Summary This assignment is a 1-year non-reimbursable assignment.
Office of the Secretary
DHS Continuity Testing Program Lead
Series Requested: 0089
Security Clearance: None
Virtual/Remote: No
Only current, full-time federal employees are eligible.
Resumes are reviewed every 30 days until selection/closing date.
This is a Detail, not a Developmental Rotation.
Supervisory approval form must be signed.
Duties This DHS Joint Duty assignment supports the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Continuity Testing Program. Specifically, this position will support the development of annual testing schedules, maintain testing documentation, and contribute to the analysis and reporting of testing results that will inform future continuity preparedness activities and DHS capital investments in continuity programs.
Specific duties include:
- Develop and maintain annual testing schedules for communications and information technology systems across the Components of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- Direct support to monthly, quarterly, and annual testing activities, to include alert and notification systems, both unclassified and classified.
- Direct support to testing access and utilization of essential records at alternate sites.
- Direct support to testing of primary and backup infrastructure systems and services (such as power, water, and fuel) at alternate sites.
- Document test results to validate the interoperability of critical equipment and systems that support the organization's essential functions.
- Support annual testing of DHS Component telework and/or distributed workforce capabilities.
Qualifications
Qualifications required:
- General knowledge or experience in continuity of operations planning.
- General knowledge of communications best practices and concepts such as Primary, Alternate, Contingent, and Emergency (PACE) Communications models.
- General knowledge of analytical tools and methodologies used to test communications and information technology systems.
- General knowledge of homeland security, national security, or intelligence functions.
- Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate stakeholder efforts across organizational lines.
- Knowledge or experience in developing and maintaining annual schedules and timelines for critical functions in federal programs/projects.
Please read the following important information to ensure we have everything we need to consider your application:
It is your responsibility to ensure that you submit appropriate documentation prior to the closing date. Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant experience as it relates to this Joint Duty assignment opportunity announcement.
Be clear and specific when describing your work history since human resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Your application will be rated based on your resume.
Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information:
- Job Title (Include series and grade of Federal Job)
- Duties (Be specific in describing your duties)
- Name of Federal agency
- Supervisor name, email, and phone number
- Start and end dates including month and year (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
Education EDUCATIONAL SUBSTITUTION: There is no educational substitution for this position.How you will be evaluated We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education, and training will be rated using a job questionnaire based on the competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this Joint Duty Assignment.
If you are among the best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. After reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, a determination will be made. You must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement. How to apply All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/11/2026 to receive consideration.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and other supporting documents, and complete the questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: 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 Application 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.Other information **DHS does not offer any additional benefits beyond that which the Federal employee is already receiving.
If the position requires a security clearance, employees must have a SECRET or TOP SECRET clearance to placement AND must maintain that level of clearance while performing in the position.
Selected applicants for a JDA are requested to fulfill the items below during the JDA:
- Complete the DHS Training Course 15 days prior to the arrival to the JDA.
- Complete the DHS Joint Duty Assignment Progress Plan to include:
- Phase 1: Establish assignment objectives within the first 30 days of the JDA.
- Phase 2: Complete a self-assessment of the duties performed at the mid-point of the JDA.
- Phase 3: Complete a final review within the last 30 days of the JDA.