Summary

This position is located in the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES). The incumbent will support NCSES's mission by planning, developing, managing, implementing, and maintaining information technology security programs, projects, policies, and procedures to protect the integrity and confidentiality of systems, networks, and data.

This announcement will close on 09/22/2026 or once 75 applications are received, whichever occurs first.

Duties

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As a Information Technology Specialist (INFOSEC), GS-2210-14 Direct Hire, you will perform the following duties:

• Provide subject matter expertise and leadership in supporting the implementation of new or revised policies, including the creation of training materials, guidance documents, and communication strategies to ensure successful adoption across the agency and stakeholder groups.
• Develop and maintain relationships with professional associations, industry organizations, and partner entities to stay informed of best practices and trends, integrating these insights into policy development initiatives.
• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments by analyzing quantitative and qualitative data to identify, evaluate, and prioritize potential threats and hazards impacting organizational operations and mission-critical activities. Develop and implement methodologies for risk identification, leveraging advanced modeling tools, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and remote sensing technologies to assess vulnerabilities and consequences.
• Manages the planning, direction, and alignment of information technology (IT) projects, ensuring the effective utilization of resources. Employs project management techniques to control the accomplishment of numerous complex IT projects simultaneously, requiring careful scheduling and control.
• Serves as the expert authority to manage the NCSES IT Security operations, policy, and planning functions for and is responsible for ensuring the review and implementation of policies, instructions, procedures, control systems, and methods for the NCSES-wide IT Security Program, which includes the many contracts employed by NCSES to accomplish its mission.
• Builds and maintains strong working relationships and strategic partnerships with staff and IT partners; assertively builds rapport and trust; actively participates in team meetings to coordinate efforts across various stakeholders, fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Serves as the expert authority to manage the NCSES IT Security operations, policy, and planning functions for and is responsible for ensuring the review and implementation of policies, instructions, procedures, control systems, and methods for the NCSES-wide IT Security Program, which includes the many contracts employed by NCSES to accomplish its mission.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

1. You must be a US citizen.
2. The selectee will be required to undergo a background investigation before onboarding.
3. Selectee may be required to serve a 2-year trial/1-year probationary period.
4. You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.

Additional Requirements:

You must answer all job-related questions in the NSF eRecruit questionnaire and any external assessment that is included.

All online applicants must provide a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full/blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.

It is NSF policy that personnel employed at, or Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) individuals detailed to, NSF are not permitted to participate in foreign talent recruitment programs. Failure to comply with this NSF policy could result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment and referral to the Office of Inspector General.

NSF has determined that all of its positions are eligible for situational telework. Situational telework may be approved on an occasional basis in accordance with agency policy, supervisory approval, and operational requirements. Selected candidates interested in telework, or other workplace flexibility arrangements, should discuss available options with the selecting official. Participation in telework is voluntary and requires an approved telework agreement.

Qualifications

You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. OPM Qualification Standards are available at the Competency-Based Qualification Standard for the Information Technology Management Series, 2210.

Specialized Experience for positions at the GS-12 and above: Experience that demonstrated accomplishment of computer project assignments that required a wide range of knowledge of computer requirements and techniques pertinent to the position to be filled. This knowledge is generally demonstrated by assignments where the applicant analyzed a number of alternative approaches in the process of advising management concerning major aspects of ADP system design, such as what system interrelationships must be considered, or what operating mode, system software, and/or equipment configuration is most appropriate for a given project.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:

TO QUALIFY AT THE GS-14 LEVEL you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 Level in the federal government managing and maintaining Information Technology (IT) security programs to protect the integrity and confidentiality of systems, networks, and data for an organization.

Examples of relevant experience could include:

• Leading a variety of complex IT projects simultaneously.
• Providing advice regarding IT systems, networks, hardware/software.
• Primarily responsible for the security of a management information system for the security and privacy of sensitive data.
• Leading information technology projects from initiation through completion, including planning, requirements development, project scheduling, stakeholder coordination, risk management, implementation, testing, deployment, and project closeout to achieve organizational objectives.

Basic Requirement Competencies: The specialized experience must include, or be supplemented by, information technology-related experience (paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training, as appropriate) which demonstrates each of the competencies, as defined:

1. Attention to Detail
2. Customer Service
3. Decision Making
4. Information Management
5. Interpersonal Skills
6. Oral Communication
7. Problem Solving
8. Teamwork
9. Technical Competency

Experience refers to paid/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/experience that translates directly to paid work. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Education may enhance skills required for this position; however, no substitution of education for specialized experience may be made at this level.

Additional information

Relocation expenses WILL NOT be paid.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)

ICTAP and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP or CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP or CTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified you must meet the following: OPM qualification requirements for the position, all selective factors, where applicable; special OPM approved qualifying conditions for the position; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate, to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and receives a rating of at least "Very Good" on the assessment. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP or CTAP eligibility, or a copy of your separation personnel action form.

Additional information regarding ICTAP or CTAP eligibility is available from OPM's Career Transition Resources

Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) is being used, traditional Veterans' preference rules do not apply. While veterans' preference does not apply in DHA, preference eligibles are encouraged to submit their supporting documentation (DD-214 stating disposition of discharge or character of service, VA letter, SF-15, etc.).

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA 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. 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 RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments.

This announcement may be used to fill similar positions in other organizations within the U.S. National Science Foundation.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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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.