Defense Threat Reduction Agency

IT CYBERSECURITY SPECIALIST (SECURITY)

Defense Threat Reduction Agency • $108K — $130K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of IT cybersecurity experience, including at least 1 year at GS-13 level
  • Proven experience managing Risk Management Framework lifecycle
  • Expertise in directing cybersecurity incident responses and threat hunting
  • Knowledge in designing zero-trust architectures and advanced cryptographic solutions
  • Ability to advise leadership on cyber risk posture and remediation strategies

Responsibilities

  • Serve as a cybersecurity SME and technical authority for the Defense Stockpile Management System
  • Manage IT cybersecurity personnel to enhance security activities
  • Develop long and short-term plans and policies for cybersecurity improvement
  • Oversee countermeasures to protect sensitive information on networks
  • Coordinate troubleshooting efforts during cybersecurity incidents
  • Conduct required cyber-security training for users

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package for federal employees
  • Access to various family health benefits
  • Potential recruitment incentives based on funding
  • Opportunity for professional development and training
  • Flexible work schedules and possible limited telework options
Full Job Description
Summary

This position may be filled using Direct Hire Authority: Z5CAV/Direct-Hire Authority (Certain DoD Personnel) PL 118-31, Sec 125OB (i)(2), 12/22/2023. This position is being filled under the memorandum from the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)) "Expansion of Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of War," dated December 19,2025.

This position is part of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

Duties

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As a IT CYBERSECURITY SPECIALIST (SECURITY) at the GS-2210-14 some of your typical work assignments may include:

  • The incumbent serves as a cyber-security subject matter expert (SME) and cyber technical authority for the Defense Stockpile Management System (DSMS) that includes the joint DOE-DoD DIAMONDS-Energy eXchange (DEX) Portal which is a sophisticated joint collaborative technical effort between DTRA and DOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).
  • This position manages a group of military, civilian and contractor IT cyber security personnel in maintaining, improving, and responding to cyber security activities.
  • The incumbent will drive the development of long and short-term plans, policies and remediation for Agency level cyber-security posture management and improvement and cyber audit readiness.
  • Oversees the development of cyber-security countermeasures necessary to protect sensitive and classified information on the DSMS networks.
  • Serves as a cyber-security SME and will advise infrastructure and systems resources with existing and new technology deployments to assure adequate security measures are implemented to enhance the cyber-security posture and information assurance (IA) of the DSMS AIS.
  • Performs risk mitigation tasks proactively by participating in cyber-security forums and working groups. Upon detection of an intrusion, coordinates troubleshooting and resolution efforts to alleviate or mitigate data loss or system non-availability. Conducts required cyber-security training for individual users.


Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Occasional Travel - Required up to 10% of duty time. Frequent CONUS/OCONUS travel is required (approximately 4 times per year)
  • Work Schedule: Full-time
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
  • Overtime/compensatory time may be required to accommodate operational needs of the organization
  • Tour of Duty: Flexible
  • Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized based on available funding
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
  • Financial Disclosure: Not Required
  • Telework Eligibility: This position is in-person located at Ft. Belvoir, VA. May be eligible for limited, situational telework subject to supervisory approval and not to exceed current Agency guidelines. Not eligible for remote telework
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance
  • Subject to pre-employment drug testing and periodic drug testing thereafter
  • Upon entering this position, you must maintain 8140 compliance by qualifying foundationally within 9 months, and residentially within 12 months, as referenced in DoDM 8140.03.
  • Cyber Code: 652 (Advanced) required. Access https://www.cyberworkforce.mil/Department-Cyber-Workforce-Framework/Dashboard/ to
    review approved cyber work role codes, elements, and related information.
  • The incumbent is considered Mission Essential Personnel
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a current valid passport
  • The incumbent will be required to travel on military and commercial aircraft


Qualifications

You may qualify at the GS-14, if you fulfill the following qualifications:

A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service as listed below:

  • Managed the Risk Management Framework lifecycle including Assessment and Authorization activities, continuous monitoring, and providing risk-based recommendations.
  • Directed cybersecurity incident response operations, threat hunting initiatives, and enterprise vulnerability management programs to mitigate advance persistent threats.
  • Designed and evaluated zero-trust architectures, cloud environments and advanced cryptograhic solutions for enterprise IT architectures.
  • Act as the senior technical authority for the cybersecurity of enterprise level programs covering infrastructure and network, while also advising leadership on cyber risk posture, security impact of new technologies, and remediation strategies.
  • Managed the full lifecycle of cybersecurity programs, defining technical road maps, and ensuring team members maintain certifications.


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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

In addition to meeting qualifications, your application package must reflect the applicable experience to meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 2210, series as listed below:

Experience must be IT related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate GS-5 through GS-15 (or equivalent): For all positions individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below. The employing agency is responsible for identifying the specific level of proficiency required for each competency at each grade level based on the requirements of the position being filled.

  • Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
  • Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, 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.
  • Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
  • Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
    and
    Specialized Experience for GS-7 (or equivalent) and Above: Positions at GS-7 (or equivalent) and above require one year of specialized experience at the next lower GS-grade (or equivalent). Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Such experience is typically gained in the IT field or through the performance of work where the primary concern is IT. The employing agency is responsible for defining the specialized experience based on the requirements of the position being filled.


Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.

Additional information

Other Notes:

  • This is a Defense Cyber Workforce (DCWF) position. Upon entering this position, you must maintain 8140 compliance by qualifying foundationally within 9 months, residentially within 12 months, and a minimum of 20 hours of continuous professional development annually, as referenced in DoDM 8140.03. Failure to comply with DoD 8140 requirements can result in removal of duties. The incumbent must fully achieve the required foundational qualification within nine (9) months from their official assignment or appointment date to the position. Foundational Qualifications: Under DoD Manual 8140.03, a one-time waiver extension of up to six (6) months may be authorized by the DTRA CISO under documented, extenuating circumstances. Residential Qualifications: The incumbent must fully achieve the required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Tasks (KSATs) and Environment Specific requirements (if applicable), within twelve (12) months from their official assignment date to the position. Continuing Education Requirements (to Maintain Certification) Upon satisfying foundational and residential qualifications, the incumbent must complete and document a minimum of 20 Continuous Professional Development (CPD) hours annually. CPD may be achieved through a variety of relevant activities including cyber certification renewal CPEs.
  • Cyber Work Role: 652 - Advanced: Access https://www.cyberworkforce.mil/Department-Cyber-Workforce-Framework/Dashboard/ to review approved cyber work role codes, elements, and related information.


RE-EMPLOYED ANNUITANT: This position does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/140025_vol300.PDF?ver=LQ7feWw-8-5DI2tceUpmgA%3d%3d

All applicants must meet qualifications and eligibility criteria by the closing date of the announcement.

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.

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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.

About Defense Threat Reduction Agency

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is an agency of the United States Department of Defense (DoD) and is headquartered in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The agency is responsible for countering weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and reducing the threat posed by WMD to the United States and its allies. DTRA provides research, development, testing, and evaluation services to the DoD and other government agencies. The agency was established in 1998 and has since played a key role in the U.S. government's efforts to prevent the proliferation of WMD.
Learn more about Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Size
2,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1998

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