Cyberspace Operations Specialist

Summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for certain competitive service positions to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

About the Position: Incumbent will serve as Cyberspace Operations Specialist United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) SCJ38, Cyberspace Operations Division, Operations Directorate. Coordinates, synchronizes, and integrates cyberspace operations (CO) into USSOUTHCOM plans, exercises, and operations.

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Duties

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• Plans, synchronizes, and executes defensive cyberspace operations to deter and defeat adversaries within friendly cyberspace terrain.
• Integrates operational cyber capabilities into Joint and Service missions to ensure comprehensive mission alignment and success.
• Identifies Mission Relevant Cyber Terrain (MRCT) to develop protection strategies and achieve strategic command objectives.
• Formulates defensive maneuver strategies to mitigate threats and protect critical command systems and networks.
• Participates in the Joint Targeting Cycle and Joint Operations Planning Process (JOPP) in support of assigned missions.
• Utilizes the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) to coordinate and execute complex cyberspace operations and contingencies.
• Serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) advising senior leadership on both offensive and defensive cyberspace operations.
• Drafts complex task orders to employ cyber defensive maneuver forces in the protection of mission-relevant terrain.
• Develops or modifies Department of Defense (DoD) cyber policies, standards, and procedures for conducting cyber operations.
• Synthesizes technical cyber data into executive briefings, technical reports, and staff actions to drive strategic decision-making.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Top Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment. A pre-employment and recurring comprehensive background investigation.
• This position is covered by the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Program. The incumbent must pass urinalysis testing, as required prior to appointment and periodically thereafter.
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TOY) or business travel requirement of 25% of the time.
• Per DoDM 8140.03 and Army guidance, Cyber roles (excl. Data, Al, SW Eng) must: 1) Complete Foundational quals in 9 mos, 2) Resident quals in 12 mos, 3) 20 hrs CPD per role (can overlap).
• Duties of this position may entail alternative duty schedules including extended shifts; rotating shifts, nights, weekends, and/or holidays; being recalled for urgent situations; and/or working overtime in response to surge situations.
• Duties of this position may entail occasional work at alternative work locations in the Area of Responsibility (AOR).
• This position is designated as Emergency Essential. Incumbent must sign a statement of understanding and an agreement to continue to perform the duties of this position in the event of a crisis until relieved by proper authority.
• This position is designated as Key . Must remain occupied during emergencies or mobilization. The incumbent must be removed from Ready Reserve or military recall status upon appointment.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service which includes experience in planning, synchronizing, and executing defensive cyberspace operations, as well as integrating operational cyber capabilities into Joint and Service missions. This experience must demonstrate a strong proficiency in identifying Mission Relevant Cyber Terrain (MRCT), formulating defensive maneuver strategies, and participating in the Joint Targeting Cycle, Joint Operations Planning Process (JOPP), and Military Decision Making Process (MDMP). Additionally, applicants must have a proven track record of serving as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to advise senior leadership on both offensive and defensive cyber operations, which includes drafting complex task orders, developing or modifying Department of Defense (DoD) cyber policies, and synthesizing highly technical data into executive-level briefings, technical reports, and staff actions to drive strategic decision-making.

Education

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience aloneno substitution of education for experience is permitted.

Additional information

• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
• Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
• If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
• This is a(n) MISC ADMIN & PROGRAM SERIES Career Field position.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit for more information.
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.
• Advanced In-hire may be authorized subject to organization/management discretion.
• Relocation, Recruitment, or Retention Incentive may be authorized subject to organization/management discretion.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.