Role Responsibilities

The Government of Alberta (GoA) is expanding its cybersecurity force and is actively recruiting a talented professional to join our Cyber Threat Hunting Team. We’re seeking a strategic and forward thinking Information Security Officer at the ISO2 level.  

One permanent position is available in the following specialized area within the Cybersecurity Division:

• Cyber Threat Hunting Team
  
  

As an Information Security Officer, you are tasked with protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the Government of Alberta's (GoA) information assets. You are responsible for identifying, assessing, monitoring, detecting, investigating, researching, and responding to vulnerabilities, threats and incidents impacting the security of information assets. 

Role & Responsibilities :

This position delivers proactive cybersecurity through penetration testing and threat hunting, protecting Government of Alberta information assets by identifying vulnerabilities, investigating threats, and improving controls and monitoring. Operating within policies, it collaborates with technical teams to perform authorized assessments and proactive investigations to identify indicators of compromise or suspicious activity.

Responsibilities: 

Some of the responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:

• Conduct threat hunts using defined hypotheses and available data sources, analyzing logs and endpoint telemetry for anomalies
• Perform penetration testing of networks, systems, and applications using established methodologies and standards
• Identify and validate vulnerabilities, supporting exploitation and post-exploitation activities
• Document findings from threat hunts and penetration tests

To be successful in this position, you will demonstrate: 

• Ability to lead and remain calm in times of crisis.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for executive briefings and technical discussions.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively and secure alignment across multiple stakeholders.
• A sense of curiosity to investigate root cause and identify options and a recommendation.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills for complex environments.

AI-First Mindset

This role is designed with an AI-first approach to help you work smarter, not harder. You will leverage AI tools to:

• Automate insights and personalize stakeholder engagement.
• Create tailored, high-impact materials using AI-assisted content generation.
• Develop and track KPIs using AI to surface trends and predict outcomes.
• Demonstrate proficiency in utilizing AI to address complex problems and automate analysis of extensive datasets.

If you’re passionate about safeguarding Alberta’s digital landscape and ready to contribute to high impact, mission critical work, this is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference!

• Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:
https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

Some of the competencies critical for this position include:

•  Systems Thinking: You will consider the whole system when developing, evaluating and implementing process and technology change.
• Creative Problem Solving: You will assess options and implications in new ways to achieve outcomes and solutions.
• Agility: You will need to provide results in a complex, diverse and changing environment.
• Develop self and others: A commitment to lifelong learning and the desire to invest in the development of the long-term capability of yourself and others.
• Drive for Results: Knowing what outcomes are important and maximizing resources to achieve results that are aligned with the goals of the organization, while maintaining accountability to each other and external stakeholders.
• Build Collaborative Environments: Leads and contributes to the conditions and environments that allow people to work collaboratively and productively to achieve outcomes.
• Develop Networks: Proactively building networks, connecting, and building trust in relationships with different stakeholders.

Qualifications

Required:

• A university degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of related experience.

Equivalencies:

• • A Related two-year diploma from a recognized post secondary institution and a minimum of four (4) years related experience; or
  • A related one-year certificate from a recognized post secondary institution and minimum of five (5) years related experience.

Additional Required Experience:

• Experience in Information Systems Security, IT Infrastructure Planning, and/or IT Architecture.
• Experience in Information Technology or related role with an emphasis in Cyber Threat Hunting
• Security certification such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, CRISC, SANS, CEH, GPEN, or equivalent, and it is expected that incumbents would be working towards multiple certifications.
• Cover Letter - Please include a cover letter that clearly outlines your relevant experience along with the years of experience that you possess in your preferred specialized area/areas in Cybersecurity.

Assets :     

• Experience with AI-powered cybersecurity tools and techniques.
• Proven experience delivering information security services in operational environments.
• Hands-on experience using cybersecurity tools and technologies to support information security functions.
• Experience conducting research using open sources.
• Knowledge of network protocols and how adversaries utilize them to facilitate intrusions.
• Experience attributing malicious activity to known threat actors and uncovering their motivations, affiliations, and any further context.
• Proficient in one or more programming language (e.g., Python, C, C++), and one or more query language (e.g., KQL, SQL).
• Strong critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to deal with large amounts of information in a limited time.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to communicate technical information to diverse audiences – both technical and non-technical – in a clear and concise manner.
• Experience translating complex information into clear, high-quality briefings for executive management.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Azure suite of products, including Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft 365 Defender.

*** Applications will be evaluated, and candidates will be considered for the position/classification, that is most closely aligned with their skills, qualifications, and relevant experience.

(Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.
Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

Term of Employment: Permanent Full-time position
Hours of Work: 36.25hrs/ week – Monday to Friday
Location: Remote across Alberta

This position is eligible for remote work. You must reside in Alberta to work remotely.

A written assessment may be required as part of the interview process.

Depending on the project, on-call rotation and overtime may be required.

Final candidate will be required to undergo enhanced security screening.

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across the Government of Alberta, at the same or lower classification level.

Applicants are advised to provide a cover letter summarizing information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience, and relevant examples of required competencies.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Cybersecurity in Alberta - https://www.alberta.ca/cybersecurity-in-alberta
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Leadership and mentorship programs