Information Security Officer 1

Role Responsibilities

Are you passionate about cybersecurity and eager to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic and innovative environment? Join the GoA’s Work Experience Program (WEP) and take the first step towards a rewarding career in information security. Key components of the WEP program include hands-on learning, personalized development plans, and dedicated mentorship. The program aims to bridge the gap between academic studies and the demand for experienced professionals in the cybersecurity field, equipping participants with the skills and expertise needed to tackle real world challenges and excel in Alberta’s growing cybersecurity industry.

As an Information Security Officer 1, you’ll be part of a dynamic team at the forefront of protecting the GoA’s information assets. This entry-level position will offer you opportunities to collaborate with seasoned professionals, enhance Alberta’s cybersecurity strategies, and respond to threats that impact the province’s digital infrastructure. This is your chance to make a real difference and advance your career in cybersecurity!

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.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Assisting in evaluating the security posture of systems and networks, identifying vulnerabilities, and recommending mitigation strategies.
• Identifying and assessing risks while maintaining the GoA’s Information Technology Security Risk Register.
• Assisting in implementing security controls and measures to safeguard sensitive information and ensure compliance with security policies.
• Monitoring security alerts, analyzing potential threats, and responding to security incidents to protect the organization's assets.
• Analyzing the latest cybersecurity trends and threats, conducting research to support the development of effective security strategies.
• Participating in disaster recovery planning and testing to ensure rapid response to incidents.
• Supporting CyberAlberta initiatives and the development of training programs that increase cybersecurity awareness across the GoA.

What you’ll bring to the role:

• A genuine interest in staying up to date with the latest cybersecurity trends, threats, and best practices. The ideal candidate is energetic, curious, and willing to continuously expand their knowledge.
• The ability to analyze complex security issues, identify potential threats, and develop innovative and effective solutions. Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail are essential.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills. The ability to work effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders from various internal departments and external parties to contribute to a cohesive cybersecurity strategy.
• An adaptable and proactive approach to identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities. The ideal candidate should be able to take initiative and demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility.

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.

• Agility: Ability to anticipate, assess, and readily adapt to changing priorities, manage resilience in times of uncertainty and effectively work in a changing environment.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Systems Thinking: The work done within the APS is part of a larger integrated and inter-related environment. It is important to know that work done in one part of the APS impacts a variety of other groups/projects inside and outside the APS. Systems thinking allows us to keep broader impacts and connections in mind.
• Creative Problem Solving: Ability to assess options and implications in new ways to achieve outcomes and solutions.

Qualifications

Required:

• A related two-year diploma in computer technology or related diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution. Equivalencies may be considered.
• A strong interest and/or foundational knowledge of information security practices, including threat and risk management, incident response, and forensic investigation.
• A cover letter clearly detailing how your skills and experience align with the responsibilities of the role. This will be used to assess intent, writing and communication skills.

Assets:

• Relevant certifications in cybersecurity or related fields (e.g., CEH, Security+, CC, etc).

Equivalencies:

• A related one-year certificate from a recognized post-secondary institution and one year of related 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

Additional Position Details:

• Temporary Full time Position (up to two years).
• Hours of work are 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday (8:15 am - 4:30 pm).
• While this position is eligible for remote work, the successful candidate must reside in Alberta.

Recruitment Process:

• Pre-Employment Checks will be completed to assess the candidate’s suitability for a role. These checks may include (but are not limited to): references, criminal record check, academic verification, etc.
• Testing may be administered as part of our assessment process.
• Candidates with lesser qualifications may be considered at a lower classification and salary.
• 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.
• Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) - https://www.mepp.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.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.