Developmental- Associate Cybersecurity Specialist

Summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is recruiting for Associate Cybersecurity Specialists in the Developmental Track. These positions are part of the DHS Cybersecurity Service (DHS-CS), a specialized cadre of professionals deployed daily to the front lines of our nation's cyber defense.

Duties

The Developmental Track is designed for professionals with approximately two years of experience ready to build on their foundational skills. This track offers structured professional development and exposure to complex, real-world security challenges to help you quickly expand your capabilities. Key Responsibilities: Develop Expertise: Participate in a structured program to build and apply advanced technical skills. Analyze & Resolve: Conduct routine technical analyses to help resolve real-world cybersecurity challenges. Collaborate: Partner with senior specialists to address complex security threats. Apply Learning: Translate continuous technical training into mission-critical operations. Due to system configurations, this vacancy is posted under the Cyber Defensive Operations, Intelligence, Collection, and Analysis job series. However, we are actively recruiting and accepting applications for all cybersecurity technical capabilities as defined under the DHS Cybersecurity Service. You can view the full list of technical capabilities and career levels on our applicant portal under Resources: USAJOBS - DHS Cybersecurity Service - Resources. DHS-CS Talent Pool Applying places you in the DHS-CS Talent Pool for up to one year of ongoing consideration. Your application may be shared with the following DHS Components: Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) DHS Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) U.S. Secret Service (USSS) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) DHS Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans (PLCY)

Qualifications and evaluation

All DHS Cybersecurity Service applicants participate in a multi-phase assessment process, which varies by career track. For the Developmental Career Track, applicants participate in a two-phase assessment process: You must successfully complete each phase to advance to the next phase. The total time commitment for the two phases is approximately 2.5 hours (many applicants require less time!) Before each phase, DHS will e-mail you instructions and information to help you prepare. Monitor your e-mail to ensure you have plenty of time to complete assessments prior to any deadlines or request an extension, if necessary PHASE I: PROFESSIONAL CAPABILITIES ASSESSMENT Unproctored - you choose the time and location Includes two assessments: (1) a work styles inventory that will take about 30 minutes to complete; (2) a work simulation that you will have up to 2 hours to complete. The two assessments take about 90 minutes (on average) to complete. Requires a computer with audio (speakers or headphones) and a reliable internet connection. No knowledge of DHS or cybersecurity is required for these assessments, which measure non-technical capabilities that are important for professional success in the DHS Cybersecurity Service. This includes how you communicate, analyze information, and collaborate with others: The work styles inventory presents you with questions about your work-related interests and preferences. The work simulation presents you with realistic, work-related scenarios and asks you to respond to them. PHASE II: GENERAL CYBERSECURITY KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT Unproctored - you choose the time and location The test includes a multiple-choice test that measures your foundational knowledge in cybersecurity. This customized approach efficiently measures your strengths, matching your skills to Department opportunities. The test focuses on foundational competencies critical to the Developmental Track: Cybersecurity Technology: Understanding core systems, hardware, software, and technical infrastructure. Information Assurance: Implementing measures to protect information systems and ensure data integrity. Risk Management: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating digital threats and system vulnerabilities. Identity Governance & Management: Managing user access, authentication, and digital credential systems. You will have up to 60 minutes to complete the assessment

Education

Degrees are not required for jobs in the DHS Cybersecurity Service, but DHS is interested in your level of education and the topics you studied. As you submit initial application information, you will be asked questions about your education.

How to apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online questionnaire, the required assessment (s), and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/30/2026 to receive consideration. The application process: Click Apply Online to start. Answer questions and attach all required documentation. Submit your application before 11:59PM (ET) on the closing date. After submission, regularly check email for assessment instructions. If required, use the provided URL and your USAJOBS login to access USA Hire to access the online assessment(s). Review all instructions before starting the online assessments. Set aside at least 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete the online assessment. If you need to pause and return later, you can reuse the URL sent by email or access it from the Additional Application Information page in your USAJOBS application record. Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing online assessments on the USA HIRE platform, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the online assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations 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 online assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the online assessments. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for online assessments here: http://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire.

Required documents

Your resume: Visit the application portal and read the "Resume Tips" guide. Include MONTH and YEAR for each job and list ALL relevant experience. Current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee: Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides, position title, type of appointment, Department/Agency, and the beginning and ending dates of appointment (include month and year)

Additional information

Salary: Developmental Track salary ranges provided on the application portal reflect typical starting salaries available to employees in most of the United States. In some geographic areas, average starting salaries will be higher because of a local cybersecurity labor market supplement (e.g., metro Washington, D.C. +10%). Actual salaries of individual employees may be higher or lower than the "typical" starting ranges noted in our resource documents. Benefits: DHS Cybersecurity Service employees receive a range of federal employment benefits designed to support their professional and personal lives. To learn more about benefits, visit our application portal. More information about the specific benefits available to you will be provided as you progress through the application process. Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires each and every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation for a security clearance as a condition of placement in this position. This review includes 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. 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.