IT CYBERSECURITY SPECIALIST (INFOSEC)

About the role

Who may apply: All US Citizens Applicants for Cleveland positions may be placed at Bratenahl. We may use this announcement to fill other positions in the Information & Technology Directorate. This job announcement uses the USA Hire Assessment to evaluate applicants.

For more information, visit USA Hire Assessment.

What you will do

• Conducts information systems security evaluations, audits, assessments and reviews to identify vulnerabilities, risks and protection needs.
• Assesses security threats and implements corrective action.
• Implements modifications to systems to minimize vulnerabilities.
• Troubleshoots security threats and vulnerabilities in response to incident reports.
• Monitors and evaluates compliance with IT security policies and procedures in the development of information systems.
• Understands core components of Federal Information Systems Control Audit Manual (FISCAM) and will assist applications with FISCAM and audit compliance questions and requirements.
• Participates in network and systems design to ensure implementation of appropriate systems security policies and procedures.
• Continually evaluates and recommends adoption of new IT security methods that enhance capabilities.

Education

**This Job Opportunity Announcement is using an additional online assessment tool to evaluate applicants. Please review the HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED, REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, HOW TO APPLY and NEXT STEPS sections below for instructions.

YOU MUST SUBMIT TRANSCRIPTS IF YOU ARE SUBSITUTING EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED **Combination of education and experience is not applicable for this Job Series.** For Entry at the GS-07, Substitution of education for experience: One full year of graduate level education in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management; or superior academic achievement (SAA) with a degree that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified above and required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or networks, may be substituted to meet the specialized experience requirement.

Combination of education and experience is not applicable for this position. Additional information on S.A.A. and/or which Honor Societies are recognized click on the link to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Classification & Qualifications Standards: Superior Academic Achievement.

For Entry at the GS-09, Substitution of education for experience: Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management or degree that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified above and required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or networks.

Combination of education and experience is not applicable for this position.

For Entry at the GS-11, Substitution of education for experience: A qualifying Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management or degree that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified above and required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or networks.

Combination of education and experience is not applicable for this position.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.

You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): The USA Hire Assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies.

You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered.

You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

You can preview the Assessment Questionnaire here:*** Criminal History Inquiries - If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer.

If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency @ *** (this call center group box will be the intake for complaints and will forward to appropriate POCs).

Documents you must provide

• you are encouraged to choose only ONE method of submitting your resume.
• (HR will review the resume that the system date stamps as the latest one received and this may not be the resume which best reflects your qualifications for the job and may result in an ineligible rating.) You may submit your resume by: attaching in your USAJOBS account; uploading in your Application Manager account; OR faxing.
• Complete Assessment Questionnaire Other Supporting Documents If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here.
• The following documents are ONLY required if applicable to your personal qualifications or status.
• They must be received by the closing date of the announcement or at the time of application if applying to an announcement with an extended closing date.
• Transcripts and/or Certifications: You must submit documentation if you are substituting education for experience.
• Many applicants must also submit documentation for proof of meeting the basic education requirement.
• For additional information on acceptable documents, click here Transcripts and Certifications.
• You must also document your education and/or certifications in your resume.
• To be creditable, education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• You may submit a cover letter which will be forwarded to the selecting official with your resume.
• Your cover letter will not be used to verify your qualifications or determine eligibility for preference.
• Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: must be selected and placed at the highest grade level for which they have applied and been determined best qualified up to and including the full performance level.
• You must include a completed copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Spouse Preference.
• To download the checklist, select "Save" or "Save As" instead of "Open." Save the document to your device then open it as a PDF.
• Once the form is opened, select "Enable All Features" and the form will populate so that it can be completed. *** Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians PPP Eligible: must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified.
• You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician preference.
• Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
• Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians Receiving Disability Retirement PPP Eligible: must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified.
• You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability preference.
• Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
• Retained Grade PPP Eligible: must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified.
• You must include a completed copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Retained Grade preference.
• Click here to obtain a copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
• WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including any required documentation by 11:59 PM (EST) on the 11/17/2026, or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration.
• To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and More Information.
• The Details page will display the status of your application.
• It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, or faxed is received, legible and accurate.
• HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.

What to expect next

The resume you submit will be used to assess your qualifications for the job and to identify the best-qualified applicants to be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews. We will notify you of the outcome after each of these steps is completed.

After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.

Additional information

This job announcement uses the USA Hire Assessment to evaluate applicants. For more information, visit USA Hire Assessment For Reasonable Accommodation Requests, see the How to Apply section. Telework availability will be based upon the mission requirements and supervisory determination.

This position is being filled under the Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense via delegated authority by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Veteran's preference does not apply under this Direct Hire Authority (DHA). Selections are subject to restrictions resulting from the DoD Program for Stability of Civilian Employment.

As a condition of employment, you may be required to serve a 1 year probation during which we'll evaluate if continued employment advances public interest. The evaluation considers: performance & conduct; needs & interests of the agency; if continued employment advances agency goals; if continued employment advances the efficiency of the Federal service.

At the end of the probationary period, employment will be terminated unless you receive certification that continued employment advances public interest. We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date. Position is Non-Exempt at the GS-07 & GS-09 levels and Exempt at the GS-11 & 12 level, from the Fair Labor Standards Act.

This position will be covered by a formal training under the DFAS Career Acclimation Program (DCAP). Promotion is conditional based on performance, successful completion of training, and availability of higher graded work. Participants who do not successfully complete the program may be separated.

For grades below the full performance level, only MSP/PPP eligible candidates who currently occupy a formal training program position will be entitled to exercise their priority preference. DFAS recognizes the value of competencies gained through formal education and professional certifications.

To ensure consistent credit is given for these credentials DFAS has developed standard selection criteria to be used when filling positions in professional and administrative series. Selections for professional and administrative positions will be based on four categories of selection criteria: Experience, Other, Education, and Certifications.

Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or be exempt from Selective Service (see ***). Retired Civil Service Employee: Employment of retired Federal employees receiving an annuity is subject to the requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) policy guidance. (See DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 300, here).

Security Designation varies dependent upon position and may require a secret clearance or higher. Employmentrequires a background investigation which may delay starting date. If selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time, the employment offer may be withdrawn.

Individualsare required to obtain/maintain a favorable security determination to occupy a sensitive position as a condition of employment.

Failure to maintain eligibility to occupy a sensitive position may result in termination.

For more information see the security section of Understanding Vacancy Announcements. Applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact *** for assistance.