Intelligence Operations Specialist

SummaryThis position is in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A). The incumbent serves as an Intelligence Operations Specialist within the Nation-State Threat Center (NST).This job is open to Federal employees - Competitive serviceCurrent or former competitive service federal employees.Federal employees - Excepted serviceCurrent excepted service federal employees.Internal to an agencyCurrent federal employees of this agency. Clarification from the agencyThis job is open to Current Federal I&A employees (in the 0132 series), DHS- Intelligence Enterprise Current Federal Employees (DHS IE-Wide), Intelligence Community Current Federal Employees (IC-Wide)DutiesNST assesses critical threats that foreign nation states pose to US economic competitiveness, threats from foreign intelligence services, and malign foreign influence using DHS and private sector data to provide unique insights to senior decision-makers in federal and state government and the private sector. Joining NST provides you the opportunity to protect the homeland from foreign influence and espionage and defend our country's economic security, one of the bedrocks of long-term US national security.We are most interested in candidates with exceptional writing and analytic skills, as well as the curiosity and initiative to lead efforts to strengthen our tradecraft and analytic impact. A previous background in counterintelligence, economic security, or malign foreign influence is helpful but not required.MAJOR DUTIES : Regularly conceptualize, draft, coordinate, and publish intelligence assessments about NST threat issues.Coordinate efforts with DHS Headquarters collection management and forward-deployed collectors from ORI, commercial vendors, and DHS components (e.g., Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customers Enforcement) to ensure I&A assessments draw upon information not otherwise available to the IC.Brief stakeholders within the public sector (e.g., DHS executives, leaders at non-IC agencies, Congress) and private sector on NST threats.Demonstrate initiative developing and leading initiatives within DHS and the broader NST threat community to advance our mission (e.g., leading information sharing groups, organizing, and speaking at conferences).Model NST's values, demonstrating an ownership mentality, a bias for action, healthy work-life balance, and a focus on your own professional development.Performs other duties as assignedRequirements Conditions of Employment Must be able to hold a TS / SCI Security Clearance.Must be a U.S. Citizen.This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) and is covered by the Department of Homeland Security Headquarters Drug-Free Workplace Program. QualificationsTo qualify for the GS-13 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. For this level, specialized experience is defined as : In addition to the requirements for the next lower grade level, expert knowledge of completing all-source finished intelligence assessments products in line with tradecraft standards. Understanding of the intelligence cycle and experience operating in one or more areas of the cycle - intelligence gathering and dissemination, production, collection etc. Knowledge of a wide range of analytical and evaluative techniques used in assessing threats to homeland security.Skill in making formal presentations and representing I&A positions on intelligence issues and methods at fora at the highest levels of government or intergovernmental coordination. Ability to effectively communicate and coordinate with and advise management officials, program managers and specialists, and representatives of other agencies; to reconcile differing or conflicting viewpoints; to organize information and present statements of position; and, to write succinctly and clearly.Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level.To qualify for the GS-12 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service.For this level, specialized experience is defined as : - Ability to communicate moderately complex ideas both written and verbally in order to formulate and present findings, briefings, project papers, status reports, and correspondence to foster understanding and acceptance of findings and recommendations. Skill in making formal presentations and representing I&A positions on intelligence issues and methods at interagency. Knowledge of the substantive programs, goals, priorities, policies and commitments of the assigned organization, the sequence and timing of key program events and milestones, and the interrelationships with other department programs to perform assessments and conduct or direct in-depth studies in support of homeland security.To qualify for the GS-07-11 level you must possess one of the following : Knowledge of established intelligence gathering and dissemination principles, pertinent administrative regulations, and other guidelines plus skill in applying well-established information gathering, fact-finding and dissemination techniques. Knowledge in organizing and presenting data and trends in a variety of formats for presentation to superiors using spreadsheets, tables, charts and other tools.Strong customer service and interpersonal skills in order to maintain effective working relationships with both internal and external customers.Ability to communicate both orally and in writing to formulate and present findings, briefings, project papers, status reports, and correspondence to foster understanding and acceptance of findings.OR Education : at least one of the following if using education to qualify at this grade level : (A) Completed a Bachelor's degree AND obtained Superior Academic Achievement (SAA). SAA is met through one of the following : Ranked in the upper one-third of your graduating class; OR earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 as recorded on your official transcript, or based on courses completed during final 2 years of curriculum; OR earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher out of 4.0, based on the average of required courses completed in your major or required courses in your major completed during the final 2 years of curriculum; OR election to membership in a national scholastic honor society; OR (B) Successful completion of one full year of graduate level education (18 credits or equivalent).Additional informationThis is a permanent appointment position that is classified in the Excepted Service under Title 50 and will be filled on a full-time permanent basis. Employees hired under an Excepted Service appointment may be required to serve a two (2) year trial period.Anyone interested in this opportunity should submit their work history showing current grade by COB 01 / 17 / 2025Note : One or more positions may be filled using this vacancy announcement.Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, and genetic information, and age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. BenefitsA 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.Review our benefitsEligibility 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 EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements.If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education and training will be rated using a job questionnaire based on the following competencies or knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform this job : Exceptional writing skillsAbility to conceptualize, draft, coordinate, and publish intelligence assessments Strong briefing skills Demonstrated ability to work effectively with colleagues within I&A and the broader IE and ICDemonstrated leadership skills (e.g., leading assessments with contributors from multiple offices, organizing working groups)If you are amongst the best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview.If, after reviewing your resume and / or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have overstated your qualifications and / or experience, you will be removed from consideration. BenefitsA 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.Review our benefitsEligibility 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 DocumentsAs 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.Your resume.Your cover letter. Not to exceed two pages describing qualifications and interest in the position.Your most recent performance evaluation.You may be asked to submit additional documents during the resume review process (e.g., writing samples, or ask applicants to complete questionnaires or assessments). Applicants also may be asked for references during the selection process. Incomplete packages will not be referred to the Hiring Manager.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 ApplyTo apply for this position, you must submit your resume, a complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section.The complete application package must be submitted by 11 : 59 PM (EST) on 01 / 17 / 2025.To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and / or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https : / / my.usajobs.gov / Account / Login , select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and / or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.Agency contact informationDHS INTEL ICAG SupportEmail DHS.INTEL.ICAG@hq.dhs.govAddressIC - DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis Customers 3801 Nebraska Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 USNext stepsOnce the application window closes, all application packages will be reviewed for completion prior to referral to the selecting official.Please address questions regarding application procedures to DHS.INTEL.ICAG@HQ.DHS.GOV. Fair and TransparentThe Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.Criminal history inquiriesEqual Employment Opportunity (EEO) PolicyFinancial suitabilityNew employee probationary periodPrivacy ActReasonable accommodation policySelective ServiceSignature and false statementsSocial security number requestRequired DocumentsYour resume.Your cover letter. Not to exceed two pages describing qualifications and interest in the position.Your most recent performance evaluation.You may be asked to submit additional documents during the resume review process (e.g., writing samples, or ask applicants to complete questionnaires or assessments). Applicants also may be asked for references during the selection process. Incomplete packages will not be referred to the Hiring Manager.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 ApplyTo apply for this position, you must submit your resume, a complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section.The complete application package must be submitted by 11 : 59 PM (EST) on 01 / 17 / 2025.To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and / or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https : / / my.usajobs.gov / Account / Login , select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and / or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.Agency contact informationDHS INTEL ICAG SupportEmail DHS.INTEL.ICAG@hq.dhs.govAddressIC - DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis Customers 3801 Nebraska Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 USNext stepsOnce the application window closes, all application packages will be reviewed for completion prior to referral to the selecting official.Please address questions regarding application procedures to DHS.INTEL.ICAG@HQ.DHS.GOV.Fair & TransparentThe Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.Criminal history inquiriesEqual Employment Opportunity (EEO) PolicyFinancial suitabilityNew employee probationary periodPrivacy ActReasonable accommodation policySelective ServiceSignature and false statementsSocial security number request