DHS Cybersecurity Service (DHS-CS) uses a multi-phase assessment process to qualify applicants seeking employment through the DHS-CS. Given the ever-advancing nature of cybersecurity and the ongoing need for cybersecurity talent, DHS-CS uses "Talent Pools" to pull qualified applicants (i.e., individuals who have successfully completed the multi-phase assessment process for their capability and career track/level) for consideration for these jobs.

This announcement is being used to fill the Cybersecurity Defensive Operations Talent Pool. By applying to this job announcement, you are opting to be part of the DHS-CS Talent Pool for ongoing consideration for employment for relevant open jobs and will remain eligible for consideration for up to one year from the date of completion.

There are a variety of Cybersecurity Defensive Operations - Intelligence Collection & Analysis as well as Planning, Execution & Analysis opportunities across the Department, including supporting several specialized programs at the DHS Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans (PLCY) the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), DHS Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

As a DHS Cybersecurity Service employee in the Technical Career Track, you will continually maintain and share your Cybersecurity Defensive Operations expertise to perform a range of critical, complex, routine and non-routine tasks, including:

• Creating and implementing end-to-end tactical and strategic level cyber operations plans based on technical cybersecurity understanding, applicable policies, and rules of engagement.
• Supporting the development of primary and contingency action plans, using expertise to select the most appropriate and effective methods of defense/attack that align with operational protocols.
• Employing best practices and available capabilities for mounting defensive and/or offensive cyber operations against identified threats to DHS networks and systems.
• Applying knowledge of national strategies, plans, policies, and directives for offensive and/or defensive cyber operations including but not limited to U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 3600.1, Director of Central Intelligence Directives (DCIDs), National Security Presidential Directives (NSPDs), Homeland Security Presidential Directives (NSPDs).
• Examining indicators of compromise and integrating digital forensics and incident response data to bolster DHS and DHS partners' defenses at each step of the cybersecurity defensive operations process.
• Engaging with a community of network defenders as well as other intelligence components to better understand identified intrusion sets and deviations and to build better defensive cybersecurity strategies.
• Conducing reverse malware analysis and applying engineering techniques to prevent incidents or mitigate threats to DHS or Federal systems and networks.
• Collecting and disseminating information on cyber threats or threat actors using various intelligence collection tools and methods.
• Identifying information needs and requirements of customers and formulating effective, executable collection plans and strategies to meet those needs.
• Analyzing all-source intelligence on current and emerging cyber threats to identify and evaluate the intent and capabilities of cyber actors using intelligence community analytic standards.
• Providing cyber intelligence and analysis to inform cyber operations and supporting intelligence cycle by evaluating information and identifying customer needs for finished intelligence analysis.
• Preparing and refining draft or final intelligence products - including written reports or briefings - in tandem with counterparts in the intelligence community - for a variety of audiences, including senior government officials and other decision makers, planners, or network defenders.
• Serving as a technical mentor to DHS employees in cyber defensive operations and those seeking to build expertise in the field.