The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is recruiting professionals to support a range of Secure Network Operations initiatives. These individuals will serve as members of the DHS Cybersecurity Service across the Department, including supporting several specialized programs at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). All positions are in the DHS Cybersecurity Service.
DHS Cybersecurity Service (DHS-CS) uses a multi-phase assessment process to qualify applicants seeking employment through the DHS-CS. Given the ever-advancing nature of cybersecurity and the ongoing need for cybersecurity talent, DHS-CS uses "Talent Pools" to pull qualified applicants (i.e., individuals who have successfully completed the multi-phase assessment process for their capability and career track/level) for consideration for these jobs.
This announcement is being used to fill the Secure Network Operations Talent Pool. By applying to this job announcement, you are opting to be part of the DHS-CS Talent Pool for ongoing consideration for employment for relevant open jobs and will remain eligible for consideration for up to one year from the date of completion.
There are a variety of opportunities across the Department, including supporting several specialized programs at the DHS Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans (PLCY ), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) , DHS Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) , and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) . These opportunities are in the DHS Cybersecurity Service in the Developmental Career Track and encompass roles such as Software Engineer, Systems Analyst, Network Engineer, Distributed Systems Engineer, and Network Operations Specialist. As an employee in the Development Track, you will continually and proactively participate in learning activities to enhance and apply your developing expertise in the technical capability of Secure Network Operations to perform a range of routine tasks, including:
- Applying basic or intermediate-level skills to scan computer networks that DHS or Components rely on to access, share, and store information, diagnosing network connectivity issues or addressing network vulnerabilities.
- Understanding, developing, and supporting the implementation of best practices, security guidance and documentation to ensure compliance with DHS or Component information systems (IS) and network policies.
- Correctly installing and maintaining network infrastructure device operating system software (e.g., Windows, Linux, iPhone Operating System IOS , firmware).
- Applying tactics to evaluate the effectiveness of security controls through testing and maintaining network infrastructures, including software and hardware devices.
- Supporting the monitoring of computer networks, desktops, mobiles, and mainframe operating systems and their applications to include network capacity and performance.
- Supporting system and network administrators in order to manage the operation, administration, and maintenance of networks, telecommunication systems, linked systems, and peripherals.
- Assessing configurations and optimizations of network hubs, routers, and switches (e.g., higher-level protocols, tunneling) in accordance with Departmental or Component policies and best practices.
- Supporting the installation and replacement of network hardware.
- Working with teams to test new system design procedures and quality standards in order to integrate new systems into existing architecture.
- Actively building a peer network across the organization to create collaborative networks,
- Seeking opportunities to assist others in addressing new or complex cybersecurity challenges affecting DHS security systems or devices.
This position is in the Developmental Track at the Associate Cybersecurity Specialist level. At this level, individuals generally:
- Have 3+ years of cybersecurity work experience.
- Are capable of serving as a cybersecurity professional with some experience who applies still-burgeoning technical expertise to perform routine work with significant supervision and clear guidance.
DHS Cybersecurity Service employees with a technical capability in Secure Network Operations will generally:
- Understand the installation, configuration, testing, operation, maintenance, and management of networks and their firewalls, including hardware and software, which permit the sharing and transmission of all spectrum transmissions of information to support the security of information and information systems.
DHS Cybersecurity Service employees start at career levels and salaries matching their experience and expertise. In recruiting for this opportunity, DHS may hire employees at higher or lower career levels and associated salaries. To learn more about DHS Cybersecurity Service career tracks and levels, visit our application portal .
This position is focused on Secure Network Operations.
DHS Cybersecurity Service jobs are structured cybersecurity specializations - called technical capabilities. To learn more about technical capabilities, visit our application portal .
