IT Specialist (Security)

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Information and Technology, Cyber Security Directorate located in Ashburn, VA.

Qualifications:

Basic Requirement: 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.

You qualify for this position if you meet the basic requirement listed above and possess one year of specialized experience as described below.

Experience: You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

• Conducting routine security inspections, audits, and reviewing systems, facilities, or processes, identifying potential deficiencies.
• Assisting in the development of new cyber-security and COMSEC policies and procedures.
• Updating, and maintaining security documentation, reports, and records, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Participating in monitoring program implementation and control practices to ensure that classified information is protected and properly accounted for.
• Assisting in the review and processing of security clearances and access request, coordinating with relevant personnel, and ensuring compliance with established procedures.

NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements.

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.

You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process by 04/24/2026.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers

Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions:

• Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
• A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government
• Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
• Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government

Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.

Responsibilities:

Joining Customs & Border Protection will allow you to use your expertise in Information Technology principles, concepts and methods to support Information Technology systems and services. This position starts at a salary of $121,785.00 (GS-13, Step 1) to $158,322.00 (GS-13, Step 10) with promotion potential to $158,322 (GS-13 Step 10).

As an Information Technology Specialist, you will become a key team member of Homeland Security professionals supporting the mission by implementing and maintaining various IT application software components. Major duties of this position include:

• Implementing security training programs as it relates to the handling of sensitive and classified information.
• Managing the Communications Security (COMSEC) resources and understanding Cyber Security policies, procedures, and guidelines with respect to COMSEC.
• Evaluating existing security practices and making recommendations to correct any identified deficiencies.
• Researching proposed changes to legislation and regulations affecting information security.
• Participating in Operations Security debriefings and preparing clearance and access survey, directives, and reports.

Salary : $121,785