Chief Information Security Officer

State of Washington; Walla Walla (WA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Washington seeks a Chief Information Security Officer to lead its IT security strategy. The ideal candidate will ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards, manage risks, and oversee the agency's IT security functions. This role promotes a culture of security awareness and includes supervising technical staff, making it vital for safeguarding state information assets.

Benefits

Flexible work schedules

Excellent benefits package

12 paid holidays and leave accruals

Dependent Care Assistance and Tuition Waiver

Qualifications

• 6+ years in cybersecurity risk management and IT.
• Experience with NIST standards and cybersecurity compliance.
• Working knowledge of cloud environments like AWS and Azure.

Responsibilities

• Lead risk management program targeting information security.
• Supervise and mentor technical staff.
• Act as Incident Commander for cybersecurity responses.

Skills

Cybersecurity risk assessment methodologies

Incident response

Vulnerability scanning

Information security awareness

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science

CISSP Certification

Job description

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Description

Apply early! This recruitment will stay open until filled with an initial screening date of July 1st, 2025. To be considered for initial screening, please submit an application on or before June 30th, 2025.

AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy

The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities – from ensuring food safety to environmental protection – touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.

Description

Apply early! This recruitment will stay open until filled with an initial screening date of July 1st, 2025. To be considered for initial screening, please submit an application on or before June 30th, 2025.

AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy

The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities – from ensuring food safety to environmental protection – touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.

The agency includes 780 employees approximately and grows close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.

The Opportunity

The Information Technology Program mission is to continually enhance our services to agency divisions, WSDA employees and ultimately the stakeholders of Washington while providing core IT services, network connectivity and software solutions in the most efficient and effective manner possible. We achieve our mission by identifying and resolving business challenges through the deployment of efficient software solutions, a secure and reliable network, and a Centralized Service Desk focusing on always delivering excellent customer service.

The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) oversees the Agency's Information Technology security and risk management functions for new, existing, and enhanced services critical to the agency. Using an in-depth understanding of industry trends and available technologies, the CISO partners with peers, internal and external stakeholders to recommend and develop solutions to support the agency mission. The role will provide leadership, direction, and oversight to implement and maintain a comprehensive agency-wide IT plan that aligns with business strategy.

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Chief Information Security Officer position within the Administrative Services Division. This position is eligible for a flexible/hybrid schedule and will need to report to the WSDA Headquarter Office located in Olympia, Washington. This position is non-represented.

Duties

Some Of What You'll Do Includes

Security Risk and Prevention

• Develop and implement an ongoing risk management program targeting information security and privacy matters.
• Lead the information technology security assessments to identify agency risk due to changes or modifications to the WSDA computing environment.
• Direct the agency security assessments/audits to identify vulnerabilities in security program and policies.
• Control testing of security procedures, mechanisms, and measures.
• Collaborate with Federal and State auditors, Agency managers, and subject matter experts for satisfactory completion of compliance and program audits of the WSDA information security program.
  
  

Security lncident and Authoritative Contact

• Act as the lncident Commander as defined by the National lncident Management Framework.
• Responsible for all aspects of cybersecurity emergency response.
• Agency designated manager of security incident reporting and official responses to security incidents (breaches), respond to potential policy violations, or complaints from external parties.
• Work with Federal and State incident responders in relation to cybersecurity issues.
• Agency designated manager of security incident reporting and official responses to security incidents (breaches), respond to potential policy violations, or complaints from external parties.
• Initiate, facilitate. and promote activities to create information security awareness and training throughout the organization.
  
  

Supervision and Mentoring

• Supervise and mentor technical level staff.
• Set strategic goals and objectives, develops strategies to implement and develop performance measurements and standards for the purpose of ensuring individual and program performance objectives are met.
• Develop the Performance Development Plan (PDP) for each assigned direct report; Create or update position descriptions, monitor and document employee performance, provide on-going feedback regarding levels of performance, and conduct timely and meaningful employee performance evaluations.
  
  

Qualifications

Who should apply?

Professionals With

• Bachelor's Degree in computer science OR Five (5) years related experience and/or training OR Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Six (6) or more years of recent experience (within the last Six (6) years) with cybersecurity risk assessment methodologies (NlST, HITECH, RMF).
• Six (6) or more years of recent lT experience (within the last Five (5) years) including vulnerability scanning, risk assessments, and incident response.
• Working knowledge of prevailing industry security standards and Common Body of Knowledge gained via a CISSP, SANS, and/or CISA Certification(s).
• Demonstrated experience with the National lnstitute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Risk Management Framework (RMF), or other NIST standards.
• CISSP (Certified lnformation Systems Security Professional) or the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire date.
  
  

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working in cloud-based environments such as AWS and Azure.
• Experience operating and analyzing logging and monitoring systems, antivirus solutions, and security configurations.
• Working knowledge of Washington State Security Standards and Policies.
  
  

Supplemental Information

Employee Benefits

• A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, and teleworking.
• WSDA provides an excellent benefits package beyond traditional benefits. State employment offers Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave; click here for more information.
• 12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals.
• All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.
• Commute Trip Reduction Program.
  
  

For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov.

How To Apply

You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application, and supplemental questions applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position:

• Current resume detailing experience and education
• A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position
• Three professional references
  
  

By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.

Applications with comments "see attachments" will be considered incomplete.

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at [phone] or email [e-mail].

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the state's on-line recruitment system.

WSDA uses a I-9 form(Download PDF reader) to determine Employment Eligibility and Verification, once hired. This document is the authorization of an individual’s ability to be hired for employment within the United States. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

Equity at WSDA

The Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while we collaborate in authentic ways. We hire amazing people that share in the commitment to our Pro-Equity Anti-Racist (PEAR) strategic plan, our Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act implementation plan, and our unique needs and desires for belonging, respect, and inclusion. We value the growth and development of our team members by providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for continuous learning, improvement, and advancement.

We strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a productive and dedicated workforce that reflects the communities we serve while we are committed to a workplace that celebrates our differences and supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Contact Us

Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at [e-mail].

Prior to a new appointment into the Department of Agriculture, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.

Veteran's Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free [phone]. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read About Our Benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01

To be considered for this position you must attach a resume, cover letter, and three professional references. Have you attached or included these documents to your application?

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

Which of the following best describes your level of education and/or experience?

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science
• Five (5) years of related experience and/or training
• Equivalent combination or education and experience
• None of the above
  
  

03

Do you have six (6) or more years of recent experience (within the last Six (6) years) with cybersecurity risk assessment methodologies (NlST, HITECH, RMF)?

• Yes
• No
  
  

04

Do you have six (6) or more years of recent lT experience (within the last five (5 ) years) including vulnerability scanning, risk assessments, and incident response?

• Yes
• No
  
  

05

Do you have working knowledge of prevailing industry security standards and Common Body of Knowledge gained via a CISSP, SANS, and/or CISA Certification(s)?

• Yes
• No
  
  

06

Do you have demonstrated experience with the National lnstitute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Risk Management Framework (RMF) or other NIST standards?

• Yes
• No
  
  

07

Do you possess a CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certification?

• Yes
• No
• Required Question

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Executive

Employment type

• Employment type

  Part-time

Job function

• Job function

  Information Technology

• Industries

  Government Administration

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