SummaryThe Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is recruiting professionals to support a range of technical roles in Secure Network Operations, including Systems Administrator, Network Engineer, Distributed Systems Engineer, and Network Operations Specialist. All positions are in the DHS Cybersecurity Service.
DutiesHelp
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), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) , DHS Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE), and the U.S. Secret Service.
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.
RequirementsHelp
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.
QualificationsDHS 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. DHS Cybersecurity Service jobs are structured cybersecurity specializations - called technical capabilities. To learn more about technical capabilities, visit our application portal.
EducationDegrees 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 informationSalary: 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: $106,700 - $138,000
Staff Cybersecurity Specialist: $129,700 - $163,00
Principal Cybersecurity Specialist: $154,600 - $196,500
Senior Principal Cybersecurity Specialist: $170,600 - $214,500
In some geographic areas, average starting salaries will be higher because of a local cybersecurity labor market supplement (e.g., metro Washington, D.C. +10%).
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.
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.
BenefitsHelp
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.
