Public Notice for Direct Hire – Information Technology Specialist (Information Security)

Summary

As a global leader in public health & health promotion, CDC is the agency Americans trust with their lives. In addition to our everyday work, each CDC employee has a role in supporting public health emergency management, whether through temporary assignments to emergency responses or sustaining other CDC programs and activities while colleagues respond. Join our team to use your talent, training, & passion to help CDC continue as the world’s premier public health organization. Visit www.cdc.gov

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Duties

The CDC utilizes Direct/Expedited Hire Authorities to fill vacancies in a variety of occupations. This vacancy is a REPOSITORY of applications. Duties and responsibilities vary and may increase according to the grade level of the position. Applications may be periodically referred to hiring managers both during the open period and after the closing date. Because of the large number of applications anticipated, applicants’ status will not be updated.

This public notice will be used to fill the positions listed below at multiple grade levels and locations.

• Information Technology Specialist (Information Security): Grades GS-09 through GS-15

Applicant Expiration: Applications will expire 4 months after submission/resubmission. To remain eligible for consideration, reapplying is required.

Duties may include but are not limited to:

• Providing expert technical guidance, interpretation, and implementation oversight of applicable information technology policies, processes, and practices.
• Assessing security risks and vulnerabilities; builds, tests, and recommends cloud security solutions; and manages cloud environments in accordance with CDC approved cybersecurity security guidelines.
• Advising senior leadership on latest IT technologies to aid in decision making.
• Developing threat models and security requirements for Application Programming Interfaces (API).
• Developing procedures, awareness programs, and supporting templates.
• Developing and executing strategies for information technology quality assurance (QA).
• Preparing internal and external reports that may include providing audit liaison support to IT operations
• Analyzing short, medium, and long-range projects for solutions of complex operational or policy issues in areas such as information security, information security reporting, systems development life cycle, quality assurance, etc.

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Due to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) process enhancement to use Shared Certificates throughout the Agency, some of the requirements below may differ:

• US Citizenship is required.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (http://www.sss.gov).
• May be subject to a Background/Security Investigation. Security clearance level may differ from the position announced when certificates are shared.
• CDC participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). If selected, CDC will determine your employment eligibility using your social security number.
• Direct deposit is required.
• One-year probationary period may be required.
• This position may be subject to a Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• This public notice may be used to fill supervisory or managerial positions and selectees may be subject to 1 year supervisory or managerial probationary period.
• Positions may be filled as permanent or term appointments.
• This position may be subject to the OGE Financial Disclosure requirements of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-521). CDC inspires public confidence in its trust responsibilities and mission by maintaining high ethical principles. If selected, you may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) to determine if a conflict or an appearance of a conflict exists between your financial interest and your prospective position with the agency. If identified, this will be an annual requirement.
• In accordance with Executive Order 12564 of September 15, 1986, The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is A Drug-Free Federal Workplace. This position may require a Drug Test and be subject to Random Drug Testing. The position may require the submission of a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and be subject to reasonable suspicion and post-accident drug testing upon hiring. If required to submit to urinalysis, the appointment to the position will be contingent upon a negative test result.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

For all positions individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below.

1. Attention to Detail – Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Problem Solving – Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

In addition to Basic Qualifications above, Minimum Qualifications must be met:

• GS-9:
• At least 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master’s degree or master’s or equivalent graduate degree OR
• At least 1 year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service, to include experience participating in the development of systems security contingency plans and disaster recovery procedures; and providing guidance in implementing IT security policies and procedures in the development, maintenance, and/or operations of networked systems OR
• A combination of education & experience
• GS-11:
• At least 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR
• At least 1 year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service, to include experience maintaining automated data processing operating through performance of IT security and information assurance activities OR
• A combination of education & experience
• GS-12:
• At least 1 year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service, to include experience maintaining automated data processing operating through performance of IT security and information assurance activities; and implementing IT security policies and procedures in the development and operations of network and telecommunication systems, mainframe personal computing, videoconferencing, infrastructure software and server support.
• GS-13:
• At least 1 year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service, to include experience advising on matters relating to vulnerabilities and threats to computer systems; ensuring security, continuity and efficiency of automated data processing operations; and implementing, modifying and/or supporting information technology security systems, including hardware, software, systems and/or communications and related services.
• GS-14:
• At least 1 year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service, to include experience advising and consulting on IT security policies, plans, and programs to ensure efficiency of data processing, and address vulnerabilities and threats.
• GS-15:
• At least 1 year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the Federal service, to include experience developing and maintaining security architecture artifacts (e.g., models, templates, standards and procedures) that can be used to leverage security capabilities in projects.

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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Promotion potential: Promotion to the next grade level is at management’s discretion and is based on your meeting qualifications and time-in-grade requirements, demonstrated ability to perform the higher-level duties, the continuing need for the higher-level duties, and administrative approval. Promotion to the next grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.

Education

A copy of your transcripts or equivalent documentation is required for positions with an education requirement, or if you are qualifying based on education or a combination of education and experience. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.

A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For more information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Remote: This position has been designated as remote anywhere in the U.S/territories and:

• The salary listed reflects the lowest and highest potential salaries for this position. The actual salary will be based on the geographic location of the individual(s) selected for this position. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages. Salary may be adjusted to include a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. COLA Rates may be found at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/pay-systems/nonforeign-areas/#url=COLA-Rates.
• May be eligible for inclusion in the Bargaining Unit. The name of the union, local, and BU Codes will be provided upon selection.
• If selected, you will be required to sign a Workplace Flexibilities Agreement that details remote working conditions and expectations in accordance with the HHS Workplace Flexibilities Policy.
• For more information visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/job-announcement/remote/
• This announcement includes Term positions which may be made for more than 1 year but fewer than 10 years up to the 10-year limit in increments determined by the agency IAW 5 CFR 316.301(c).

May be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays.

The Federal government, as the largest employer in the Nation, can and should show the way towards achieving drug-free workplaces through programs designed to offer drug users a helping hand, and at the same time demonstrating to drug users and potential drug users that drugs will not be tolerated in the Federal workplace if declared a drug-testing position. The use of illegal drugs, on or off duty, by Federal employees is inconsistent not only with the law-abiding behavior expected of all citizens, but also with the special trust placed in such employees as servants of the public.

Incentives:

• Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized.
• Annual Leave for non-federal service may be authorized.
• Student loan repayment incentive may be authorized.
• Travel, transportation, and moving expenses may be paid.
• PCS Expenses may be authorized, subject to the terms of the Joint Travel Regulation (JTR).

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• Benefits
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• 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.
• Review our 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

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.

The utilization of shared certificates for additional selections within the same geographical area can be made from multiple Centers of the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR).

This position is being filled through Direct Hire Authority for this occupation and is open to all US Citizens. Vacancies will be filled through OPM’s Direct Hire Authority. Veterans’ preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply to positions filled under this announcement. All applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements will be forwarded to the selecting official for consideration. Applications received as a result of job fairs, recruitment events, and emergency hiring mechanisms in support of this hiring initiative will also be accepted during the duration of the direct-hire authority.

For more information on OPM’s authorization of Direct Hire Authority, please visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/direct-hire-authority/

Once the application process is complete, a review of the resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): CTAP/ICTAP eligibles must meet all of the requirements outlined in the qualification section of this announcement in order to be considered “well qualified.”

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How to Apply

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until 01/30/2025.

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section.

Applicant Expiration: Applications will expire 4 months after submission/resubmission. To remain eligible for consideration, reapplying is required.

A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date, 01/30/2025, of this announcement to receive consideration.

• To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
• Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
• After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
• You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

If you are unable to apply online:

• Applicants external to CDC – Contact the CDC Helpdesk by phone (770) 488-1725 or email HRCS@CDC.GOV.
• Applicants internal to CDC – Contact the OHR Service Desk.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online. Applying online, through your USAJOBS account, will expedite the application process and allow you to check your application. If you utilize the Alternate Application method, your USAJOBS account will not display this application or status updates related to this application.

To view the questionnaire, click on the following link:

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12444206

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Agency contact information

CDC HELPDESK CDC HELPDESK

Phone

(770) 488-1725

Email

HRCS@CDC.GOV

Address

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-Direct Hire Authority

1600 Clifton Rd NE

Atlanta, GA 30333

US

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Next steps

HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.

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