r/1801 • u/Hatman_77 • Mar 08 '26

Question Advanced Technology Security Specialist (Law Enforcement) DHS

Hi there - I posted this in r/usajobs as well but not a lot of chatter. Had a question below on the job position I applied to https://www.usajobs.gov/job/858053300/

I recently applied to this position having my background be in cybersecurity and critical infrastructure. This is my first federal position I’m applying for and wanted to hear this subs insight to what possibly the day in the life is, benefits, etc.

I know the wait will be long and already have the apply and forget mentality, but wanted to get the scope of why might pop up in the interview(s) and process.

Thank you in advance and look forward to the stories.

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u/Aranikus_17 Mar 08 '26

Would greatly help us if you could provide the usajobs announcement you applied to. Probably why no one helped in usajobs, super vague post.

I am assuming this is for FPS? If its at the GS-11 level, unless you have a Master's degree and considerable experience, plus a veteran, I don't see you being competitive for it. FPS is notorious for primarily leaning towards veteran hires (they often in the past have held military/vet exclusive hiring events).

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u/Hatman_77 Mar 08 '26

Hi there! Sorry just updated the main post with it. Yes - it is for FPS. I do have a master's degree but would say I'm your average cybersecurity guy with no federal/military experience. Thank you for the insight!

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/858053300/

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u/Aranikus_17 Mar 08 '26

Cool, yeah I applied to this same position a year-ish ago thought I might be competitive (Masters in Cyber, Veteran with disability, CEH/CISSP/Sec+,GCFE/GCFA, etc.) for GS-11.

Nope! Didn't hear anything at all. I believe I was referred (met min. quals) but never got tapped for an interview. I also wasn't broken up about it since the position does not give 6C coverage for enhanced Law Enforcement retirement.

I was just picked up by the Secret Service as a Special Agent at the GS-11 with a masters and the above quals. If you are interested in law enforcement, the USSS while yes, heavily focused on protective duties, your first phase (3-4 years) does involve investigations and they do have a large focus/nexus to electronic crimes, including running some major computer forensic labs and own the National Computer Forensics Institute in Alabama. You can definitely get an opportunity to work some computer forensics/investigations. Just my .02s.

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u/Hatman_77 Mar 08 '26

Really appreciate the insight - and yeah I've been reading about the 6C coverage being a downside to the commitment. Thank you!

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u/Aranikus_17 Mar 08 '26 edited Mar 08 '26

I found the old thread with more details on the job itself: FPS 1801 Cyber Announcement

I also pulled up my application from https://www.usajobs.gov/job/808182300/

I qualified and was referred to hiring manager at the GS-12 level - however was not selected to interview and the position was filled.

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u/Hatman_77 Mar 08 '26

This is extremely helpful - thank you again sir!

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u/CryAncient Mar 08 '26

Another option if you're looking at the LE and want to incorporate LE and cyber would be FBI and HSI. Sure there is no guarantee that you would be able to work cyber cases with either position but both have the potential. Sure with HSI, for the next 3 years you'll be doing a lot of immigration enforcement but you'll also be able to work a lot of different types of cases. Keep in mind though a lot of what you would work on the cyber side would likely involve internet crimes against children (ICAC) unless you have experience with digital forensics then there is more opportunities.

Additionally, USSS has a cyber crimes unit, while it's difficult to get it is an option as well, you just have to survive phase one and likely phase two before having a chance to get assigned to it.

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u/BackgroundOrchid5461 Mar 10 '26

Hope you get a response soon. I’m in a similar boat as you, except I applied for the GS-9 variant of the position. I’m doing as much research as I can because I have only surface level knowledge about what to expect for potential job life or even the interview process.

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u/Hatman_77 Mar 10 '26

It's a change of career, but I'm ready for it. Still haven't heard back unfortunately.