Summary

This vacancy is being filled via the Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) for an IT Specialist (Information Security) position in the Office of the Chief Information Officer located at the U.S. Census Bureau Headquarters in Suitland, Maryland.

This Job Opportunity Announcement may be used to fill other IT Specialist (Information Security), 2210-13, positions within the Census Bureau in the same geographical location with the same qualifications and specialized experience.

Duties

• Implement and maintain security compliance for assigned information systems.
• Conduct security assessments, continuous monitoring, and vulnerability management.
• Manage security documentation, authorization artifacts, and Plan of Action and Milestones.
• Advise system owners and support secure technology acquisition and operations

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• U.S. Citizen.
• Suitable for Federal employment.
• Registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov).
• A one-year probationary period may be required.
• This is a non-bargaining unit position.
• A USA Hire assessment is required. An email will be sent with additional information after you submit your application. You will have 48 hours from the date you submit your application to complete the assessment.

Qualifications

Specialized Experience: For the GS-13, you must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-12 in the Federal service. Experience for this position includes supporting the security of federal information systems:

• Monitoring information systems security and ensuring an acceptable threshold of risk and compliance with federal cybersecurity policies; and
• Managing systems security posture and risk information utilizing Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) tools, and maintaining security documentation; and
• Conducting vulnerability scans and continuous monitoring activities, coordinating remediation and patching with System Owners, evaluating secure configurations, gathering audit evidence, and developing or maintaining Plan of Action and Milestones and contingency plans; and
• Advising System Owners and System Administrators on security requirements, reviewing acquisition documents for security considerations, and interpreting federal laws, regulations, and policies to ensure effective system security operations.

In addition to the above specialized experience, your resume must demonstrate one year of Information Technology (IT) related experience in the federal service or private or public sector demonstrating the following nine (9) competencies, as defined:

• Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
• Customer Service - Works with clients and customers 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. Note: Clients and customers include 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.
• Decision Making - Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
• Information Management - Identifies a need for and knows where or how to gather information; organizes and maintains information or information management systems.
• Interpersonal Skills - Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations.
• 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.
• Teamwork - Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
• Technical Competence - Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.

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.

Education

Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level.

Additional information

This announcement is issued under the Direct-Hire authority. Consistent with 5 U.S.0 3304(a)(3) and OPM regulations (5 CFR 337 Subpart B) on Direct-Hire: All candidates who meet all the qualification and other eligibility requirements may be referred for consideration. Competitive examining rules providing for rating and ranking and veterans' preference do not apply.

Appointments made under this authority will be processed as new appointments to the Civil Service. Current Civil Service employees would, therefore, be given new appointments to the Civil Service. Current Federal employees may be required to serve a new probationary period (5 CFR 315.802(b).

Individuals who have received a Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment, otherwise known as a buyout, must repay that incentive if they are reemployed by the Federal Government within five years of separation.

Benefits

Help

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.