Information Technology Specialist (INFOSEC)

U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a digital forensics expert to join their team. This role involves conducting advanced analysis on digital evidence, providing training on digital media exploitation, and writing detailed laboratory reports. The ideal candidate will possess strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a problem-solving mindset. This position offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment where your expertise will be valued. If you are passionate about digital forensics and eager to make a difference, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Must demonstrate competencies in digital forensics and IT-related experience.
• Experience in conducting advanced laboratory analysis on digital evidence.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert in digital forensics.
• Conduct advanced laboratory analysis on digital evidence.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Customer Service

Oral Communication

Problem Solving

Education

Information Technology Experience

Job description

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Laboratories and Scientific Services in Ashburn, VA.
Duties

This position is located in the Office of Laboratories and Scientific Services (LSS) within the Operations Support Office (OS), United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP), United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). You will serve as a subject matter expert in digital forensics in a laboratory, using various software and hardware solutions to conduct advanced laboratory analysis on digital evidence, including portable and electronic media devices.

This position starts at a salary of $120,579.00 (GS-13, Step 1) to $156,755.00 (GS-13, Step 10)

Major Duties include:

Requirements

Qualifications
BASIC REQUIREMENT: Applicants must have Information Technology -related experience demonstrating each of the four 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.

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.

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:

• Serving as an expert in digital forensics in a laboratory, conducting advanced laboratory analysis on digital evidence, including portable and electronic media.
• Providing training on digital media exploitation.
• Writing laboratory reports documenting digital forensic examination, analysis, and/or results.

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 05/23/2025.

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.