• Announcement #: 2024 – ITSS
• Location: Telework opportunity within the continental United States.
• Appointment: Career / Full time
• Schedule: Flexible
• Open Until Filled – Preference given to applications received by May 5, 2024.

PAY RANGE

•$82,718 - $134,446 (CL-29).

Pay range is based on the Rest of the US pay table and could be higher depending on the location of the duty station. Range and step within the range depend on experience and qualifications.

HOW TO APPLY

Email the following combined in a single PDF document to Human Resources at vacancy@ca4.uscourts.gov.

(1) Cover Letter detailing qualifications and experience.

(2) Resume that includes the name, title, and the contact information of three professional references.

(3) Judicial Branch Application: AO78-Application for Employment. (Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment | United States Courts (uscourts.gov))

Please include the title of the position in the subject line of the email, and please note in the cover letter where you saw the announcement. Receipt of applications will be acknowledged.

Interviews will be held in person in Richmond, VA. Reimbursement for interview-related travel expenses or any relocation costs incurred by the successful applicant is not provided.

ABOUT THE JOB

The IT Security Specialist will assist courts by assessing the effectiveness of policies, procedures, and technical controls to identify areas of weakness and risk. Working collaboratively with a team, this role will provide recommendations to enhance a court's cybersecurity posture, which may involve developing and implementing new controls, improving existing ones, or addressing gaps and vulnerabilities. This role will help develop continuous improvement plans based on assessment findings to enhance the cybersecurity posture of the courts.

This is a new position that presents a unique opportunity for the successful candidate to expand the services of our office and serve as a resource for multiple court units within the Circuit.

WHAT WE SEEK

A great listener, communicator, and problem-solver who is detail-oriented, creative, and collaborative, and who has an outstanding work ethic and a passion for delivering excellent customer service.

WHAT WE OFFER

The opportunity to work in a department that recognizes their employees’ personal lives are as important as their professional ones. In addition to a great benefits package and remote work, we offer flexible scheduling, the opportunity to work collaboratively with a dynamic and devoted team, and to contribute to the overall administration of justice.

THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO

• Perform cybersecurity assessments of court unit environments (onsite and remotely) with a focus on the CIS Controls.
• Document cybersecurity assessment findings, including potential risks and areas of weakness (CIS-CSAT).
• Work collaboratively with courts to collect and analyze information.
• Maintain stakeholders' full awareness by presenting assessment results in various formats (verbal, written, etc.).
• Stay current on the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies and incorporate this knowledge into assessment strategies.
• Perform other duties as assigned or necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

• Two (2) years of full‐time specialized experience conducting cybersecurity risk assessments/reviews and analyzing the effectiveness of cybersecurity controls.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and creatively to develop effective continuous improvement plans.
• Experience with CIS Controls or other security frameworks.
• Exceptional ability to communicate technical concepts to non‐technical staff.
• Must possess clear communication and interpersonal skills, with a strong emphasis on customer service and empathy.
• Strong ability to work independently and collaboratively both with team members and in cross-department environments.
• Occasional travel within the Circuit. Duties may require working outside of normal business hours. Physical effort may be involved in moving, connecting, or troubleshooting equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the CIS Assessment Tool (CIS-CSAT).
• Experience designing and managing cybersecurity assessment programs.
• Experience with Splunk and Nessus.

BENEFITS

• Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holidays.
• Telework opportunity after three months of employment.
• Health, Dental, Vision, Life, and Long-Term Care.
• Thrift Savings Plan (like a 401(k) plan).
• Retirement (FERS).
• Flexible Spending Accounts for health care, dependent care, and commuter expenses.
• Mass Transit Subsidy (location and budget dependent).
• The Court is a qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Must be a citizen of the United States or meet requirements for compensation under current law. Positions with the U.S. Courts are excepted service appointments, meaning they are at will and can be terminated with or without cause by the Court. Employees are subject to The Judicial Code of Ethics and Conduct, which is available to applicants for review upon request. All applicant information is subject to verification. The appointment to the position is provisional pending a suitability determination by the Court based on the results of an FBI background investigation that includes fingerprinting and is updated every five years. Employees are required to use Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposits.

The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, to withdraw the job announcement, or to fill the position sooner than the closing date, if a closing date is shown; any of these actions may occur without any notice.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Notice of Vacancy - IT Security Specialist, Fourth Circuit (apply by 5/5/24, open until filled) (uscourts.gov)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $82,718.00 - $134,446.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Experience level:

• 2 years

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person