Student Trainee (Cyber Apprentice)
What you'd do
The Defense Manpower Data Center is excited to launch the inaugural pilot of the Department of War's (DoW) Cyber Apprenticeship Program! The program, administered by the DoW Office of the Chief Information Officer (DoW CIO), is designed to address the growing demand for skilled cyber professionals within the Department. This 12-month program provides a paid, structured, progressive pathway for individuals seeking to launch or advance their careers in cyber. Learn more about the program here.
Major duties
As a Student Trainee (Cyber Apprentice) at the GS-2299-7 some of your typical work assignments may include: Training & Development: Participates in formal and on-the-job training (OJT) programs to learn organizational cyber defense operations, policies, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Shadows senior specialists to develop practical skills in threat analysis and incident response. The trainee assists in monitoring cyber defense systems (e.g., intrusion detection, firewalls). Learns to identify potential security events and conduct initial triage to differentiate between benign and potentially anomalous activity. Incident Response & Analysis: The position involves analyzing routine security alert for more complex incidents, the trainee is responsible for gathering data and compiling event timelines. The trainee executes mandated vulnerability scans on production systems. Categorizes scan results (e.g., missing patches) and performs basic maintenance, patching, and configuration checks on cyber defense tools.
What you need to qualify
You may qualify at the GS-07, if you fulfill the following qualifications: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service: Applying practical, foundational knowledge of IT security principles, underlying network protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, DNS), and threat signatures; Explaining basic network architecture concepts; Applying Foundational knowledge of general information security concepts, common threats, incident handling methodologies, and basic vulnerability management strategies; Applying logical reasoning to analyze technical data, troubleshoot basic system or network issues, and drawing supported conclusions from raw information; Clearly communicating technical concepts, both verbally and in writing, to draft basic reports and collaborate effectively within a team environment.; OR B. I have 1 full year of graduate level education OR Superior Academic Achievement and a Bachelor's Degree; Superior Academic Achievement is based on: (1) Class Standing - Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses; OR (2) Grade-Point Average (G.P.A.) - Applicants must have a grade-point average of either (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on your official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.; OR (3) Honor Society Membership - Applicants may be considered eligible based on membership in one of the approved national scholastic honor societies listed by the Association of College Honor Societies (https://www.achsnatl.org/). 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. The DoW Cyber Apprenticeship program is a full time, one-year, 40 hour work week program which when completed may provide the opportunity to be converted to a permanent position in the competitive service. If the agency chooses to convert them, successful graduates of the Apprenticeship Program will be placed in a career ladder position, with promotion potential up to GS-12. To be eligible for conversion, participants must also meet the following requirements as an Intern/Apprentice: - Be a United States citizen; - Complete the one-year Cyber Apprenticeship Program to include classroom, technical and on-the-job training conferring to a Registered Apprenticeship Program Certificate (480 hours). - Meet the qualification standards for the position to which she or he will be converted; - Receive a favorable recommendation by an official of the agency or agencies in which she or he served; and - Meet any agency-specific requirements, as specified in the Participant Agreement. Cyber Apprenticeship Program Requirements Technical Training: Completes all required technical training, interactive labs, and coursework specified by the DoW Cyber Apprenticeship Program (via the selected industry or academic partner pathway) independently and within established deadlines. Developmental Participation: Participates actively in required mentoring sessions, developmental assignments, and performance reviews to track progress toward the target work role competencies. Certification Attainment: Maintains academic and programmatic good standing, actively applying learned principles to daily operational tasks. Prepares for and successfully attains the required foundational industry certifications (e.g., CompTIA or EC Council) and DoD 8140 basic-level qualifications by the conclusion of the one-year Cyber Apprenticeship Program.
Before you apply
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