Student Trainee (Cybersecurity)

Summary

Joining the Secret Service, Office of Investigations, Criminal Investigative Division in Washington, DC will allow you to be oriented in the application of operations, automating processes; the analysis of existing and evolving computer technology and cybersecurity to meet mission requirements and satisfy stakeholder needs.

For more information on the Secret Service click here.

This job is open to

• Students
  
  Current students enrolled in accredited educational institutions from high school to graduate level. Includes internships, pathways and other student programs.

Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens that meet eligibility as a Pathways Intern. Must be accepted for enrollment or currently enrolled in an accredited educational institution or certification program. Enrollment is on at least a half-time basis at a qualifying educational institution in a certificate, degree, or diploma program with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 undergraduate; or 3.0 graduate at time of application and throughout the appointment.

Duties

The selectee will serve as a Student Trainee (Cybersecurity) in the Office of Investigations. Typical work assignments include:

• Receives classroom and on-the-job training in carefully selected assignments to develop the knowledge and skills of a Student Trainee (Cybersecurity).
• Completes training assignments that embrace the principles, concepts, regulations, and work processes fundamental to system security engineering.
• Performs developmental tasks assigned by the supervisor in the application of principles, procedures, and work techniques in actual operating situations such as computer systems architecture analysis and design, and reviews and comments on technical papers and contract submittals.
• Assists higher graded technical personnel in identifying requirements for network connectivity; becomes familiar with cybersecurity orientation and with functions of customers; reviews systems analysis to include feasibility studies for hardware and soft ware specifications; and documents recurring processes.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
• Please note that this is NOT a summer internship.
• Trial period may be required for the duration of the internship.
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov/).
• Obtain and maintain a Top Secret Tier 5 clearance. For more information visit OPM Mythbuster Page here.
• Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment and random drug testing while you occupy the position.
• Submit to a Counter-Intelligence (CI) polygraph examination prior to your appointment.
• Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (for undergraduate students); or 3.0 (for graduate students) at time of application and throughout internship appointment. (No rounding).
• Interns must be taking at least a half-time academic/vocational/or technical course load in a qualifying academic institution. The definition of half-time is the definition provided by the school in which the student is enrolled.
  
  • Interns employed in the Internship Program who need to complete the equivalent of less than half a course load in the enrollment period immediately prior to graduating are still considered students for program purposes.
• Be at least 16 years or older at the time of appointment.
• Sign a Pathways Participant Agreement upon entrance on duty.
• Work schedules will be determined by the intern's interest in conjunction with management.
• Sign an Individual Development Plan upon entrance on duty.

Qualifications

Pathways Internship Eligibility: applicant must have accepted enrollment or be enrolled and seeking a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.) on a full- or half-time basis (as defined by the institution which they attend) in one of the accredited educational institutions:

• public or private high school;
• state-approved home school;
• technical or vocational school;
• 2-year or 4-year college or university;
• graduate or professional school; or
• postsecondary home school curriculum;

Official documentation is required with application to verify current or projected enrollment (i.e. official documentation from school, student or course schedule, official transcript, acceptance letter, or receipt of tuition payment to the school).

Transcripts MUST include:

• Student's name
• Name of the school
• Specific degree program
• Current and Cumulative GPA/academic standing (2.5 undergraduate G.P.A.; or 3.0 graduate G.P.A.) (No rounding).
• Past and current coursework that demonstrates you meet the requirements of this position.

If you fail to submit your transcript(s)/proof of enrollment prior to the closing date of the announcement you will be deemed "INELIGIBLE" for the internship.

Students must maintain student eligibility and enrollment throughout the duration of the internship. Applicants that have graduated or will graduate prior to the completion of the internship are ineligible to participate without proof of future enrollment in an accredited university.

This position supports the Office of Investigations and candidates seeking degrees in Computer Science, Network Administration, Financial Forensics, or any cyber-related majors are preferred to receive direct experience that aligns with their academic course of study. Note: Applicants are not required to be pursuing a degree in one of the above-listed fields in order to be found eligible or qualified.

GS-03: You qualify for the GS-03 level (starting salary $35,947.00) if you possess the following:

• Completion of 1 full academic year of post-high school study.

GS-04: You qualify for the GS-04 level (starting salary $40,351.00) if you possess the following:

• Completion of 2 full academic years of post-high school study or an Associate's degree.

This will be calculated using your unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Veterans' Preference: For more information on veterans' preference see: https://www.opm.gov/fedshirevets/veteran-job-seekers/#

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Education

If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. Failure to provide such documentation with your application will result in lost consideration. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

PROGRAM COMPLETION AND CONVERSION ELIGIBILITY: Program participants may be converted, without a break in service, to a term, career or career conditional appointment upon completion of program requirements. To be eligible for conversion, a Student Trainee Intern must:

• Be a U.S. Citizen;
• Successfully complete academic course of study;
• Complete a minimum of 640 hours of work experience under the Internship Program; (USSS may waive up to 320 hours of the 640-hour requirement for non-competitive conversion when an Intern has completed 320 hours of career-related experience AND has demonstrated high potential by outstanding academic achievement and exceptional job performance) while enrolled as a full-time or half-time degree or certificate-seeking student;
• Meet OPM qualification standards for the position the Intern will be converted to;
• Maintain acceptable performance under the agency's approved performance management system; and
• Receive favorable recommendation for conversion from Supervisor

It is important to note that eligibility for conversion does not guarantee that the agency will decide to opt for conversion.

An Intern converted to a full-time career or career-conditional position in the competitive service, who has completed one year in the program, does not have to serve a probationary period and will acquire competitive status immediately upon conversion. Time served in the Internship Program counts as the trial period.

Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Personnel Management guidance and U.S. Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment. This position will require a credit check after a conditional offer of employment has been accepted.

The agency's Telework Policy allows up to 80% telework, which is at the discretion of management and based on roles and responsibilities. Additionally, compressed or flexible work schedules are offered with appropriate approval.

More than one selection may be made from this announcement if additional identical vacancies in the same title, series, grade and unit occur. Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.

DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States.

The Secret Service prohibits employees from having visible body markings (including but not limited to tattoos, body art, and branding) on the head, face, neck, hand and fingers (any area below the wrist bone) (exception: a single conservative and unobtrusive tattoo in the form of a ring is authorized on one finger).

If you are unable to apply online contact CSB_Inquiries@opm.gov.

• Benefits
  
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application will be rated on the extent and quality of your experience, education and training relevant to the duties of the position. All answers provided in the online process must be substantiated by your resume. Upon review, your resume and/or supporting documents need to support your answer choices and the minimum qualification requirements, in order to be considered. If we cannot determine how your application meets the minimum requirements above, you will removed from consideration.

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are referred in the following order, with preference eligibles receiving consideration first: (1) preference eligibles having a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more; followed by (2) other 10-point preference eligibles; (3) 5-point preference eligibles; and (4) non-preference eligibles (i.e., non-veterans). For information on veterans' preference click here.

An interview may be required for this position. If an interview is required, failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration.

• Benefits
  
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
• Required Documents
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  
  1. Your resume showing a detailed description of your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates with the month and year and hours worked per week (if less than 40) for each paid and non-paid work experience job title listed.
  
  2. Your transcripts. Unofficial copies are sufficient with the application; however, if selected, official transcripts will be required. Submit a complete, unofficial copy of your transcripts that shows your entire college academic record as of the date of this announcement. The transcript can be retrieved by following the academic institutions instructions to obtain an unofficial copy. Please do not submit screenshots of your coursework.
  
  3. Other required documents (only submit if applicable to you)
  
  • Are you claiming veterans' preference?
    
    • Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 or other (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or other notice form
    • If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, in addition to the DD-214, you must also submit a Standard Form 15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference) and provide an official document dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces, and/or any other required documentation based on your preference.
    • If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date you submit your application. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions
    • For more information on veterans' preference see http://www.fedshirevets.gov/.
  • Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
    
    • Position title;
    • Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee);
    • Agency; and
    • Beginning and ending dates of appointment.
  
  
  
  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
  
  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
  schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  
  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
• How to Apply
  
  Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/30/2024 to receive consideration.
  
  PLEASE NOTE: If your materials are not received by the closing date, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. Also, if you do not provide a valid email address, you may not be notified of the outcome of your application.
  
  The application process is as follows:
  
  1. To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
  2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
  3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
  
  To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an Additional Application Information page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  Charlie Services Branch
  
  Email
  
  CSB_Inquiries@opm.gov
  
  Next steps
  
  Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your eligibility. Best-qualified applicants will be referred for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 45 days of the closing date of this announcement.
  
  If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information".
  
  For more information on applying for Federal employment, please click here.
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

1. Your resume showing a detailed description of your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates with the month and year and hours worked per week (if less than 40) for each paid and non-paid work experience job title listed.

2. Your transcripts. Unofficial copies are sufficient with the application; however, if selected, official transcripts will be required. Submit a complete, unofficial copy of your transcripts that shows your entire college academic record as of the date of this announcement. The transcript can be retrieved by following the academic institutions instructions to obtain an unofficial copy. Please do not submit screenshots of your coursework.

3. Other required documents (only submit if applicable to you)

• Are you claiming veterans' preference?
  
  • Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 or other (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or other notice form
  • If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, in addition to the DD-214, you must also submit a Standard Form 15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference) and provide an official document dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces, and/or any other required documentation based on your preference.
  • If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date you submit your application. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions
  • For more information on veterans' preference see http://www.fedshirevets.gov/.
• Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
  
  • Position title;
  • Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee);
  • Agency; and
  • Beginning and ending dates of appointment.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/30/2024 to receive consideration.

PLEASE NOTE: If your materials are not received by the closing date, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. Also, if you do not provide a valid email address, you may not be notified of the outcome of your application.

The application process is as follows:

1. To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.

To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an Additional Application Information page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Agency contact information

Charlie Services Branch

Email

CSB_Inquiries@opm.gov

Next steps

Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your eligibility. Best-qualified applicants will be referred for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 45 days of the closing date of this announcement.

If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information".

For more information on applying for Federal employment, please click here.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Selective Service
• Signature and false statements
• Social security number request