Program Analyst

Summary This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Science & Technology Directorate. The primary purpose of this position is: Serve as a Program Analyst responsible for supporting and coordinating programs and projects that impact DHS and its subordinate agencies. The incumbent provides analytical and evaluative support, advice, and consultation to management officials, other Federal agencies, and public interest groups. Non-BU: This is a non-bargaining unit position. Responsibilities As a Program Analyst, GS-0343-13/14, your typical work assignments may include the following: Serve as a subject matter expert on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Counter-UAS (C-UAS) technologies, providing guidance on detection, tracking, identification, and defeat mechanisms, and ensuring compliance with relevant doctrine, regulations, and policy across diverse operational environments. Design, develop, and maintain tracking dashboards that effectively communicate program status, operational metrics, and performance data to stakeholders at all organizational levels, supporting informed decision-making and enhancing situational awareness. Advise on the integration and operational employment of C-UAS technologies, with a focus on spectrum management, FAA regulations, legal frameworks (including 6 U.S.C. 124n), and best practices to ensure lawful and effective operations. Lead and coordinate program management activities and interagency collaboration within federal security, aviation, or technology programs, facilitating effective communication and alignment of objectives across agencies. Interpreting and applying regulations and policies related to airspace, spectrum, and operational activities, ensuring organizational compliance and supporting the development of operational strategies All DHS-HQ announcements have a 5-business day open period due to the number of applications received. This announcement will be open for 5 business days OR until the first 100 applications have been received, whichever happens first. View common definitions of terms found in this announcement: Common Definitions. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Specialized Experience GS-13: To qualify for the GS-13 level, you must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12) in Federal service or equivalent private/public sector experience. For this position, specialized experience is defined as: Experience planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating programs, policies, or operations involving Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Counter-UAS systems (C-UAS). Experience analyzing complex operational, technical, regulatory, or security issues related to these capabilities and emerging threats; interpreting and applying federal laws, regulations, standards and policies governing UAS/C-UAS authorities. Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level. NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Specialized Experience GS-14: To qualify for the GS-14 level, you must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-13) in Federal service or equivalent private/public sector experience. For this position, specialized experience is defined as: Expert level ability to analyze complex unmanned aircraft system (UAS) threats and integration issues and develop policies, plans, and strategies to address these issues; leading projects and making recommendations to leadership in alignment with departmental guidance; developing and maintaining partnerships with C-UAS stakeholders throughout interagency organizations with different missions, positions, and interests. Expert knowledge of homeland and national security issues in association with the intricacies of UAS detection and mitigation authorities, particularly 6 U.S.C § 124n and/or 10 U.S.C. 130i and the authorities/reliefs granted to Federal entities; familiarity with UAS detection and mitigation equipment capabilities; understanding of key UAS/C-UAS rules, regulations, and laws, and the enforcement implications associated with protecting the homeland from UAS threats; recognition of the privacy and civil rights implications associated with C-UAS technology. Proficiency in coordinating with other federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners to ensure mission success and/or engaging with Congressional, international, and industry stakeholders is highly desired. Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level. NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. 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. Current or Former Political Appointees: 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. Pursuant to Executive Order 12564 and DHS policy, DHS is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Headquarters personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing and all applicants tentatively selected for employment at DHS Headquarters are subject to drug testing resulting in a negative test result. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered eligible under ICTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this job announcement. After DHS Headquarters completes its hiring, the resumes of the remaining candidates referred for selection consideration may be shared with other DHS Components and other federal agencies. During the application process, you may choose to opt-in if you would like your name, application material, and assessment results to be shared. There is no guarantee of further consideration, and you continue to explore other job opportunity announcements Education Not Applicable Additional Information Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement. This position may be filled at the GS-13 or GS-14 level. If selection is made at the GS-13 level, promotion to the GS-14 level may occur without further competition. If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration of Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment. Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, the DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation for Top Secret as a condition of placement in this Special Sensitive position. This review may include financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs. This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies during the next 90 days. This could result in a few or many vacancies being filled from this announcement.