Secure Network Operations - Technical with Security Clearance

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Job description

Duties 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 Secure Network 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 Secure Network Operations 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) . Depending on your career level and role, DHS Cybersecurity Service employees in the Technical Career Track, with a technical capability in Secure Network Operations, will generally apply their expertise to perform a range of tasks, including: Developing and implementing best practices, security guidance and documentation to ensure compliance with DHS or Component information systems (IS) and network policies. Scanning computer networks that DHS or Components rely on to access, share, and store information, diagnosing network connectivity issues or addressing network vulnerabilities. Installing and maintaining network infrastructure device operating system software (e.g., Windows, Linux, iPhone Operating System IOS , firmware). Supporting the implementation of DHS Headquarter (HQ) or Component information security programs, policies, procedures, and tools to optimize asset security and advise on network operations efforts. Assessing effectiveness of security controls through testing and maintaining network infrastructures including software and hardware devices. Actively monitoring computer network, desktop, mobile, and mainframe operating systems and their applications to include network capacity and performance. Engaging with system and network administrators to manage the operation, administration, and maintenance of networks, telecommunication systems, linked systems, and peripherals. Assessing the configuration and optimization of network hubs, routers, and switches (e.g., higher-level protocols, tunneling) in accordance with Departmental or Component policies and best practices supporting the installation and replacement of network hardware. Developing and testing new system design procedures and quality standards to integrate new systems into existing architecture. Actively engaging with stakeholders across Department or Component providing feedback on network requirements, including network architecture and infrastructure when recommending security requirements for minimizing network user risk. Requirements 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 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. 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. DHS Cybersecurity Service employees with a technical capability in Secure Network Operations will generally: Understand the installation, configuration, testing, operation, maintenance, and management of networks and their firewalls, including hardware and software, which permit the sharing and transmission of all spectrum transmissions of information to support the security of information and information systems. 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 Secure Network Operations. DHS Cybersecurity Service jobs are structured cybersecurity specializations - called technical capabilities. To learn more about technical capabilities, visit our application portal . Education Degrees are not required for jobs in the DHS Cybersecurity Service, but DHS is interested in your level of education and the topics you studied. As you submit initial application information, you will be asked questions about your education. Additional information Salary: Listed salary ranges reflects typical starting salaries available to employees in most of the United States across applicable career levels. Within the provided range, average salaries vary for each career level. Senior Cybersecurity Specialist: $104,000 - $133,500 Staff Cybersecurity Specialist: $126,500 - $159,500 Principal Cybersecurity Specialist: $150,800 - $188,000 Senior Principal Cybersecurity Specialist: $166,400 - $207,500 In some geographic areas, average starting salaries will be higher because of a local cybersecurity labor market supplement (e.g., metro Washington, D.C. %). Actual salaries of individual employees may be higher or lower than provided figures. For an overview of the salaries available in the DHS Cybersecurity Service, visit Resources . Benefits: DHS Cybersecurity Service employees receive a range of federal employment benefits designed to support their professional and personal lives. To learn more about benefits, visit our application portal . More information about the specific benefits available to you will be provided as you progress through the application process. Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires each and every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation for a security clearance as a condition of placement in this position. This review includes financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs. Pursuant to Executive Order 12564 and DHS policy, DHS is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Headquarters personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing and all applicants tentatively selected for employment at DHS Headquarters are subject to drug testing resulting in a negative test result. 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. PHASE I: ONLINE ASSESSMENTS 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

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