Advance Your Career: DHS Continuity Testing Program Lead

Are you a dedicated federal employee looking to expand your impact on national security? The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is currently recruiting for a high-stakes Continuity Testing Program Lead. This unique Joint Duty Assignment (JDA) offers an exceptional opportunity for professionals to work at the heart of the agency’s preparedness and resilience efforts. If you are passionate about continuity planning, communication protocols, and organizational coordination, this role could be the defining moment in your career.

Job Responsibilities

As the Continuity Testing Program Lead, you will play a critical role in evaluating how the department responds to potential crises. Your day-to-day duties will involve:

Strategic Planning: Creating and overseeing annual testing schedules for vital IT and communication systems.
Operational Testing: Directing monthly and quarterly testing of alert systems (both unclassified and classified).
Infrastructure Assessment: Coordinating tests of essential records and backup infrastructure, including power and water systems at alternate sites.
Performance Reporting: Documenting results to ensure equipment interoperability and supporting capital investment decisions.

Core Competency Comparison

Competency	Requirement Level	Focus Area
Continuity Planning	Expert	Policy and Strategy
Communications Modeling	Proficient	PACE Models
Stakeholder Engagement	Advanced	Cross-Agency Coordination
Analytical Reporting	Advanced	Documentation and Metrics

Requirements

This position is open to current full-time federal employees (GS-12 to GS-15). You must demonstrate:

Strong knowledge of continuity of operations (COOP) and PACE communication models.
Proficiency in using analytical tools to assess system capabilities.
Ability to work across organizational lines to drive stakeholder collaboration.
Experience managing project timelines within a federal environment.

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is $102,415 to $197,200 per year, commensurate with your current grade and step status. As this is a Joint Duty Assignment, participants maintain their existing federal benefits package.

Benefits

While the JDA does not provide a temporary promotion, the benefits of this assignment include:

Significant networking within the DHS and across federal components.
Development of high-level management skills in emergency planning.
Direct contribution to national-level mission execution.

Application Tips

Be Detailed: Ensure your resume clearly states your duties, series, and grade.
Verify Documentation: Upload your most recent SF-50; incomplete records will result in ineligibility.
Follow Procedures: Secure your supervisor's signature on the required DHS Form 250-02 early in your application process.

Serving as the Continuity Testing Program Lead is an incredible opportunity for federal leaders to influence the resilience of our nation. Apply today to bring your expertise to the Department of Homeland Security and contribute to our shared mission of security.

Why This Dhs Continuity Testing Program Lead Job Matters

Elevate your federal career with a high-impact Joint Duty Assignment at the DHS, shaping the future of national continuity and operational resilience.

Dhs Continuity Testing Program Lead Job Overview

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is seeking a skilled professional for a one-year non-reimbursable Joint Duty Assignment as the Continuity Testing Program Lead. This role is pivotal in safeguarding national interests by ensuring the robustness of essential communications, IT systems, and emergency preparedness infrastructure across DHS components. This opportunity is designed for current GS-12 to GS-15 federal employees looking to gain multi-faceted experience and contribute to high-level strategic coordination.

Requirements for Dhs Continuity Testing Program Lead

Must be a current, full-time federal employee at the GS-12 through GS-15 grade level or equivalent.
Proven experience or general knowledge in continuity of operations planning.
Familiarity with PACE (Primary, Alternate, Contingent, and Emergency) communications models.
Ability to utilize analytical tools to assess IT and communication systems.
Comprehensive understanding of homeland security, national security, or intelligence functions.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate cross-organizational stakeholder efforts.
Experience developing annual schedules and timelines for federal projects.
Submission of a signed DHS Joint Duty Assignment application form.
Submission of an official SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) verifying tenure, grade, and step.

Preferred Qualifications for Dhs Continuity Testing Program Lead

Experience in cross-component collaboration within a large federal department.
Background in managing testing documentation and reporting for critical infrastructure.
Technical proficiency in both classified and unclassified alert and notification systems.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Professional development through high-level inter-departmental exposure.
✓Enhanced career mobility within the DHS ecosystem.
✓Opportunity to participate in critical national security initiatives.
✓Maintenance of existing federal employee benefits packages.

💡 How to Apply Dhs Continuity Testing Program Lead Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Dhs Continuity Testing Program Lead Job

Ensure your federal resume is updated to reflect all requested duty information, including supervisor contact details and specific project duties.
Gather your most recent SF-50 and the mandatory, supervisor-signed DHS Joint Duty Assignment application form.
Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Complete the online questionnaire attached to the vacancy announcement.
Upload all required documentation, ensuring no personally identifiable information (PII) is included in the resume.
Submit your final package before the closing date of November 11, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be highly specific in your resume; human resources cannot make assumptions about your previous experience.
Ensure every job entry in your resume includes the full agency name, series, grade, and supervisor contact information.
Double-check that your SF-50 clearly displays your full performance level and tenure.
Log in well before the deadline to account for system processing times and potential document verification delays.
Confirm the status of your application via the USAJOBS portal after submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a permanent position?

No, this is a 1-year non-reimbursable Joint Duty Assignment (JDA) and does not offer a temporary promotion or permanent change in duty station.

Who is eligible to apply?

The program is open to current, full-time federal employees at the GS-12 through GS-15 levels or equivalent. Contractors and military personnel are not eligible.

Will I receive additional benefits for this assignment?

Selected applicants retain their current federal benefits; no additional compensation beyond your current status is offered for this specific assignment.

Is telework allowed?

*A: Yes, telework eligibility is based on office needs and is subject to change throughout the assignment.*

How often is the resume reviewed?

*A: Resumes are reviewed on a rolling basis every 30 days.*

Job from Department Of Homeland Security - Agency Wide

The Department of Homeland Security is responsible for the safety and security of the United States. Its mission is vast, covering everything from counter-terrorism and border security to cyber defense and disaster response. The DHS Joint Duty Program is a premier professional development initiative designed to foster collaboration and multi-component expertise across the department and the broader federal landscape.