IT Cybersecurity Specialist

The IT Cybersecurity Specialist role at US Bonneville Power Administration focuses on computer forensics and incident investigations, including evidence preservation, analysis, and documentation.

• Use host-based forensic tools such as Encase or FTK to search for, prepare, and support digital evidence
• Obtain and image digital devices; document device information to support investigations and inquiries
• Search and examine a range of digital devices and computers across Windows, Linux, and Unix operating environments
• Examine and analyze evidence from magnetic media storage, including floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, optical disks, memory cards, magnetic strip cards, and similar media
• Analyze raw data (for example, malware and network packets), log information, and other sources during incident response
• Produce accurate, clear, comprehensive reports of findings that non-technical personnel can understand
• Support conclusions with a documented chain of facts and evidence, and ensure proper protection of evidence used in investigations

Requirements

• Must be a United States Citizen
• Employer participates in E-Verify
• Males must meet Selective Service registration requirements
• Required to report in person to the official duty location
• Suitable for federal employment based on a background investigation
• May be required to complete a probationary period
• Position is designated Critical-Sensitive, High Risk, Tier 5 and requires a DOE “Q” level security clearance
• Incumbent must access, process, use, and safeguard classified information
• Must obtain and maintain the required clearance level; failure may result in separation from federal service
• Initial drug test required prior to appointment; random drug or drug and alcohol testing thereafter
• May be required to participate in scheduled or ad hoc on-call duties, including after hours, weekends, and holidays at management discretion
• Exposure to extremely sensitive unclassified information (SUI) and extremely high level network access requires confidentiality, discretion, professionalism, and skill
• Must qualify for (and continue to hold) security clearance for top secret (Q) to maintain the position
• Experience must be IT related; may be shown via paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific intensive training (for example, IT certification)
• Must have at least 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) in the Federal service
• Specialized experience includes (as stated):
  • Using forensic tools to acquire and analyze digital evidence from computer hard drives and servers in support of cyber investigations
  • Analyzing system logs and network traffic to identify potential security incidents and indicators of compromise
  • Preparing technical reports documenting findings from forensic or security analyses
• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Oral Communication
• Problem Solving
• No specific education requirements and no substitution of education for experience for this position
• All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by 08/13/2026

Technologies

• Encase
• FTK
• Windows
• Linux
• Unix

Job Information

• Location: Portland, OR (onsite)
• Salary: USD 96,443 - 125,378 per year
• Experience: 1+ years
• Open to: U.S. Citizens, Nationals, or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
• Hiring: Direct Hire Public Notice

Conditions of Employment

• Applicants are encouraged to respond to four short, free-response essay questions
• You will be asked eligibility and qualification questions during the application process; must answer completely and truthfully
• May be required to complete a probationary period
• Security clearance at the DOE Q level required; must access, process, use, and safeguard classified information
• Initial drug test prior to appointment; random drug or drug and alcohol testing thereafter
• May require scheduled or ad hoc on-call duties, including after hours, weekends, and holidays

How You Will Be Evaluated

• Evaluation based on how well you meet the qualifications above
• Position announced under a government-wide Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) for IT Cybersecurity Specialist positions in the 2210 series
• Veteran’s Preference, category rating, and traditional rating and ranking do not apply under the DHA process
• HR/SME will review a two-page resume and supporting documentation to determine whether you meet minimum qualifications
• Incomplete resumes, missing documentation, or failure to submit required materials by the vacancy close may result in “ineligible” or “not qualified”
• Competencies used for evaluation (as listed): Accountability; Attention to Detail; Customer Service; Decision Making; Flexibility; Influencing/Negotiating; Integrity/Honesty; Interpersonal Skills; Learning; Reading Comprehension; Reasoning; Self-Management; Stress Tolerance; Teamwork
• Must complete all required steps, including an online assessment with a cut score
• Must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered

Required Documents

• Two (2) page RESUME including relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) with:
  • Duties performed
  • Full name and address of each employer
  • Start and end dates (month/day/year)
  • Work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent)
  • Salary
  • Education and training details (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date)
• Cover Letter: optional
• Transcripts, if specific educational requirements are indicated
• CTAP/ICTAP documentation, if applicable

How to Apply

• Complete the initial online application on USAJOBS and submit required documentation
• Submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date to receive consideration
• Must have a login.gov account to sign into USAJOBS
• Click Apply Online, answer questionnaire items, and attach required/supporting documents
• Click Submit Application before 11:59 pm (ET) on the announcement closing date
• After submission, you may be notified whether additional assessments are required through the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment system