the closing date of this vacancy announcement. To verify that you meet these requirements, we will review your responses to the core eligibility questions on the occupational questionnaire, as well as your submitted resume and required documents. To make an accurate determination, you will need to include on your resume your federal position title, pay plan, occupational series, grade level, agency, dates for which you held the grade level (stated as MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY, OR MM/YYYY to PRESENT), and total hours worked per week. 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).

Qualifications

Basic Experience Requirements:

You must possess IT related experience (paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (e.g., IT certification), as appropriate) demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below.

1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
2. Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (i.e., any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
3. Oral Communication - Expresses information (e.g., ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (e.g., technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
4. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

You may meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-15 if you possess the specialized experience.

Specialized Experience for the GS-15:

One year of specialized experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.  To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to the GS-14 level in the Federal government. 

One year of experience equivalent to the GS-14 performing all three (3) of the following duties or work assignments:

1. Experience in leading and performing complex digital forensic examinations involving computers, mobile devices, and networked systems; providing expert technical guidance to investigators and attorneys; ensuring evidence handling complies with federal legal standards; and preparing detailed forensic reports and briefings supporting criminal, civil, or administrative investigations.  
2. Experience in managing or overseeing a digital forensics or technical investigative program, including developing policies and standard operating procedures, ensuring compliance with federal laws and regulations, coordinating resources, and advising senior leadership on program risks, capabilities, and strategic direction.
3. Experience in supervising or leading multidisciplinary technical staff, conducting performance management activities, coordinating complex investigative support operations, and ensuring quality assurance and operational readiness of forensic processes, tools, and laboratory environments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

The quality of your experience will be measured by the extent to which you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). You do not need to provide separate narrative responses to these KSAs, as they will be measured by your responses to the occupational questionnaire (you may preview the occupational questionnaire by clicking the link at the end of the Evaluations section of this vacancy announcement).

1. Mastery and skill in applying knowledge of OIG organizations, missions, functions, and major issues, as well as the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-130 Appendix III (Cybersecurity of Federal Automated Information Systems), Federal Information Security Act (FISMA), OMB Circular A-123 (Internal Control Systems), OMB Memorandum M-14-03, National Institutes of Standards (NIST) IT security policies, procedures, guidance, and schedules. Knowledge also includes OMB, DHS, NIST, North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Critical Infrastructure Protection standards (CIP), related laws, executive orders, and applicable federal laws and Department of Education regulations and mandatory guidelines.
2. Strong foundation in digital forensics methodologies, evidence handling, and chain-of-custody standards, with familiarity in federal legal frameworks governing digital evidence, including the Federal Rules of Evidence and the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA). Skilled in incident response, malware analysis, and network forensics, including advanced forensic analysis of computers, mobile devices, and cloud environments, with the ability to prepare technical reports and provide expert testimony. Experience with complex investigations, synthesizing findings into actionable intelligence. Desired certifications include (ISC)2 certifications, such as CISSP or CCSP, SANS Institute GIAC certifications (GCFE, GCFA, GNFA), and CFCE from the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists.
3. Thorough understanding of federal regulations pertinent to budget management and financial compliance, such as the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidelines. Skills in financial analysis, budget forecasting, and expenditure oversight are critical for managing the division's budget while ensuring adherence to policies. Proficiency in conflict resolution and performance management is necessary to make informed decisions about staff training and complaints. Knowledge of organizational behavior and team dynamics supports team building and the identification of opportunities to improve operational practices. Effective communication and leadership abilities are crucial for fostering a positive, functional environment that aligns with the agency's mission and enhances overall operational efficiency.
4. Demonstrates understanding of digital forensic laboratory standards and ISO practices. Familiar with cybersecurity frameworks like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and NIST SP 800-53 controls. Skilled in establishing forensic quality assurance programs, managing secure IT environments, and ensuring compliance with security and privacy regulations. Capable of maintaining forensic lab readiness, evaluating emerging technologies, and ensuring process integrity. Proficient in assessing operating systems' security and operations, including installation, configuration, updates, and patches, with knowledge of network equipment for effective digital forensics management.

How you will be evaluated

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

We use a multi-step process to review and evaluate applicants:

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this announcement.

Evaluation will be based on your application materials (such as your resume and supporting documents), your responses to the application questionnaire, and the results of all required assessments.

Resume Requirement
Please limit your resume to 2 pages with the font size no smaller than 10 points.  If your resume is more than 2 pages, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed and considered for the qualifications determination. 

Minimum Qualification Question
As part of the application process, you must answer a minimum qualification question addressing whether you meet the Specialized Experience required for this position, as described in this announcement.

Your response must be supported by the experience documented in your resume. If your resume does not demonstrate the required Specialized Experience, you may be found not qualified.

SME Resume Review
Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will review your resume to determine whether you meet the required Specialized Experience.

SME Structured Interview
You may be invited to participate in a structured interview with one or more Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to assess the required competencies for the position.

Applicants who successfully pass the assessment(s) may be referred to the Hiring Manager for consideration.

You must complete all required steps in the process, including submitting an application and resume and participating in the structured interview, to be considered for this position.