Cybersecurity Expert (14178, Grade 30) presso The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission, MD

About the Department

We are currently seeking a highly skilled, experienced, and intuitive Cybersecurity Expert. 

Reporting directly to the IT Systems Manager, under the guidance of the Chief Technology Officer, the crucial role of Cybersecurity Expert collaborates with a key section of IT professionals supporting two Montgomery County departments: Planning and Parks. The candidate will work closely with the enterprise Information Security Officer and other technical staff to configure security tools, monitor real-time cyber activities, develop policies and processes, and advise leadership on best practices. The Cybersecurity Expert must understand various network, systems, and security technologies and stay updated on the latest cybersecurity trends. To succeed in this role, you must be a critical thinker, possess a strategic outlook, and be able to empower and persuade both technical and non-technical audiences. Additionally, you should effectively manage your daily workload, solve problems creatively, and work with your teammates to accomplish the objectives. 

Position Duties

• Monitor all production network, applications, operations, and infrastructure in the context of Cyber.
• Develop internal processes, procedures, operating runbooks, and best practices.
• Increase and harden IT Infrastructure and Security posture.
• Maintain all security tools and technology, including SIEM, Cisco ISE, etc.
• Ensure MC Parks & Planning complies with security standards from PCI to NIST.
• Continuously work with enterprise, Commission entities, and business partners, including Montgomery County TEBS InfoSec, to reduce risk to the organization. 
• Research, evaluate, and implement new cybersecurity technologies as trends and workflow changes to align with business initiatives and possible threats.
• Audit internal workflows and develop controls following NIST CSF or other frameworks.
• Develop annual Security Risk Assessments and address recommendations.
• Develop an Incident Response Plan to ensure preparedness and effective handling of security events. 
• Mentor and lead junior staff through training activities, including the facilitation of Tabletop Exercises and other execution-based simulations.
• Project management - Prepare detailed project plans, presentations, procedures, diagrams, and other technical documentation.
• Oversight of the ticketing queue, including resolution of escalated tickets. 
• Aim to take MC Parks & Planning to a world-class, “optimized” level 5 in Cybersecurity Maturity over the next 1-2 years.
• Weekend coverage rotation, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by the ITS Manager or CTO.
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Important Skills and Characteristics

• Comprehensive understanding of information technology and cybersecurity concepts and best practices.
• Thorough understanding of project management principles and execution.
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously from design to implementation.
• Excellent analytical, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication skills, including speaking, writing, and active listening.
• Ability to communicate technical information to fellow team members, non-technical staff, and Commission leadership.
• Collaborative with a strong work ethic, a cooperative spirit, creative thinking, and effective leadership.
• Ability to motivate team members to complete tasks and projects in a timely manner.
• Adaptable and willing to learn new technologies.
• Must have the ability to multitask.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Geographic Information Systems or any related field.
2. Four (4) years of experience in applications support and development.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total eight (8) years.
4. Depending upon area of assignment, a valid driver’s license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.

Preferred Advanced Skills and Experience

• Cloud systems architecture
• NIST Cybersecurity and ITIL Service Management Frameworks
• Virtualization, including VMWare
• O365, Active Directory, and Systems Administration 
• Networking, TCP/IP, OSI, routing, and switching 
• SIEM solutions, CloudStrike, Qualys, and other similar tools
• Previous tenure as a CISO, IT Security Manager, or similar roles
• Familiarity with local government IT/Security operations, politics, and budgeting process

Other Qualifications

Class Specification: Information Systems Specialist III

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting. Work involves walking, standing, bending, crouching, and may carry equipment and supplies up to 49 pounds. Work must be performed accurately and may require occasional overtime, after-hours, weekend or on-call work.

Supplemental Information

Class Specification: Information Systems Specialist III

About Us

Montgomery Planning is part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). For nearly 100 years, M-NCPPC has had a national reputation for excellence in planning, and today serves a culturally diverse population of over one million people on the border of Washington, D.C. in Montgomery County. We provide countywide planning functions including long-range planning, as well as reviews of development applications in diverse built environments of downtown urban districts, suburban communities, and agricultural areas. We have pioneered nationally modeled programs in agricultural preservation, inclusionary housing, and transit-oriented design. To learn more about who we are and what we do, we encourage you to watch this brief video here and visit our website at www.montgomeryplanning.org

The M-NCPPC offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, generous leave plans, an employee pension plan, and a deferred compensation plan. Positions may qualify for public service student loan forgiveness. Montgomery Planning is conveniently located minutes from Washington, DC in downtown Wheaton, MD next to the Wheaton Metro Station, several bus lines, and bikeshare. A commuter stipend is available. Telework opportunities (up to two days a week) and tuition assistance are also available. We work in one of the first LEED Platinum certified government owned office buildings in Maryland.

The salary range listed above represents the earning potential for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience. This position is eligible for a sign-on bonus (external candidates only).

Diversity Statement

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act

If you require accommodation or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of application at 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1). M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.