Department of Homeland Security, Internal Security Division – Washington, DC

IT Specialist – Digital Forensics

Summary

This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, Internal Security Division (ISD), Office of the Chief Security Officer (OCSO). The primary purpose of this position is to provide digital forensics analysis and support in furtherance of OCSO investigations and report findings to criminal investigators and officials within the DHS.

Responsibilities

  • Assist in conducting digital forensic examinations of such in furtherance of criminal administrative and security incidents.
  • Assist in investigations requiring digital forensic analysis.
  • Troubleshoot system hardware, software, and forensic system issues by reviewing appropriate source materials and providing clear instructions to the end users on how to take action to resolve the matter.
  • Represent the organization at conferences and meetings and present briefings.
  • Prepare and deliver oral presentations such as briefings, training sessions, consultations, and strategy sessions with other staff service functions and activities.

Travel Required

Occasional travel – You may be expected to travel for this position.

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
  • You must successfully pass a background investigation. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
  • Selective Service registration required.
  • One-year probationary period may be required.
  • A pre-employment drug test may be required.
  • If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application.
  • DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States.
  • All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
  • PCS expenses will not be paid.

Qualifications

GS-13: You must possess information technology related experience demonstrating each of the four required competencies to meet the basic requirement of this position at the GS-13 grade level:

  1. Attention to Detail – Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Problem Solving – Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

AND

Specialized Experience:
GS-13: Applicant must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-12 level in the Federal service that included: (1) applying information technology principles to support criminal and administrative investigations that involve the development of strategies governing the planning of forensic investigations, (2) providing technical advice, guidance, and recommendations on complex and sensitive cases with forensic elements and complex IT issues, and (3) preparing investigative reports detailing technical analysis and investigative findings. (NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible.)

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.

NOTE: 
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.

Education

Not Applicable