Senior Cybersecurity Leadership: IT Specialist (INFOSEC) GG-13 Career Opportunity with the Navy Blue Team

In an era defined by continuous state-sponsored cyber operations, hybrid warfare, and complex technological vulnerabilities, securing maritime defense systems is more critical than ever. The Department of the Navy is actively looking to recruit exceptional cybersecurity professionals to step into a high-impact role as an IT Specialist (INFOSEC) within the Navy Blue Team San Diego Division (NBTSD).

Operating at the GG-13 grade level within the Department of Defense Cyber Excepted Service (CES) system, this role represents a premier tier of civilian service. Positioned at the cutting edge of defensive cyberspace operations, the selected candidate will act as a critical technical strategist, operational leader, and guardian of global network integrity. Under the administrative umbrella of the United States Fleet Forces Command and the direct operational tasking of the Naval Network Warfare Command (NAVNETWARCOM), this career pathway offers a perfect synthesis of technological innovation, patriotism, and competitive compensation.

About the Agency: Naval Network Warfare Command

The Department of the Navy's civilian workforce operates with a single unified purpose: to support the Navy and Marine Corps team in safeguarding global maritime freedom and national security. The Naval Network Warfare Command (NAVNETWARCOM) sits at the epicenter of this mission, managing tactical cyber operations, information networks, and space capabilities for the entire U.S. Navy.

Within NAVNETWARCOM, the Navy Blue Team San Diego Division (NBTSD) functions as an elite force protection unit. The Blue Team specializes in cooperative vulnerability assessments, network defense emulation, and direct collaboration with command leadership to detect vulnerabilities before adversaries can exploit them. Based in San Diego, California—a world-class hub for military operations and technical innovation—civilian cyber personnel work alongside active-duty service members to deploy cutting-edge defensive methodologies. Joining this command means entering a culture of excellence where professional development, national service, and technological exploration are highly encouraged and supported.

Primary Job Responsibilities

As a Senior IT Specialist (INFOSEC) at the GG-13 level, your duties will span from strategic planning to hands-on deployment of defensive cyber operations. Your core mission is to establish operational frameworks, conduct testing, and collaborate across organizations to achieve command objectives. Key responsibilities include:

Mission Leadership and Program Management: You will establish, manage, and oversee specialized programs, projects, and missions aimed at safeguarding critical military cyber structures.
Operational Assessment: You will evaluate systemic shortfalls, assess overall command readiness, and leverage metrics-based performance measures to prioritize critical operational requirements against global mission targets.
Blue Team Deployment Coordination: Working closely with Operations Managers and Detachment leadership, you will plan, deploy, and employ Blue Team assets to achieve target-focused tasking and protect naval infrastructures.
Strategic Technical Documentation: You will review higher-level Department of Defense instructions to draft, organize, and execute strategic project plans that successfully document and deliver intended mission milestones.
Technology Evaluation: You will continuously test, assess, and run emergent software, hardware, and administrative security tools to verify their performance, utility, and mission-readiness in simulated and real-world environments.

Required Qualifications and Core Competencies

To succeed as a Senior INFOSEC Specialist, candidates must demonstrate immediate capability to lead and resolve complex cyber incidents. Qualifying experience can be drawn from public, private, or volunteer sectors, but must clearly align with the following four core competencies:

Attention to Detail: Conscientious and thorough performance under pressure, with demonstrated experience leading the development and deployment of technical solutions to meet critical mission objectives.
Customer Service: Collaborating effectively with military leadership, civilian officials, and external defense organizations to solve complex requirements, map technical strategies, and build deep alignment on joint missions.
Oral Communication: Presenting complex technical data, risk indicators, and architectural gaps clearly to both highly technical teams and non-technical commanders.
Problem Solving: Sound logical judgment to identify network security problems, parse data relevance, and deliver clear, actionable remediation strategies based on authority limits and operational realities.

Specialized Experience Requirements:

Experience planning and conducting cooperative vulnerability assessments on live networks.
Experience conducting security risk analyses and forecasting future performance capabilities of complex IT systems.
Strong familiarity with data exchange methodologies across secured architectures and networks.

Salary, Grade, and Position Structure

This role is positioned within the Professional Work Category at the Senior Work Level (GG-2210-13). It is governed by the Cyber Excepted Service (CES) personnel framework under Title 10 U.S.C. 1599f, which offers greater flexibility in hiring and performance-based compensation structures than the traditional General Schedule (GS) system.

Position Aspect	Details & Specifications
Pay Grade	GG-2210-13 (Cyber Excepted Service)
Salary Range	$128,204 to $175,215 Per Year
Location	San Diego, California
Duty Status	Full-Time / Permanent
Clearance Requirement	Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)
Promotion Potential	None (GG-13 Journeyman/Senior level)
Telework Eligibility	Yes (Subject to command approval)
Hiring Path	Open to the Public

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Civilian employees with the Department of the Navy are provided with a top-tier federal benefits package designed to support their health, financial stability, and long-term career growth:

Health, Dental, and Vision: Select from various premier Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) options with significant government contributions.
Retirement Security: Coverage under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension scheme alongside the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
Work-Life Integration: Robust accrual of annual leave (vacation), sick leave, and ten paid federal holidays, alongside flexible working schedules and telework options.
Wellness & Physical Readiness: Specialized support and access to local installations, as well as on-site facilities, where applicable.
Professional Development: Direct funding for advanced cybersecurity certifications, continuous training programs, and career progression pathways.

Critical Application Tips

Because this is a high-volume public notice flyer, applicants must follow exact guidelines to avoid immediate administrative disqualification. Review these essential instructions carefully:

The Strict 2-Page Resume Limit: Unlike standard federal applications that allow lengthy multi-page resumes, this flyer strictly limits submissions to a maximum of two (2) pages. Resumes that exceed this limit or are illegible will not be reviewed.
Document Your Time Clearly: For every job listed, you must specify the start and end dates (Month/Year) along with the hours worked per week. If you held a federal position, include the pay scale, series, and grade (e.g., GG-2210-12).
Explicitly State Competencies: Do not rely on HR to read between the lines. Clearly structure your resume to highlight the core competencies: Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Oral Communication, and Problem Solving.
Use USAJobs Resume Builder as a Draft: Utilize the USAJobs resume tool to assemble your required dates, duties, and details, then trim and format the output into a clean, concise, 2-page document.

Q2: What is the Cyber Excepted Service (CES)?

The CES is a modernized personnel system established under Title 10 of the U.S. Code. It is specifically designed for DoD cyber professionals, offering a competitive edge in hiring, compensation, and career growth. While it is in the Excepted Service, policies like the Cyber Interagency Transfer Authority make it easy to move between competitive and excepted roles in the federal cyber workspace.

Q3: Is there a medical requirement for this role?

Yes. Because the Navy Blue Team evaluates systems in real operational environments, this role may require short-term deployment onto active Navy ships. Consequently, you must pass a medical screening exam before embarking on any Navy vessel afloat for more than 24 hours.

Q4: Does this position require travel or drug testing?

This position is designated as Mission Essential and is subject to an initial pre-employment drug screening as well as ongoing random drug testing. Travel may be required depending on operational tasking. Additionally, selectees must hold or be capable of obtaining a Top Secret/SCI clearance, which requires a rigorous background check.

For senior cybersecurity specialists seeking to apply their expertise to matters of global security, the IT Specialist (INFOSEC) position with the Navy Blue Team in San Diego represents an unparalleled career opportunity. This GG-13 role allows you to protect critical maritime infrastructures while enjoying a stable, well-compensated federal career in one of California's most vibrant coastal cities. Ensure your resume is limited to two pages, collect your qualifying documentation, and submit your application package to NAVNETWARCOM's recruitment team today.

Why This It Specialist (Infosec) Job Matters

Safeguard the Navy's global network infrastructure: Join the elite Navy Blue Team in San Diego as a Senior INFOSEC Specialist and lead critical defensive cyber operations.

It Specialist (Infosec) Job Overview

The Department of the Navy is seeking a highly skilled IT Specialist (INFOSEC) at the GG-13 level to serve within the Navy Blue Team San Diego Division (NBTSD), under the Operations Department of the Naval Network Warfare Command (NAVNETWARCOM). This is a civilian position within the DoD Cyber Excepted Service (CES) personnel system. In this role, you will lead cooperative vulnerability assessments, evaluate operational security shortfalls, and manage Blue Team defensive cyber missions to secure naval networks globally. This public notice flyer facilitates direct recruitment for anticipated vacancies in San Diego, California, offering a competitive salary range of $128,204 to $175,215 per year.

Requirements for It Specialist (Infosec)

Must be a US Citizen.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance.
Must pass an initial drug screening and submit to subsequent random drug testing.
Must pass a medical screening exam prior to embarking on any US Navy vessels afloat for more than 24 hours.
Must demonstrate senior-level IT-related competency in Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Oral Communication, and Problem Solving.
Must possess specialized experience conducting cooperative vulnerability assessments and cyber threat/vulnerability analysis.
Must have experience planning, executing, and evaluating IT performance assessments, security risk analysis, and future technical needs.
Must submit a comprehensive resume that does not exceed the strict 2-page limit.

Preferred Qualifications for It Specialist (Infosec)

Proven experience leading the strategic evaluation of cybersecurity software, hardware, and operational tools.
Demonstrated success in coordinating, planning, and executing complex Blue Team operations across highly interdependent networks.
Extensive knowledge of the DoD Cyber Excepted Service (CES) framework and cyber defense strategies.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary under the DoD Cyber Excepted Service (CES) system.
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
✓Generous paid time off, federal holidays, and sick leave.
✓Professional development, specialized training opportunities, and career advancement tracks.
✓Telework eligibility based on mission and command needs.

💡 How to Apply It Specialist (Infosec) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for It Specialist (Infosec) Job

Prepare a detailed professional resume tailored to the GG-13 qualifications, ensuring it strictly does not exceed two (2) pages in length.
Compile supporting documentation, including military DD-214 or VA letters (if claiming Veterans' Preference), transcripts (if using education to qualify), or relevant professional certifications.
Format an email with the subject line 'DE-13006856-26-JRH' to ensure proper routing.
Send your complete application package directly to the HR recruitment mailbox: [email protected] prior to the closing date of July 23, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Respect the 2-Page Resume Rule: The Navy human resources team is strictly enforcing a 2-page limit. Any content beyond page two, or illegible resumes, will result in immediate disqualification.
Structure Federal Job Entries Clearly: For each past job on your resume, include the employer's name, start and end dates (Month/Year), average hours worked per week, and your pay plan/series/grade if it was a federal position (e.g., GS-2210-12).
Use the USAJobs Resume Builder: Creating your outline via the USAJobs tool ensures you capture all federally required details before converting it into your final 2-page submission.
Address Core Competencies: Explicitly describe achievements that demonstrate your attention to detail, customer service skills, oral communication, and strategic problem-solving capabilities.
Redact Sensitive Personally Identifiable Information (PII): You may black out your Social Security Number and Date of Birth from military orders or certificates prior to initial submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a standard civil service position?

No. This position is a Department of Defense Cyber Excepted Service (CES) role under 10 U.S.C. 1599f. It is in the excepted service and does not confer competitive status, though the Cyber Interagency Transfer Authority (CITA) permits fluid movement between competitive and excepted services for cyber personnel.

Can I apply directly through the USAJobs portal?

No. This is a public notice flyer to announce anticipated vacancies. Applications are not accepted via the USAJobs application portal. To apply, you must email your application package directly to the Navy Command recruitment address specified in the 'How to Apply' instructions.

What is the policy regarding drug testing for this role?

This position is subject to an initial drug screening before starting, and random testing thereafter. A negative result must be received within 30 days of your start date as a strict condition of employment.

Are there any physical or medical requirements?

Yes. Since this role may involve embarking on US Navy vessels afloat for periods exceeding 24 hours, you must undergo and pass a specialized medical screening exam prior to embarkation.

Does this role allow for telework?

Yes, this position is telework eligible, subject to supervisor approval and operational command requirements.

Q1: How do I apply for this position?

This is a public notice flyer, meaning applications are not processed through the automated 'Apply' button on USAJobs. Interested applicants must submit their resume and supporting document packages directly via email to [email protected]. You must reference the job announcement code DE-13006856-26-JRH in the subject line.