IT Specialist (Information Security)

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology is seeking an IT Specialist (Security) to protect information systems within the Office of Information Security (OIS), part of VA's ESO. The role emphasizes security operations, risk management, and collaborative defense across platforms.

Candidates will assess security controls, support RMF activities, and provide concise risk reporting to senior leadership while coordinating with stakeholders across the department.

Qualifications

• Experience demonstrating Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Oral Communication, and Problem Solving.
• Ability to apply NIST RMF steps to an enterprise system.
• Ability to brief executive leadership on cybersecurity risk posture and trends.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Customer Service

Oral Communication

Problem Solving

Job description

This IT Specialist (Security) position is located in the Office and Information and Technology (OI&T), Office of Information Security (OIS), Information Security Policy and Strategy (ISPS), Enterprise Security Operations (ESO). The Office of Information and Technology (OI&T) provides adaptable, secure, and cost-effective technology services across the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/29/2026. Applicants must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below at a proficiency level equivalent to the next lower grade level in federal service. You must meet both the Basic Requirement and the Specialized Experience and the Selective Placement Factor to qualify for this series as described below.

Competencies

• 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.

Specialized Experience

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-13 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.
• Experience with PII/PHI/PCI data security standards as applied to systems risk assessments;
• Experience with embedded systems security considerations in system design reviews;
• Briefing executive/senior leadership on cybersecurity risk posture or trend reporting;
• Applying NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) steps (Categorize through Monitor) to an enterprise system;
• and using GRC or security posture reporting tools, ServiceNow CAM to track system authorization status.

Selective Placement Factor

• Skill in conducting comprehensive assessments of technical, operational, and management security controls in accordance with the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) to determine overall system security posture and ensure compliance with federal cybersecurity requirements.
• Skill in planning and executing security authorization activities, including reviewing accreditation packages, validating implemented security controls, documenting deviations, and recommending corrective actions to maintain acceptable organizational risk levels.
• Skill in preparing and contributing to RMF documentation, including system security plans, risk assessments, POA&Ms, and life cycle support plans, to accurately reflect security requirements, system impacts and mitigation strategies across all phases of system development and operations.
• Skill in coordinating the integration and implementation of security controls across platforms and teams, including assessing access controls based on least privilege, supporting incident resolution, verifying minimum security requirements, and advising stakeholders to maintain continuous compliance and security readiness.

Physical Demands

The work performed is primarily sedentary in nature. Some work may require walking and standing in conjunction with travel and to attendance at meetings and conferences away from the work site. May carry light items such as papers, books, or small parts, or drive a motor vehicle. The work does not require any special physical effort.

Work Environment

The work is performed in a well-lighted and climate-controlled office environment that involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions. Employee may occasionally be exposed to uncomfortable conditions in such places as research and productions facilities. This position requires occasional travel using both air and ground transportation.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.