ICDF - Student Trainee (Information Technology)
Summary
Who May Be Considered:
View common definitions of terms found in this announcement.
Applicants who live within the local commuting area (i.e., a 50-mile or less radius from Glebe Road, Arlington VA (not driving distance)) are ineligible for local remote work and are expected to perform work onsite and may be eligible for telework in accordance with agency policy.
Duties
The Intelligence and Cybersecurity Diversity Fellowship (ICDF) Program is a Congressionally-mandated program designed to help DHS recruit, retain, and reward the best and brightest. The program provides qualified students opportunities to work alongside highly skilled intelligence and cybersecurity professionals at DHS, gain hands-on technical experience, interact with experts and peers at professional development events, and expand their professional network. This program is funded by the DHS Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer.
Typical work assignments include, but are not limited to:
- Assisting with public-facing cyber outreach and engagement.
- Supporting the overall work of the office ensuring smooth operation, proper delivery of services, and effective customer support.
- Assisting with the generation of program source codes using various computer languages.
- Assisting with network monitoring and incident response.
- Applying hardware and software updates to systems.
- Researching cybersecurity tools and techniques.
- Assisting with the analysis of cybersecurity programs and researching new solutions for emerging cyber security threats.
- Assisting with the analyzing and evaluating security log data.
PROGRAM COMPLETION AND PLACEMENT PROCESS:
Those who successfully complete the program, and who are eligible, may enter the placement process for employment within DHS in an excepted service position. Permanent placement is not guaranteed, but the expectation is that projected growth within DHS in intelligence and cybersecurity will provide a variety of employment opportunities.
To be eligible for the placement process, participants must have completed the following:
- Obtain a bachelor's degree in a STEM, IT, cybersecurity, or intelligence field;
- GPA of at least a 3.2 on a 4.0 scale;
- Completed 480 hours of work at the Department;
- Participated in designated technical and core training;
- Collaborated with subject matter expert mentors in intelligence and cybersecurity; and
- Completed a challenge project (as designated by the agency).
Program Benefits:
- First-hand, practical experience in intelligence or cybersecurity disciplines;
- Individual Development Plans (IDP) providing a roadmap for professional development;
- Participation in high priority challenging projects;
- Formal and informal training in core and technical competencies;
- Access to mentors who will provide advice and support; and
- May be eligible for tuition assistance.
RequirementsConditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. citizen.
- You must be at least 16 years of age.
- Selective Service - males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service see http://www.sss.gov/
- All Federal employees are required to participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer for salary payments.
- DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
- You must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance suitable for Federal employment as determined by a background investigation. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
- One-year probationary period may be required.
- The duration of this appointment is a trial period.
- This position requires a pre-employment drug test. All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to a drug test to screen for illicit/illegal drug use prior to receiving a final offer of employment. A final offer of employment is contingent upon a negative drug test result.
Qualifications
Basic Eligibility:
In order to be eligible as an intern under the Intelligence and Cybersecurity Diversity Fellowship Program (ICDF), you must be considered a socially disadvantaged student, currently enrolled as a freshman, sophomore, or junior at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or Minority Serving Institution (MSI). A qualifying educational institution is defined as a college and/or university and educational institutions or curricula accredited by the U.S. Department of Education.
Applicants must also:
- Remain in good academic standing as defined by the school, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale during each academic term;
- Have declared a major in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), Information Technology (IT), Cybersecurity, or Intelligence-related field;
- Maintain enrollment on a full-time basis and remain in good academic standing throughout the duration of the fellowship program, if selected;
- Meet the DHS developed qualifications standards prior to appointment and any physical, suitability, security requirements and if applicable medical clearance; and
- Commit to twelve (12) consecutive weeks of full-time summer employment from the date of onboarding, if selected.
Students need not be in actual physical attendance, so long as all other requirements are being met.
An academic year of undergraduate education is defined as 30 semester credit hours, 45 quarter credit hours, or the equivalent in an accredited college or university.
To be considered minimally qualified for this position, you must demonstrate that you have the required education and/or experience for the respective grade level in which you are applying.
You qualify for the GS-03 grade level, if you have:
EDUCATION: Completion of one (1) full academic year of post-high school study from an accredited institution.
You qualify for the GS-04 grade level, if you have:
EDUCATION: Completion of two (2) full academic years of post-high school study or an associate degree from an accredited institution.
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.
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
This position has an education requirement. You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted that includes your name, the name of the educational institution, current status as a freshman, sophomore or junior, declared degree program, course title(s), number of credits, grade, date of completion, and anticipated date of degree conferral. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.
Education must be from an accredited 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.
Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the qualification requirements. You must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private U.S. organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.