IT Specialist (CUSTSPT/INFOSEC) (GS-5/9)

Summary

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is an independent office whose mission is to promote excellence, integrity, and accountability throughout the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In our dynamic environment, the OIG conducts investigations, audits, evaluations, and inspections to enhance program effectiveness and efficiency and to detect and prevent waste, fraud, and mismanagement in DHS programs and operations.

Duties

The position is in the Technology Directorate, Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), Office of Technology & Innovation (OTI), Office of the Inspector General (OIG), Department of Homeland Security (DHS). OCIO is responsible for the overall management of all operational information technology (IT) resources and support services for OIG. Typical tasks Include: Provide troubleshooting and support for end-user devices, software, mobile equipment, printers, multifunction devices, VoIP services, and network connectivity, escalating issues as appropriate and applying required security procedures. Administer or assist with user accounts, passwords, permissions, device imaging, software deployment, ticket management, inventory, lifecycle activities, and secure equipment disposition in accordance with established procedures. Maintain support documentation and knowledge resources; apply access-control, data-protection, and secure-configuration requirements; identify and report security concerns; and improve support processes and user guidance.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications GS-05: Must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-04 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience at this level includes: Providing support for devices, software, printers, VoIP, and connectivity issues while following security procedures and escalating unresolved concerns. Assisting with accounts, passwords, permissions, device setup, imaging, inventory, and tickets while verifying identity and protecting credentials. Recording service requests, update support documentation, assist with secure equipment disposal, and report potential security concerns. OR Education: Successful completion of 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree education from an accredited college or university. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. OR Combination: Equivalent combination of successful completion of three years of undergraduate level education and 1 year of specialized experience, as described above, which may be used to meet total experience requirements for this grade level. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. Minimum Qualifications GS-07: Must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience at this level includes: Troubleshooting user devices, software, printers, VoIP, and network-access issues while applying security controls and escalating complex concerns. Supporting accounts, permissions, imaging, software deployment, inventory, and ticket management while documenting actions and following access requirements. Maintaining service records, knowledge articles, and asset information while documenting security symptoms and promoting secure IT practices. OR Education: Successful completion of 1 full year of graduate level education or superior academic achievement, from an accredited college or university. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. OR Combination: Equivalent combination of successful completion of one year of graduate level education and specialized experience, as described above, which may be used to meet total experience requirements for this grade level. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. Minimum Qualifications GS-09: Must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience at this level includes: Resolving issues with devices, software, printers, VoIP, and network connectivity while enforcing data-protection standards and escalating security anomalies. Administering accounts, permissions, imaging, configurations, ITSM workflows, and asset records while meeting access-control, audit, and sanitation requirements. Updating support procedures and FAQs, escalate security-related incidents, and provide safe-computing guidance. OR Education: Successful completion of a master's degree (or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education) if related, from an accredited college or university. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. OR Combination: Equivalent combination of successful completion of one year of graduate level education and specialized experience, as described above, which may be used to meet total experience requirements for this grade level. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. 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 listed above must be met by the closing date 11/25/2026 of this announcement. 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.

How you will be evaluated

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. Your experience, education, and training will be rated using a job questionnaire that is based on the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job: Accountability Attention to Detail Customer Service Decision Making Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Reading Comprehension Reasoning Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be placed in one of the following categories: Best-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate high proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all Selective Placement Factors (SPF) and appropriate Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) as determined by the job analysis. Well-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis. Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis. If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. Preview the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13106041. Veterans: Qualified veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed in the best-qualified category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level, or higher. (This position Not considered scientific/professional.) Other 10-point preference eligibles and veterans with 5-point preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligibles within the category in which they qualify. View information on veterans' preference. 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 placed in the well-qualified category for this position, as described above. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.

How to apply

To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. If you are unable to apply online or need to submit a document you do not have in electronic form, visit this link for more information regarding an alternate application process. Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59PM EST on 11/25/2026. It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application.

Other information

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select Benefits. Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more. 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, 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. Additional identical positions may be filled from this announcement at a later date. Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, 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 Secret as a condition of placement into this position. DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities. 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.