- Position Title
- IT Cybersecurity Specialist (CUSTSPT)
- Agency
- U.S. Coast Guard
- Announcement Number
- 20250115-83688-046984-PF-ST Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Tuesday, April 15, 2025 to Thursday, April 24, 2025
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?
2.
Current Federal Employee - Merit Promotion
Do you wish to be considered as a current Federal employee who meets one of the following criteria?
- In a permanent position that is in the competitive service (see block #34 on your SF-50 for your position type)
- With an excepted service agency but can be hired into the competitive service because you meet the criteria of an Interchange Agreement. Additional information about current Interchange Agreements can be found here.
- Your SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), or equivalent, as stated in the job announcement. It is recommended that you submit your most recent SF-50 that shows your position occupied (block #34 of your SF-50); tenure; grade and step; salary; and, full performance level.
- If your position occupied is "2 - Excepted Service" (block #34 of your SF-50), it is recommended that you also include the initial SF-50, or other official Notification of Personnel Action, for that appointment.
3.
Current Federal Employee - Noncompetitive
Do you wish to be considered as a current Federal employee who meets one of the following criteria? I have held, or currently hold either:
- A permanent position in the competitive service (see block #34 of your SF-50) with the same or higher promotion potential of the position being advertised
- An appointment with an excepted service agency but can be hired into the competitive service because I meet the criteria of an Interchange Agreement, with the same or higher promotion potential of the position being advertised. Additional information about current Interchange Agreements can be found here.
- Your SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), or equivalent, as stated in the job announcement. It is recommended that you submit your most recent SF-50 that shows your position occupied (block #34 of your SF-50); tenure; grade and step; salary; and full performance level.
- If your position occupied is "2 - Excepted Service" (block 34 of your SF-50), it is recommended that you also include the initial SF-50, or other official Notification of Personnel Action, for that appointment.
4.
Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions AND you:
• have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more; OR,
• are retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more?
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans/.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. You must also submit the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.
• have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more; OR,
• are retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more?
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans/.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. You must also submit the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.
5.
Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who has been issued orders for a permanent change of station (PCS)? If yes, confirm that you are indicated on the PCS orders; and you
• have been married to the military member on or prior to the date of your spouse's PCS orders
• are relocating with your spouse to the new duty location AND
• have not previously been appointed using this authority under these orders.
-OR-
Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability rating at the time of retirement of 100 percent or the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from the Armed Forces and has a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs?
-OR-
Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status?
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
• have been married to the military member on or prior to the date of your spouse's PCS orders
• are relocating with your spouse to the new duty location AND
• have not previously been appointed using this authority under these orders.
-OR-
Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability rating at the time of retirement of 100 percent or the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from the Armed Forces and has a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs?
-OR-
Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status?
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
6.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
• you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
• you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
7.
Were you employed overseas as an Appropriated Fund employee AND did you:
• complete 52 weeks of creditable overseas service in an appropriated fund position(s) as a family member during the time you accompanied a sponsor officially assigned to an overseas area; AND,
• receive a fully successful or better (or equivalent) performance rating; AND,
• return to the United States to resume residence less than 3 years ago?
For more information, review USAJOBS Former Overseas Employees Resources:
https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/former-overseas-employees/
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50, and performance appraisal.
• complete 52 weeks of creditable overseas service in an appropriated fund position(s) as a family member during the time you accompanied a sponsor officially assigned to an overseas area; AND,
• receive a fully successful or better (or equivalent) performance rating; AND,
• return to the United States to resume residence less than 3 years ago?
For more information, review USAJOBS Former Overseas Employees Resources:
https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/former-overseas-employees/
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50, and performance appraisal.
8.
Were you formerly employed as a Federal civilian employee on a permanent competitive appointment or did you obtain career-conditional status (and are within 3 years of the date of separation or are a preference eligible) and have you never held the full performance level of this position?
-OR
Are you currently employed as a Federal civilian employee in the Competitive Service and have you never held the full performance level of this position?
To verify your eligibility as a current or former Federal civilian employee, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status. Your SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect:
-OR
Are you currently employed as a Federal civilian employee in the Competitive Service and have you never held the full performance level of this position?
To verify your eligibility as a current or former Federal civilian employee, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status. Your SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect:
- career or career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2); AND,
9.
Former Federal Employee - Merit Promotion
Do you wish to be considered as a former Federal Employee in the civilian service who previously held a position that was in the competitive service and is eligible to be reinstated? (See block #34 on your SF-50 for your position type) More information about the eligibility requirements for reinstatement can be found here. Proof is required. You must submit the following documentation to support your claim:
- Your SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), or equivalent, as stated in the job announcement. It is recommended that you submit your most recent SF-50 that shows your position occupied (block #34 of your SF-50); tenure; grade and step; salary; and full performance level.
- If your position occupied is "2 - Excepted Service" (block #34 of your SF-50), it is recommended that you also include the initial SF-50, or other official Notification of Personnel Action, for that appointment. It is also recommended that you submit the SF-50 showing your separation.
10.
Former Federal Employee - Noncompetitive
Do you wish to be considered as a former Federal employee who previously held a permanent position that was in the competitive service (see block #34 of your SF-50) with the same or higher promotion potential of the position being advertised? NoteNote: If your position referenced above is not on the GS pay scale, your pay must be at or above the representative rate (step 04) of the full performance level of this position. Proof is required. You must submit the following documentation to support your claim:
- Your SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), or equivalent, as stated in the job announcement. It is recommended that you submit your most recent SF-50 that shows your position occupied (block #34 of your SF-50); tenure; grade and step; salary; and full performance level.
- If your position occupied is "2 - Excepted Service" (block 34 of your SF-50), it is recommended that you also include the initial SF-50, or other official Notification of Personnel Action, for that appointment.
11.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a Federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
• you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
• you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
12.
Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past twelve months?
- OR -
Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past 36 months and are requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility due to your military service, status as a full-time student or other experience related to this position?
- OR -
Are you a current or former Peace Corps employee who has completed at least 36 months of continuous service and has been separated from the Peace Corps for less than three years?
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your description of service or other proof of non-competitive eligibility. If you are a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility, please also provide the necessary documentation to support your request.
- OR -
Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past 36 months and are requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility due to your military service, status as a full-time student or other experience related to this position?
- OR -
Are you a current or former Peace Corps employee who has completed at least 36 months of continuous service and has been separated from the Peace Corps for less than three years?
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your description of service or other proof of non-competitive eligibility. If you are a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility, please also provide the necessary documentation to support your request.
13.
Are you a current or former Federal employee (transfer or reinstatement eligible) who holds or has previously held a career or career-conditional position at the same or higher grade level with the same or higher promotion potential as the position being announced?
If eligible, submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.
• Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) AND
• Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).
If eligible, submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.
• Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) AND
• Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).
14.
Are you a current Excepted Service employee of a Federal Agency that has a valid interchange agreement with the Office of Personnel Management?
For more information, review Interchange Agreements with Other Merit Systems. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/competitive-hiring/#url=InterchangeAgreementsWithOtherMeritSystems
-OR-
Are you a current:
• Postal Career Service Employee;
• Postal Rate Commission Employee;
• Government Accountability Office (GAO) Employee; or,
• Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Employee?
For more information, review Miscellaneous Authorities Not Regulated By U.S. Office of Personnel Management. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/competitive-hiring/#url=MiscellaneousAuthoritiesNotRegulated .
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form (SF-50) reflecting your status.
For more information, review Interchange Agreements with Other Merit Systems. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/competitive-hiring/#url=InterchangeAgreementsWithOtherMeritSystems
-OR-
Are you a current:
• Postal Career Service Employee;
• Postal Rate Commission Employee;
• Government Accountability Office (GAO) Employee; or,
• Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Employee?
For more information, review Miscellaneous Authorities Not Regulated By U.S. Office of Personnel Management. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/competitive-hiring/#url=MiscellaneousAuthoritiesNotRegulated .
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form (SF-50) reflecting your status.
15.
Do you have a severe physical, psychiatric or mental disability that qualifies you for Schedule A Disability appointments?
If eligible, provide proof of disability with appropriate medical documentation, i.e., a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your condition and restrictions.
For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.
If eligible, provide proof of disability with appropriate medical documentation, i.e., a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your condition and restrictions.
For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.
16.
Are you a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions AND you:
• served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (Note: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility); OR,
• are entitled to veterans' preference?
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources. USAJOBS Veterans resources
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service.
• served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (Note: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility); OR,
• are entitled to veterans' preference?
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources. USAJOBS Veterans resources
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service.
17.
Are you a current (or former) time-limited employee of one or more of the following Land Management Agencies or Base Facilities Management Agencies?
Land Management:
Land Management:
- Department of Agriculture: Forest Service
- Department of the Interior: Bureau of Land Management
- Department of the Interior: National Park Service
- Department of the Interior: Fish and Wildlife Service
- Department of the Interior: Bureau of Indian Affairs
- Department of the Interior: Bureau of Reclamation
- The Department of Defense, Defense Industrial Base Facility
- The Department of Defense Major Range and Test Facilities Base
- Copies of your Notification of Personnel Actions(s) (SF-50):
- Showing you have served in the appropriate appointment(s) for a period/periods totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two (2) or more years.
- You must also submit the initial hire action, extensions, conversion, and termination/separation SF-50s for each service period.
- Appropriate documentation to verify your acceptable level of performance, which is supported by one or more of the following:
- Performance rating(s) showing an acceptable level of performance for period(s) of employment signed by your supervisor;
- A statement from your supervisor(s) or other individual in the supervisory chain indicating an acceptable level of performance for the period(s) of employment; or
- A stated reason as to the reason the appraisal/documentation is not available and a statement that your performance for all periods was at an acceptable level, your most recent separation was for reasons other than misconduct or performance, and you were never notified that you were not eligible for rehire based on performance.
18.
If you are, or ever were, a Federal civilian employee, please indicate the pay plan of the highest graded position you held on a permanent basis.
(limit 15 characters)
19.
If you are, or ever were, a Federal civilian employee, please indicate the dates of the highest graded position you held. (MM-YYYY to MM-YYYY or Present)
(limit 50 characters)
20.
Which of the following responses BEST represents your performance rating?
21.
Which of the following BEST represents your awards history? Awards include sustained superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, meritorious civilian service awards, quality step increases, and other equivalent awards. Letters of commendation and appreciation are NOT creditable.
Assessment 1
We will evaluate your resume and responses to this Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are among the best qualified for this position. Your responses are subject to verification and must be supported by your resume and supporting documents.
1.
Select the one statement that best describes the experience you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of an IT Cybersecurity Specialist (CUSSPT), GS-12
Select the one statement that best describes the experience you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of an IT Cybersecurity Specialist (CUSSPT), GS-12
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
2.
Do you have experience working on classified data systems and strictly adhering to security procedures?
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
3.
What experience do you have troubleshooting problems, configuring hardware and software, analyzing performance, developing and implementing corrective actions to ensure the operability of mission systems?
4.
Which statement best describes your highest level of experience analyzing and resolving network problems?
5.
Which statement best describes your highest level of experience implementing modifications to operating systems software such as UNIX and LINUX?
6.
With which systems or software do you have experience troubleshooting and resolving problems?
7.
Select the cyber security tasks you have performed.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
8.
Which statement best describes your highest level of experience ensuring system security policies are implemented in network and system design
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
9.
Do you have experience making decisions in high pressure situations to resolve voice/data network problems and return systems/services to operation?
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
10.
Which of the following describes your experience with conducting operating system evaluations, audits and/or reviews to ensure compliance with information assurance requirements for Unix and Linux?
11.
Which statement best describes your highest level of experience installing and tuning systems running the Windows operating system?
12.
Which statement best describes your highest level of experience resolving technical user issues (e.g., computer hardware and software) in a call center or help desk environment?
13.
Which statement best describes your highest level of experience resolving technical user issues (e.g., computer hardware and software) in a call center or help desk environment?
14.
Which statement best describes your highest level of experience identifying software/hardware security issues and developing solutions to these problems?
15.
Select the activities you have performed related to Information Assurance/Security.
Determined equipment and associated peripheral device requirements Planned for automation and telecommunications None of the abov
Determined equipment and associated peripheral device requirements Planned for automation and telecommunications None of the abov
16.
Select the customer support functions you have performed.
Training on agency-specific enterprise tools (e.g., CGPortal, CGBI, Direct Access, SharePoint server, CG Macros) Maintained a problem tracking database to ensure customer issues are resolved and to identify trends. Training on end user a
Training on agency-specific enterprise tools (e.g., CGPortal, CGBI, Direct Access, SharePoint server, CG Macros) Maintained a problem tracking database to ensure customer issues are resolved and to identify trends. Training on end user a
17.
Which statement best describes your highest level of experience providing customer service to stakeholders?
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
18.
I certify, to the best of my knowledge, that all the information in my application is true, and that I have truthfully and accurately represented my work experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and education. I understand that providing false or fraudulent information may be grounds for not hiring me or for firing me after I begin work. I also certify that I have read the entire vacancy announcement; that I have reviewed my answers to the eligibility questions for accuracy; and that I understand what supporting documentation, if any, is required for submission and when it's due.