Secure Network Operations - Leadership

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• Search, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is recruiting professionals to support a range of leadership roles in Secure Network Operations, including Systems Administrators, Network Engineering Leads, Distributed Systems Engineering Leads, and Network Operations Managers., There are a variety of Secure Network Operations 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), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the U.S. Secret Service.

Depending on your career level and role, DHS Cybersecurity Service employees in the Leadership Career Track, with a technical capability in Secure Network Operations, will generally apply their expertise to perform a range of tasks, including:

• Working with stakeholders to develop and implement best practices, security guidance and documentation to ensure compliance with DHS or Component information systems (IS) and network policies.
• Overseeing and/or leading a team(s) scanning computer networks that DHS or Components rely on to access, share, and store information, diagnosing network connectivity issues or addressing network vulnerabilities.
• Leading a team installing and maintaining network infrastructure device operating system software (e.g., Windows, Linux, iPhone Operating System [IOS], firmware).
• Proposing, overseeing and/or organizing collaborative efforts to implement DHS Headquarter (HQ) or Component information security programs, policies, procedures, and tools to optimize asset security and advise on network operations efforts.
• Proactively assessing effectiveness of security controls through testing and maintaining network infrastructures including software and hardware devices.
• Leading or managing a team(s) monitoring computer network, desktop, mobile, and mainframe operating systems and their applications to include network capacity and performance.
• Engaging with system and network administrators to manage the operation, administration, and maintenance of networks, telecommunication systems, linked systems, and peripherals.
• Overseeing assessments of the configuration and optimization 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.
• Customizing communications on developing and testing new system design procedures and quality standards to integrate new systems into existing architecture.
• Working with stakeholders across Department or Component providing feedback on network requirements, including network architecture and infrastructure when recommending security requirements for minimizing network user risk., Pursuant to Executive Order 12564 and DHS policy, DHS is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Headquarters personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing and all applicants tentatively selected for employment at DHS Headquarters are subject to drug testing resulting in a negative test result., All DHS Cybersecurity Service (DHS-CS) applicants participate in a multi-phase assessment process, which varies by career track. For the Leadership Career Track, applicants participate in a three-phase assessment process:
• You must successfully complete each phase to advance to the next phase
• The total time commitment for the three phases is approximately 5-6 hours (many applicants require less time!)
• Before each phase, DHS will e-mail you instructions and information to help you prepare.
• Assessments are time sensitive, so monitor your e-mail to ensure you have plenty of time to complete them prior to any deadlines.

PHASE I: ONLINE ASSESSMENTS

• Unproctored - Completed online within a prescribed period of time
• Includes three assessments: (1) a work styles inventory that will take about 30 minutes to complete; (2) a work simulation that you will have up to 2 hours to complete; and (3) a leadership simulation that you will have up to 2.5 hours to complete
• The three assessments take about 3 hours (on average) to complete
• Requires a computer with audio (speakers or headphones) and a reliable internet connection
• No knowledge of DHS or cybersecurity is required for these assessments, which measure non-technical capabilities that are important for professional success in the DHS-CS. This includes how you communicate, analyze information, and collaborate with others:
• The work styles inventory presents you with questions about your work-related interests and preferences.
• The work simulation presents you with realistic, work-related scenarios and asks you to respond to them.

PHASE II: TECHNICAL CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT

• Proctored - must be scheduled in advance and completed at a designated assessment center within a prescribed period of time
• There is a different assessment for each DHS-CS technical capability (visit Jobs to learn more about the technical capabilities).
• Most individuals only have a primary technical capability and complete only one Technical Capability Assessment, but in limited circumstances, you may complete a second Technical Capability Assessment
• You will have up to 2.5 hours to complete each Technical Capability Assessment; each takes about 90 minutes (on average) to complete
• Assessments present realistic, work-related cybersecurity scenarios/questions to assess technical skills
• Cybersecurity knowledge is assessed, but no knowledge of DHS is required

Phase III: LEADERSHIP SIMILATION ASSESSMENT

• Applicants who successfully complete Phase II will undergo a resume review to confirm required experience. More information will be provided to such applicants as they progress through the application process., * Your resume. To help you prepare your resume before applying to the DHS Cybersecurity Service, visit our application portal and read the “Resume Tips” guide.
• If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the online assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here.
• If you are a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee please submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:- Position title- Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee)- Agency- Beginning and ending dates of appointment., * After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA HIRE platform. This message will be delivered via email notification.
• If you are asked to take the online assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.

Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning online assessments. Note: set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found on the Additional Application Information page that can be located in the application record in your USAJOBS account.

Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing online assessments on the USA HIRE platform, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the online assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the online assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the online assessments. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for online assessments here: http://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire., Note: If you successfully complete the application process and receive a tentative DHS Cybersecurity Service job offer, applicable employment eligibility requirements, including those you must comply with throughout your appointment at DHS, will be communicated to you in writing.

Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U. S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U. S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.(http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify).

To learn more about DHS Cybersecurity Service employment eligibility, visit our application portal.

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Required Documents

Help

• Your resume. To help you prepare your resume before applying to the DHS Cybersecurity Service, visit our application portal and read the “Resume Tips” guide.
• If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the online assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here.
• If you are a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee please submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:- Position title- Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee)- Agency- Beginning and ending dates of appointment., Note: If you successfully complete the application process and receive a tentative DHS Cybersecurity Service job offer, applicable employment eligibility requirements, including those you must comply with throughout your appointment at DHS, will be communicated to you in writing.

Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U. S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U. S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.(http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify).

To learn more about DHS Cybersecurity Service employment eligibility, visit our application portal.

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Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Network Administration/Management, Leadership, Operations Security (OPSEC), Government Organizations, HTTPS (HyperText Transport Protocol Secure), Homeland Security, Systems Engineering, Systems Administration/Management, Network Administration/Management, Network Architecture/Engineering, Drug test Yes Security clearance Sensitive Compartmented Information Position sensitivity and risk Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk

Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

Background check type

• National security

Financial disclosure required Yes

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests., * You must be a U.S. Citizen or national.

• You must be 18 years of age.
• Must be registered for the Selective Service (if you are a male).
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Security clearance levels may vary.
• Must be able to submit to a drug test and receive a negative result.
• Must be able to comply with ethics and standards of conduct requirements, including completing any applicable financial disclosure.
• May be required to serve a 3 year probationary period., This position is in the Leadership Track across a range of career levels. Employees in this career track generally:
• Have between 5-15 years of cybersecurity work experience.
• Have between 0-5 years of cybersecurity leadership experience., Degrees are not required for jobs in the DHS Cybersecurity Service, but DHS is interested in your level of education and the topics you studied. As you submit initial application information, you will be asked questions about your education., Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires each and every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation for a security clearance as a condition of placement in this position. This review includes financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs., Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Salary: Listed salary ranges reflects typical starting salaries available to employees in most of the United States across applicable career levels. Within the provided range, average salaries vary for each career level.

Lead Cybersecurity Specialist: $123,600 - $158,500

Cybersecurity Manager: $143,300 - $184,000

Senior Cybersecurity Manager: $167,800 - $207,500

The starting salary range reflects what most U.S. employees receive in 2026. However, certain areas with a local cybersecurity labor market supplement, such as metro Washington, D.C. (10% supplement), have higher average starting salaries.

Actual salaries of individual employees may be higher or lower than provided figures. For an overview of the salaries available in the DHS Cybersecurity Service, visit Resources.

Benefits: DHS Cybersecurity Service employees receive a range of federal employment benefits designed to support their professional and personal lives. To learn more about benefits, visit our application portal., Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated, Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

Required documents

Required Documents, The DHS Cybersecurity Service application process is designed to both prioritize fairness to all applicants and identify qualified candidates to join the DHS Cybersecurity Service. Successful applicants proceed through the following steps and will receive notifications as each step is completed: Submit Initial Information

• Upload resume
• Answer questions about your expertise and experience

Assessment + Interview

• Complete multi-phase assessment process
• Interview with the team you might join

Tentative Job Offer + Background Investigation

• Receive a tentative job offer, including your compensation and benefits package
• Receive an invitation to start the background investigation process

Final Job Offer + Start Date

• Receive a final job offer
• Determine your start date, Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $123,600 - $207,500 per year

Range reflects typical low and high starting salaries available to employees in most of the U.S. See Additional information: Salary for more info.

Pay scale & grade

DC 3

Promotion potential None

Learn more about pay scale and grade

Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.

Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position about 1 to 5 days a month.

Appointment type Permanent

Occupations and job series

• 2217 Network Operations (DHS Only)

Supervisory status Yes Federal service type This job is in the Excepted Service Represented by a union No

Drug test Yes Security clearance Sensitive Compartmented Information Position sensitivity and risk Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk

Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

Background check type

• National security

Financial disclosure required Yes

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number 27-13100415-CBWQ Control number 890955200

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