Summary The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is recruiting professionals to support a range of developmental roles in Cybersecurity Defensive Operations - Intelligence, Collection, & Analysis (ICA) as well as Planning, Execution, & Analysis (PEA), including Cyber Defense Analyst, Defensive Operations Specialist, Vulnerability Analyst, All Source-Collection Analyst, and All Source-Collection Requirements Specialist. All positions are in the DHS Cybersecurity Service. Responsibilities 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 Cybersecurity Defensive 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 Cybersecurity Defensive Operations - Intelligence Collection & Analysis (ICA), as well as Planning, Execution & Analysis (PEA), 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), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE). As a DHS Cybersecurity Service employee in the Developmental Career Track, you will continually and proactively participate in learning activities to enhance and apply your developing expertise in the technical capability of Cybersecurity Defensive Operations to perform a range of routine tasks, which may include: Supporting routine or regular aspects of end-to-end tactical and strategic level cyber operations plans. Aiding in the development of primary and contingency action plans, working with experts to carry out the most appropriate methods of defense/attack. Building and applying an understanding of best practices and available capabilities for mounting defensive/offensive cyber operations against identified threats to DHS networks and systems. Conducting routine analysis of indicators of compromise and integrating digital forensics and incident response data to bolster DHS and DHS partners' defenses at each step of the cybersecurity defensive operations process. Using reverse malware analysis and engineering techniques to prevent incidents or mitigate threats to DHS or Federal systems and networks. Collecting and compiling information on cyber threats or threat actors using various intelligence collection tools and methods. Working with customers to identify their information needs and requirements to support the creation of effective plans and strategies to meet those needs. Supporting the collection of all-source intelligence on current and emerging cyber threats to identify and evaluate the intent and capabilities of cyber actors using intelligence community analytic standards. Contributing to the drafting of intelligence products - including written reports or briefings - for a variety of cyber and non-cyber audiences. Proactively seeking opportunities to collaborate with and assist others in addressing complex cyber defense challenges. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications 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, and 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 Cybersecurity Defensive Operations will generally: Integrate, manage, and execute all aspects of the cyberattack lifecycle to inform cyber defense operations. Plan and execute cybersecurity defense operations to protect assets Facilitate the flow and assessment of key intelligence data. Determine system security monitoring and incoming intelligence feeds based on dynamic security environment. Oversee immediate remediation and containment processes. 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 Cybersecurity Defensive Operations- Intelligence Collection & Analysis and Planning, Execution & Analysis. DHS Cybersecurity Service jobs are structured cybersecurity specializations - called technical capabilities. To learn more about technical capabilities, visit our application portal. Education 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. Additional Information Salary: Listed salary ranges reflects typical starting salaries available to employees in most of the United States across applicable career levels. In some geographic areas, average starting salaries will be higher because of a local cybersecurity labor market supplement (e.g., metro Washington, D.C. +10%). 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. More information about the specific benefits available to you will be provided as you progress through the application process. 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. 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.