Information Technology Specialist (Security)

This position is located in the Monitoring and Incident Response Division (MIRD), Office of Cybersecurity, Testing, Monitoring and Response (CTMR), Cyber Operations Directorate (CO), Bureau of Diplomatic Technology (DT). The division safeguards State Department IT systems by detecting cyber threats, responding to incidents, and monitoring network activity to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical data. The duty station is Beltsville, MD. Utilizes cyber defense tools to continuously monitor and analyze enterprise systems to detect malicious activity. Lead analyst teams, as an Incident Commander, in handling novel and sophisticated cyber-attacks and serve as a subject matter expert. Analyze malicious activity to determine attack path, exploitation, and effects on systems and information. Document and escalate incidents that can potentially cause ongoing and immediate impact to the environment. Adhere to incident response processes and recommend process and or policy improvements. Provide cybersecurity recommendations to Senior Leadership and advise on deficiencies and corrective actions. Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement. Applicants applying for the GS-13 grade level must meet the following requirements: Have IT-related experience demonstrating EACH of the four competencies AND specialized experience listed below: Attention to Detail • Monitors and analyzes network activity, documents and correlates incidents, and ensures controls and processes accurately address identified risks. Customer Service • Provides timely alerts, reports, and recommendations to Department leadership and other stakeholders, and follows up to ensure corrective actions are completed. Oral Communication • Delivers clear, authoritative briefings and incident updates to leadership and contractor teams, explaining threats, impacts, and recommended actions. Problem Solving • Manages the full incident lifecycle, evaluates and improves cybersecurity capabilities and processes, leads CIRT projects, and directs contractor efforts to resolve complex cyber threats. AND Have at least 1 full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service which provided you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Experience as a senior cyber incident responder managing cybersecurity events from detection and monitoring through analysis and mitigation of threats. Experience documenting and escalating cyber incidents, analyzing incident and trend data to assess attack effectiveness, and applying and improving incident response processes. Experience briefing senior leadership and contractor teams on cybersecurity risks and solutions through oral and written reports. NOTE: In order to qualify for this position, your experience MUST be IT related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate. There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-13 position. Education requirements do not apply to this vacancy announcement.