Information Technology Specialist (Security) (Direct Hire)

Summary

As an Information Technology (Security) specialist with the NASA Office of Inspector General, Office of Audits (OA), you will conduct independent, objective audits, reviews, and other examinations of NASA and NASA contractor programs and projects to improve NASA IT systems operations.

Duties

• Duties described below are at the highest grade advertised. Duties assigned at lower grade levels will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity; duties will be commensurate with the grade of selected employee.
• Conducts IT security audits and evaluations of hardware and software applications, network and telecommunications infrastructure, operational practices, system development activities, and regulatory compliance.
• Develops approaches and contributes to objectives for short- and long-term audits of information technology systems, programs, and operations based on identified risks.
• Applies research and analytical methods to assess system security controls, identify vulnerabilities, and operational impacts
• Analyzes technical evidence and audit results, develops findings and corrective-action recommendations, and prepares oversight, policy analysis, and performance management reports to support management decisions.
• Provides technical advice on information technology projects, software, policies, and services; evaluates security and operational risks and recommends improvements.
• Serves as a technical resource to auditors and investigators on information technology security processes, controls, vulnerabilities, and incidents.

Qualifications

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. To qualify for GS-12, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level. Participating in information technology security audits or evaluations to assess system operations, security controls, and compliance with applicable cybersecurity requirements. Reviewing technical evidence and participating in risk and vulnerability assessments of information systems to identify security weaknesses and compliance deficiencies. Participating in the preparation of IT security audit or assessment results and documenting identified vulnerabilities, compliance deficiencies, or recommending corrective actions. To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level. Conducting information technology security audits or evaluations using analytical methods to assess system operations, security controls, and compliance with applicable cybersecurity requirements. Analyzing technical evidence and conducting risk and vulnerability assessments of information systems to identify security deficiencies, evaluate associated risks, and recommend corrective actions. Preparing IT security audit or assessment reports that document findings, identify security deficiencies, and recommend corrective actions to improve information system security or regulatory compliance. AND IF you are qualifying based on experience, you MUST also have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the nine competencies listed below: Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. 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. Decision Making - Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change. Information Management - Identifies a need for and knows where or how to gather information; organizes and maintains information or information management systems. Interpersonal Skills - Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations. 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. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations. Teamwork - Works well with others in a team environment to achieve goals; helps engender team spirit and commitment by encouraging, modeling, and/or facilitating cooperation, pride, trust, and a sense of group identity among team members. Technical Competence - Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues. Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Super-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of super intelligent (SI) or SI-assisted tools during the application process.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Direct Hire Authority: These positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority. Category rating and veterans' preference will not be considered in evaluating applicants. For more information on Direct Hire Authority, please see: OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet Veterans: Under the provisions of Direct Hire Authority, veterans' preference does not apply. However, applicants who are eligible for veterans' preference are encouraged to include that information in their application and submit supporting documentation (i.e. DD-214, or other substantiating documents). For more information please see: Veterans' Preference information on the FedsHireVets website. You will be evaluated for this position based on how well you meet the qualifications and eligibility requirements listed in this vacancy announcement. To determine your qualifications and referral status, we may review your resume and supporting documentation and compare it against your responses to the assessment questionnaire. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or assessment questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. These competencies will be assessed using technical assessments. They may also be evaluated during a structured interview: Customer Service Decision Making Interpersonal Skills Teamwork Oral Communication Problem Solving Writing Information Assurance Information Management Information Systems/Network Security Infrastructure Design Network Management Technical Competence Technology Awareness Information Resources Planning and Evaluation Information Systems Security The USA Hire Assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment. To preview the application questionnaire, click on the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13113622 NASA OIG considers 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. NASA OIG will not ask you to disclose criminal history record information during the application process or before we make a conditional/tentative offer of employment. If you apply for this position and are selected, NASA will conduct a suitability/security background investigation after you accept a tentative job offer. If you feel you are asked to disclose your criminal history before you accept a tentative offer and wish to file a complaint within 30 days, please contact: [email protected]. Other Information

Additional selections may be made for similar positions across NASA within the local commuting area(s) of the location(s) identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) within NASA. CTAP/ICTAP will be cleared for any additional selection from this announcement. If you have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must: Indicate your eligibility when applying for a position. The questionnaire asks you to identify your ICTAP/CTAP eligibility. Be well qualified for this position to receive consideration. Candidates rated in the 'Best Qualified' category are considered well-qualified. Please see 'How You Will Be Evaluated' for more information. Submit proof that you meet the requirements for CTAP/ICTAP as indicated in 'Required Documents.' For additional information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, click: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/#ictap. Any applicant that received a Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) from the federal government within the last five years based of the closing date of this announcement, if selected, may be required to repay the full amount prior to establishing a start date. For additional information on the VSIP repayment requirement, click here - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/voluntary-separation-incentive-payments/. Per Executive Order 14343, this position is not part of a bargaining unit. Probationary Period You may be required to serve a one-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. If selected, the requirement to serve such period will be determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.