Information Technology Specialist (INFOSEC) - Direct Hire Authority

The U.S. Department of State Headquarters is hiring an Information Technology Specialist (INFOSEC) within the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Office of Technology Innovation and Engineering, Emerging Technologies Division. In this Direct Hire Authority role based in Arlington, VA, you will lead emerging technology initiatives and conduct security reviews and cybersecurity assessments for IT and OT solutions proposed for Department use.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead assigned Innovation and Emerging Technology (IET) initiatives within the Emerging Technologies Division (ETD).
• Plan, coordinate, and conduct research, evaluation, testing, and assessment activities for emerging information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) solutions proposed for Department use.
• Perform comprehensive security reviews of IT and OT solutions to identify vulnerabilities, assess risk, evaluate security controls, and determine compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, standards, and security frameworks.
• Conduct cybersecurity assessments, vulnerability analyses, configuration reviews, and security control evaluations across hardware, software, cloud-based services, communications technologies, and integrated systems proposed for Department use.
• Develop, coordinate, and recommend cybersecurity policies, standards, guidelines, and procedures for the secure implementation and use of emerging technologies, IT systems, and OT solutions.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Subject to random drug testing.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
• Obtain and maintain eligibility to access Sensitive Compartmented Information.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Attention to Detail, including thoroughness and conscientiousness.
• Customer Service skills for assessing needs, providing information or assistance, resolving problems, and meeting expectations.
• Oral Communication skills, including clear presentations and appropriate responsiveness to others.
• Problem Solving skills, including identifying issues, evaluating information, and making recommendations using sound judgment.
• At least 1 full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service.
• Experience conducting cybersecurity assessments to identify, evaluate, and prioritize vulnerabilities and threats.
• Experience recommending safeguards and corrective actions to reduce risk and strengthen security protections.
• Experience delivering cybersecurity consulting and advisory services to stakeholders on secure implementation of IT and Operational Technology systems.
• Experience must be IT related; may be shown through paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific intensive training (for example, an IT certification), as appropriate.
• No substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-13 position.

Technologies and Systems

• Cloud-based services
• Communications technologies
• IT
• OT
• E-Verify

How the Job Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed above. The application process includes ApplyGov Competency Based Assessments that assign a score between 70 and 100. For top qualified candidates, subject matter experts will conduct a resume review based on total score.

• Timed sections are included in the assessment and must be completed within the allotted timeframe.
• Resumes longer than two pages will be deemed ineligible.
• Applications meeting required qualifications and the cutoff score will be referred to the selecting official in the order received.
• Competencies assessed include: Oral Communication, Writing, Interpersonal Skills, Problem Solving, Teamwork, Technology Orientation, Customer Service, Attention to Detail, and Self-Management.
• The external (non-supervisory) assessment score will remain on file for 180 days.
• Top applicants may be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration.
• You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Direct Hire Authority and Application Information

This public notice gathers applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection. Under the Direct-Hire Authority, veterans’ preference and traditional rating and ranking of applications does not apply. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement, and if eligible, applicants may be referred to other similar positions in other Bureaus/Offices for up to 240 days. Telework eligibility and security clearance requirements may vary for those positions.

• To be considered Well-Qualified: score 85 or above, meet Minimum Qualifications, and demonstrate proficiency in some, but not all major aspects of the position.
• CTAP and ICTAP eligibility may provide selection priority if rated in the Well-Qualified category and supporting documents are submitted as required.

Required Documents

• All required documents applicable to you must be submitted to the automated system by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date.
• Resume limited to two pages, including relevant work/volunteer experience, education and training, start/end dates (month/year to month/year), and hours per week worked/volunteered.
• Other qualification documentation (for example, certificates/certifications), if applicable.
• Veterans’ Preference documentation, if applicable.
• ICTAP/CTAP documentation, if applicable (for example, RIF notice, RIF separation SF-50, certification of expected separation, etc.).

Location, Schedule, and Workplace Options

• Location: Arlington, VA (onsite)
• Remote job: No
• Telework eligible: Yes, as determined by agency policy (situational telework agreements may be permitted with supervisory approval)
• Relocation expenses reimbursed: No
• 1 vacancy

Closing and Application Steps

This job will close when 100 applications have been received, which may occur sooner than the posted closing date. Applicants must complete the application process by 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date.

• Click Apply and attach your resume and required documents.
• Complete the online assessment questions (Step 3).
• Technical assistance is available via [email protected] or (866) 656-6830 between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET.
• If extreme hardship prevents online submission, alternate application procedures may be requested.

Reasonable Accommodations

For reasonable accommodation requesting additional time on timed assessment sections, submit your request using the “Request a Reasonable Accommodation” button within the Assessment Application. For other reasonable accommodations, contact OAA at [email protected].

Next Steps After Application

• After receipt of the online application package, you will be notified through USAJOBS of your qualification status and referral or non-referral to the hiring official.
• If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.
• If a tentative job offer is made, a suitability and/or security background investigation will be conducted.
• You will be notified up to four times during the hiring process: upon receipt of your application; upon minimum qualification determinations; after the list of eligibles is issued; after final selection is made.