Information Technology Specialist (Information Security)

This position is located in Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Marketing and Regulatory Programs Business Services (MRPBS). This position serves as a Cybersecurity Support Specialist. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring prompt and effective responses to cybersecurity incidents, performing cyber risk assessments for international travel, helping to protect organizational assets and maintain compliance with applicable regulations and standards.

Duties

• The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.
• The duties may include, but are not limited to:
• Serves as the first point of contact for internal and external stakeholders seeking assistance with cybersecurity issues.
• Receive, log, and categorize Tier 1 and Tier 2 incidents related to cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and user-reported security concerns.
• Provide guidance to users regarding cybersecurity policies, safe computing practices, and incident response procedures.
• Facilitates the intake of international travel requests. Provides customers with instructions for requesting cyber threat assessments and requesting IT equipment.
• Implements procedural guides and/or instructions needed for the receipt of delivered services for division directorates and customers.
• Optimizes the effectiveness and efficiency of the Cybersecurity Program based on internal and Department-mandated performance metrics. Provide adhoc cybersecurity policy training, as needed, to other ITD Directorates and Programs.
• Remains abreast of all applicable laws, regulations, policies, standards, and guidelines affecting international travel within MRP, including any periodic changes and amendments to those documents to ensure organizational adaptation and compliance.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served. Refer to the Next Steps section for more information.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
• All USDA employees are required to be enrolled in Continuous Vetting, which authorizes government agencies to receive notifications of criminal activity on individuals who hold low risk, public trust, or national security positions.