Job Description
Join the cybersecurity frontline protecting America's critical infrastructure at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in Minneapolis. We're seeking a dedicated IT Security Specialist to safeguard federal systems against evolving threats while ensuring compliance with federal regulations. This role offers unparalleled opportunity to work on national security initiatives while advancing your career in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
Responsibilities
- Implement and maintain NIST SP 800-53 security controls across federal IT systems
- Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing for agency networks
- Develop incident response plans and lead security breach mitigation efforts
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure continuous security monitoring
- Prepare compliance documentation for federal audits and risk assessments
- Train staff on cybersecurity best practices and security awareness protocols
- Manage security tools including SIEM, firewalls, and endpoint protection platforms
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 5+ years of experience in IT security with federal compliance knowledge
- Active Secret security clearance (Top Secret preferred)
- Certification in CISSP, CEH, or CompTIA Security+
- Expertise in risk assessment methodologies and security frameworks
- Experience with cloud security (AWS/Azure) and zero-trust architectures
- Strong analytical skills for threat detection and incident investigation
- Ability to obtain and maintain DHS-specific security credentials