IT Specialist

Summary Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program is available. This position is located in the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO). OCIO provides information technology planning, design, application development, systems administration, telecommunications, information assurance/security, information management, and information technology (IT) customer support services for FSIS. The incumbent serves as an IT Specialist (InfoSec) within a Branch of OCIO. Responsibilities Managing Information Assurance activities for applications in support of FSIS business practices ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems, networks, and data through IT security programs, policies, procedures, and tools. Serving as the Subject Matter Expect (SME) for USDA Data Calls for Plan of Actions and Milestones (POAMs), Vulnerability Assessments, and Assessment and Authorization (A and A) activities within their designated branch. Working with the Incident Response Team to address security incidents that occurs with systems in the production environment Gathering all evidence for audit inquiries and investigations done by any third-party entity conducting security audit work to measure the maturity and effectiveness of FSIS against FISMA requirements. Serving as the lead who coordinates Assessment and Authorization (A and A) packages, risk management, vulnerability assessments, and mitigation strategies across USDA and FSIS business partners. Interpreting regulatory requirements for government systems per guidance from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Implementing all steps within the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and FEDRamp to safeguard data, IT systems residing on premises, or in the cloud space with adequate security controls to safeguard. Ensuring execution of security measures for IT systems which includes the development of the Assessment and Authorization (A and A) schedule for security activities that is approved by the Branch Chief and the CISO before start of the calendar year. Addressing changes to Information System assets to mitigate vulnerabilities in a timely manner from automated tools or Security Assessment Report (SAR) findings. Providing guidance on security activities for the development of accreditation/re-accreditation documentation of all IT Systems and participating in studies as the network authority/advisor for automation security technology. Participating in special studies involving problem definition, alternative development, and recommended resolutions concerning Automated Data Processing security related matters. Providing Subject Matter Expect (SME) input/guidance to the Branch regarding special projects involving problem definition, alternative development, and Automated Data Processing security matters. Creating and updating existing security documentation for Accreditation Packages used to acquire an Authority to Operate (ATO) approval for each IT System. Ensuring system-level security procedures and policies are consistent with USDA cybersecurity policies and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience, as defined below. For the GS-13 level: Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level. Specialized experience for this position includes: Applying IT Security principles using Information Security standards, policies, and guidance to certify systems accreditation. Knowledge of penetration test exercises and ability to collaborate with business partners to devise mitigation strategies based on findings from security audits. Interpreting and applying security concepts and methods with various COTs and opensource technologies for IT Systems in stages of development or production. Understanding IT and cybersecurity principles, controls, methods, and standards (such as FedRAMP, DISA STIGs, FIPS 140 controls, FISM, etc.) Ensuring/coordinating system-wide security procedures are consistent with agency cybersecurity policies and frameworks (such as NIST), and reviews security policy and procedures against regulatory requirements to determine compliance. Basic Requirements: All applicants qualifying based on experience must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below. Please refer to the competency definition shown below, when addressing those competencies. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations. For more information on the qualifications for this position, click Information Technology (IT) Management Series, 2210 Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education Education may not be used to substitute for specialized experience or to qualify for this position. Additional Information This announcement may be used to fill additional like vacancies. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL) applicants: To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated qualified based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. Follow this link to the Office of Personnel Management's website for information on how to apply CTAP, ICTAP, or RPL applicant: It is the policy of the government not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or has had financial difficulties that have arisen through no fault of the individual. See more information at this link: CHCO Council If you are selected, you may need to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) prior to being appointed to determine suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. False statements or responses on a resume or application can jeopardize employment and may be grounds for disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the USDA TARGET Center at (voice and TDD). The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Services has authority to recruit and fill Permanent (Career/Career-Conditional) positions under Direct Hire Authority. Under this authority, any U.S. citizen may apply. For more information on the Government-wide Direct Hire Authority positions click here Recruitment incentives may be offered to those who are eligible. Incentives are neither implied nor guaranteed. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information please visit: PSLF Program.