Cybersecurity Analyst I

Cybersecurity Analyst I

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance—at rates much lower than most private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

The Cybersecurity Analyst I performs entry-level cybersecurity work in support of DFPS's mission to protect children, the elderly, and people with disabilities from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This role helps ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of agency information systems in accordance with applicable laws, security best practices, and agency policies.

This position provides broad exposure to multiple cybersecurity disciplines, including security operations, governance and compliance, vulnerability management, incident response, digital forensics, and security architecture. Working alongside experienced analysts and specialists across various teams, you'll gain practical, hands-on experience across the cybersecurity domain while making meaningful contributions to our security program. This developmental opportunity allows early-career professionals to discover their strengths, build foundational skills, and shape their career trajectory in a supportive, mission-driven environment.

The Cybersecurity Analyst I is expected to work collaboratively with team members from a positive, proactive, mission-first perspective.

This is a full-time position (40 hours/week), 100% telework within Texas. Candidates must maintain personal Wi-Fi and webcam capabilities during work hours. Work outside regular hours may occasionally be required. Travel to Austin office(s) may be required. Works under moderate supervision with considerable opportunities for initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Tasks:

Security Operations & Monitoring:

• Monitor information systems for security events and anomalies using SIEM, IDS/IPS, and log management platforms
• Assist in triaging and analyzing security alerts and potential incidents
• Support continuous security monitoring activities and threat detection efforts

Governance, Risk & Compliance:

• Assist with security policy and procedure reviews and updates
• Support compliance assessments against frameworks such as NIST CSF, NIST 800-53, and CIS Critical Controls
• Participate in security audits and documentation of control effectiveness

Vulnerability & Risk Management:

• Conduct vulnerability assessments using network discovery and scanning tools
• Assist in risk assessments and security posture evaluations
• Support remediation validation and tracking efforts

Incident Response & Forensics:

• Participate in incident response activities, including containment, investigation, and recovery
• Assist with digital forensics, root cause analysis, and malware analysis
• Document incident findings and lessons learned

Security Engineering & Architecture:

• Evaluate network and system security configurations for best practices
• Assist in security tool implementation, configuration, and maintenance
• Support security architecture reviews and secure design initiatives

Threat Intelligence & Research:

• Monitor and analyze emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and attack trends
• Contribute to threat intelligence sharing and awareness activities
• Research new security technologies and techniques

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

• Industry-recognized certification related to cybersecurity (SANS, ISACA, ISC², CompTIA, etc.) is a plus but not required. The ability to complete certification within one (1) year is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic understanding of network infrastructure components (firewalls, routers, switches, wireless)
• Familiarity with operating systems (Windows, Linux) and CLI navigation
• Foundational knowledge of cloud computing concepts (AWS, Azure, etc.)
• Basic scripting ability in at least one language (Python, PowerShell, Bash)

• Understanding of cybersecurity principles and the CIA triad
• Familiarity with common attack vectors and defense strategies
• Basic knowledge of incident response lifecycle
• Awareness of major cybersecurity frameworks (NIST, CIS, ISO 27001)

• Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions
• TryHackMe, HackTheBox, or similar platforms
• Personal cybersecurity home lab projects
• Portfolio of security projects or research
• Boot camps, internships, or volunteer cybersecurity work

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with keen attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to translate technical concepts for both technical and non-technical audiences
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development
• Collaborative mindset with ability to work across multiple teams
Self-motivated with ability to manage multiple priorities

• Initial Screening Criteria:
  
  
  • Currently enrolled in, or graduated from, an accredited college or university with major coursework in cybersecurity, information technology security, networking, computer engineering, computer information systems, computer science, management information systems, or a related field.
  
  
  • Experience with cybersecurity activities such as CTF, THM, home labs, or other events.
  
  
  • Experience in foundational cybersecurity topics such as security operations, governance and compliance, vulnerability management, incident response, digital forensics, and security architecture
  
  
  Note: You must meet the minimum initial screening criteria to be considered. You should not apply if your submittal documents do not reflect experience meeting the initial screening criteria.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

State of Texas employees are required to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), State of Texas Business and Commerce Code. Applicants selected for hire comply with this code by completing related training and abiding by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files.

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.