Security Control Assessor

US National Institute of Standards and Technology; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The US National Institute of Standards and Technology seeks a Security Control Assessor to lead robust Assessment and Authorization (A&A) activities, ensure Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) compliance, and act as a vital line of defense in mitigating IT security risks across the agency.

This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

Qualifications

• Requires active IT security certification (CISSP, GISA etc.).
• Specialized experience equivalent to GS-12 level (ZP-III at NIST).
• Experience developing security docs and reviewing authorization packages.

Responsibilities

• Lead A&A activities and security assessments.
• Ensure FISMA compliance and mitigate IT security risks across the agency.
• Review security authorization packages and related documentation.

Skills

Security assessments

Documentation

Risk assessment

Security controls

Education

IT Security Certification (CISSP, GIA, SSCP, CEH, GCIH, CISA, CGRC)

Job description

The Office of Information Systems Management, IT Security and Networking Division, is seeking a Security Control Assessor to lead robust Assessment and Authorization (A&A) activities, ensure Federal Information Security Management Action (FISMA) compliance, and act as a vital line of defense in mitigating IT security risks across the agency.

This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

Selective Placement Factor:

Applicants must possess a current/active IT Security Certification (e.g., CISSP, GIA, SSCP, CEH, GCIH, CISA, CGRC). A current/active copy of your certification must be provided in your application package.

Specialized Experience:

In addition to meeting the selective placement factor, applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level (ZP-III at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as:

• Conducting detailed security assessments against Special Publication 800-53 Revision 5 security controls
• Developing security authorization documents (i.e., Systems Security Plans, Risk Assessments, Security Categorization, Privacy Impact Assessment, Test and Evaluation, and Contingency Plans)
• Reviewing security authorization packages

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.

The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook.

If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration