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

DHS Cybersecurity Service employees start at career levels and salaries matching their experience and expertise. Associate Cybersecurity Specialist generally have: 3+ years of cybersecurity work experience: Worked in an entry-level cybersecurity role Identified-and continuing to grow-a primary technical capability; and An interest in continuing to deepen technical expertise

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.