ICDF Student Trainee (Data Support)

Qualifications

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.

Basic Eligibility:

Under the Intelligence and Cybersecurity Diversity Fellowship Program (ICDF), applicants must be recognized as a socially disadvantaged student, currently enrolled as a sophomore, junior, or senior 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:

• 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;
• 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
• If selected, commit to twelve (12) consecutive weeks of full-time summer employment from the date of onboarding.

Qualifications:

To qualify for the GS-4 level:

Applicants must have completed 2 full academic years of post-high school study or an associate's degree in any field for which high school graduation or the equivalent is the normal prerequisite.

National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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.

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.

Qualifications Must Be Met

The qualification requirements listed above must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Selected candidates may be converted to a permanent position in the excepted service. To be eligible for conversion, you must:

- Obtain a bachelor's degree in a STEM, IT, cybersecurity, or intelligence field;

- Maintain a GPA of at least a 3.2 on a 4.0 scale;

- Complete 480 hours of work at the Department;

- Participate in designated technical and core training;

- Collaborate with subject matter expert mentors in intelligence and cybersecurity; and

- Complete a challenge project (as designated by the agency).

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.

Education

Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) or a list of coursework with hours completed. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. For example, specific courses accepted for college-level credit by an accredited U.S. college or university, or foreign education evaluated by an organization recognized for accreditation by the Department of Education as education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. college or university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.

Additional information

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

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 Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

More than one selection may be made from this announcement.

Appointments are subject to the availability of funds.

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select Benefits. Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

This position has been designated exempt from bargaining unit representation under the national security provision of 5 USC Section 7112(B)(6).

All employees are required to participate in Direct Deposit/ Electronic Funds Transfer for salary payments.

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.

E-Verify

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.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online if at all possible. Applying online, through your USAJOBS account, will expedite the application process and allow you to check your application status as well as verify the documentation submitted with your application. If you utilize the Alternate Application method, your USAJOBS account will not display this application and you will not receive status updates.