Become an Information Security Specialist with the USDA

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently seeking a highly qualified Information Security Specialist to join the Emergency Programs Division. Based in Washington, D.C., this GS-13 role is critical to maintaining the agency's national security infrastructure and crisis management capabilities. If you have a background in security administration and a passion for public service, this is an exceptional opportunity to make a tangible impact.

Job Responsibilities

The selected candidate will take on a wide range of responsibilities focused on protecting classified information and operational integrity:

Managing the Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) program.
Developing INFOSEC policies that govern how classified material is handled, stored, and destroyed.
Analyzing and evaluating complex security programs involving personnel and classified facilities.
Coordinating with external security community members to stay current on state-of-the-art security technologies.
Providing authoritative advice to agency officials on security implementation.

Comparison: Standard vs. Specialized Security Roles

Feature	Standard Security Role	Emergency Programs Security (This Role)
Clearance Level	Secret	SCI / High Risk
Environment	Routine Office	Emergency/Crisis Focused
Focus	General Compliance	SCIF & National Security Systems
On-Call Status	Rare	24-Hour Availability Required

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-13 position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

A minimum of one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level.
Expertise in researching and analyzing complex security problems involving public laws and Executive Orders.
Experience in managing SCIF operations.
A commitment to 24-hour on-call availability for emergency deployments.
Ability to pass a rigorous background investigation for high-risk clearance.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $121,785 to $158,322 per year, commensurate with federal GS-13 pay scales in the Washington, D.C. locality area.

Benefits

Employees of the USDA enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance options.
Federal Retirement System participation, including a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Paid federal holidays and generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Opportunities for continuous professional training.

Application Tips

Respect the page limit: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit will be automatically rejected.
Documentation is key: Ensure that you include your most recent SF-50 and performance appraisals if you are a current or former federal employee.
Assessments: Be prepared to set aside 1–2 hours for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if notified after your initial application submission.

This role offers a unique intersection of technical security expertise and national mission-readiness. If you are ready to apply your skills to support USDA's critical emergency programs, submit your application package before the closing date to be considered for this vital federal position.

Why This Information Security Specialist Job Matters

Secure the nation's critical infrastructure by joining the USDA's elite Emergency Programs Division as an Information Security Specialist.

Information Security Specialist Job Overview

The USDA's Emergency Programs Division is seeking a dedicated Information Security Specialist to play a pivotal role in national security. You will operate within the Office of Homeland Security, managing high-stakes information systems, Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) facilities, and crisis coordination efforts. This position is essential for maintaining the technological integrity and security posture of the agency during both routine operations and emergency scenarios.

Requirements for Information Security Specialist

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service.
Proven track record in researching and applying public laws and Executive Orders to resolve security challenges.
Extensive experience managing Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Facilities (SCIFs).
Proficiency in administrative SCI support, including visit certifications and foreign contact processing.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk security clearance.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Ability to work in a 24-hour on-call capacity during emergency operations.

Preferred Qualifications for Information Security Specialist

Strong analytical skills regarding national security systems.
Experience in cross-discipline security coordination (industrial, operations, and personnel).
Expertise in developing and implementing INFOSEC policies for government agencies.
Demonstrated ability to manage classified materials, including storage, destruction, and transfer protocols.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive Federal Health and Life Insurance
✓Generous Retirement Benefits and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
✓Paid Federal Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Leave
✓Professional Development and Training Opportunities

💡 How to Apply Information Security Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Information Security Specialist Job

Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages.
Click the 'Apply' button to access the agency's staffing system.
Complete the required questionnaires and assessments.
Upload all necessary documentation, including SF-50s and performance appraisals for current federal employees.
Submit your application before 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifically addresses the major duties listed in the job announcement.
Keep your resume strictly under the two-page limit; exceeding this will result in automatic disqualification.
Verify that your uploaded documents are not encrypted and are in standard file formats (PDF, TXT, DOC).
Practice using the USA Hire assessment resources before taking the actual test.
Use the 'Track this application' feature to monitor your status and check for assessment links.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the security clearance level for this role?

This position requires a Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk clearance, specifically involving Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).

Is telework allowed for this position?

Yes, this position is telework-eligible, though candidates must be prepared for on-site operations and potential travel for emergency continuity events.

Can I substitute education for the specialized experience requirement?

No, at the GS-13 level for this specific position, there is no education substitution permitted.

What is the most important part of my application?

*A: Your resume must clearly articulate how your specialized experience directly translates to the major duties of this role, particularly regarding SCIF management.*

Will I need to travel?

*A: Yes, travel may be extensive during emergency operations, sometimes requiring relocation for weeks or months at a time.*

Job from Homeland Security Staff

The Emergency Programs Division of the USDA manages the Operations Center, providing essential situational awareness for food, agriculture, and natural resource security. The office facilitates inter-agency crisis coordination and maintains the technology necessary to keep national security systems functioning during emergencies. Joining the USDA means becoming part of a mission-driven organization committed to innovation and the sustainability of America's natural resources.