Information Technology Specialist; INFOSEC; 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed above. The application process includes Apply Gov 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.

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…