Clarification from the agency

This position is being advertised using agency-specific Direct-Hire Authority based on a critical hiring need. Under this authority, veterans' preference procedures do not apply.

This job is open to the public, including FERS and CSRS retirees. As a reemployed annuitant, you may be eligible for a dual compensation (salary offset) waiver, allowing you to earn a full salary without reduction and a full retirement annuity. The ability to waive the salary offset will be made on a case-by-case basis for annuitants who retired under optional retirement and excludes annuitants who received a voluntary separation incentive (buyout) and those who retired under early retirement provisions. Reemployed annuitants receiving a dual compensation (salary offset) waiver will be appointed on a temporary or time-limited basis. FERS annuitants may be reemployed up to age 65. CSRS annuitants may be reemployed prior to reaching his or her 60th birthday. Reemployed annuitants must also meet all the position requirements and qualifications outlined in this job opportunity announcement.

As a Executive Protection Agent, with full law enforcement authority, including the authority to conduct criminal investigations, carry firearms, make arrests, execute search warrants, and apprehend suspects engaged in activities that threaten the safety and security of Department of Commerce (DOC) personnel and operations. You will perform the following duties:

• Lead the development and execution of protective operations by independently planning, coordinating, and managing security protocols that ensure the safety of DOC executive leadership and high-profile individuals.
• Design and implement comprehensive protective services strategies that incorporate route planning, threat intelligence, venue security, contingency operations, and interagency logistics.
• Conduct in-depth threat and vulnerability assessments by gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing intelligence data, site reconnaissance, and potential threat actor capabilities. Translates findings into actionable plans to mitigate threats during official travel, public events, and sensitive missions.
• Serve as a senior liaison to interagency partners and represent DOC security interests in strategic planning, classified briefings, and emergency preparedness operations. Advises leadership on risk, compliance, and incident response measures.

These duties are described at the GS-13 full performance level. The GS-11 and GS-12 are developmental levels leading to such performance.

MEDICAL REQUIREMENT: The duties of this position require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, the use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of fingers, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, and knee joints is required. Arms, hands, legs, and feet must be sufficiently intact and functioning in order that applicants may perform the duties satisfactorily. Sufficiently good vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required to perform duties satisfactorily. Near vision, corrective lenses permitted, must be sufficient to read printed material the size of typewritten characters. Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 35 decibels at 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz levels. Since the duties of these positions are exacting and responsible, and involve activities under trying conditions, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability. Any physical condition that would cause the applicant to be a hazard too himself/herself or others is disqualifying.

This Job Opportunity Announcement may be used to fill other Executive Protection Agent, GS-1801-11/12/13, full performance level (FPL) GS-13 level positions within the Department of Commerce in the same geographical location with the same qualifications and specialized experience.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
• This position requires a TOP SECRET/SCI CLEARANCE: Any required investigations and clearances must be completed before the selectee can be placed in the position.
• You must successfully pass a background investigation. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
• A probationary period may be required.
• Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/).
• If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application.
• All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
• Bargaining Unit Position: No
• Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE form 450): Yes
• Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expense: Will not be paid
• License Required: Yes - this position requires operating a motor vehicle, and you must possess a current, active state-issued Driver's license.
• Drug Test Required: Yes - this position is subject to pre-employment drug testing and random drug testing thereafter.
• Pre-employment Medical/Physical Required: Yes - All applicants tentatively selected for this position must successfully pass all required physical/medical examinations before appointment. Selectee must be able to successfully pass, as applicable, annual and periodic physical/medical examinations, and psychological screenings to maintain a level of physical fitness in accordance with the standards and policies of this agency.

Qualifications

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=Occupational-Series

Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position successfully. This experience need not have been in the federal government.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations, e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, and social. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills, and can provide valuable training and experience that may translate directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

MANDATORY COMPLETION OF BASIC TRAINING: Applicants who have satisfactorily completed a basic law enforcement training program provided by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, or an equivalent training program that provided instruction in the laws of arrest, search, and seizure as they relate to investigating offenses against the United States, must provide a copy of the certification with their application. NOTE: Selectees may be required to complete division-specific basic agent training successfully.

To qualify at the GS-11 level, all applicants must meet the mandatory training AND specialized experience.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: You must possess one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-9 (or equivalent pay band) level in the Federal service or comparable experience in the private sector or local or state government. Specialized experience is identified as, or a combination of:

• Assisting with planning and coordinating protective operations (i.e., personnel, executive-level, high-ranking officials, etc.);
• Assisting with developing protective service plans for both routine operations and during official travel or public engagements;
• Executing investigative and operational activities (i.e., surveillance, threat assessment, etc.) and preparing reports.

-OR-

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, OR 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, OR LL.M., if related.

-OR-

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%.

To qualify at the GS-12 level, all applicants must meet the mandatory training AND specialized experience.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: You must possess one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-11 (or equivalent pay band) level in the Federal service or comparable experience in the private sector or local or state government. Specialized experience is identified as, or a combination of:

• Developing protective services strategies to safeguard (i.e., executive-level, high-ranking, etc.) personnel, facilities, and infrastructure;
• Monitoring and conducting investigations of security operations (i.e., security incidents, threats, suspicious activity);
• Collaborating with federal law enforcement agencies and emergency preparedness partners;
• Executing investigative and operational activities (i.e., surveillance, threat assessment, etc.) and preparing reports.

To qualify at the GS-13 level, all applicants must meet the mandatory training AND specialized experience.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: You must possess one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-12 (or equivalent pay band) level in the Federal service or comparable experience in the private sector or local or state government. Specialized experience is identified as, or a combination of:

• Leading the execution of protective operations planning, coordinating, and managing security protocols for personnel (i.e., executive-level, high-ranking, etc.), facilities, and infrastructure;
• Conducting threat and vulnerability assessments for public and sensitive missions;
• Collaborating on security interests with partners (i.e., federal, state, and local entities) in strategic planning, briefings, and emergency preparedness operations;
• Executing investigative and operational activities (i.e., surveillance, threat assessment, etc.) and preparing reports.

LISTED BELOW IS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION THAT IS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION FOR ALL GRADE LEVELS:

MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE LIMIT: The maximum entry age for this position shall not exceed age 37, unless you have sufficient prior Federal civilian law enforcement experience or you are a preference eligible veteran. If you are a preference-eligible veteran, you may be eligible for this position after your 37th birthday. You must supply a copy of your Defense Department Form 214 (DD-214) along with Standard Form 15 (if applicable) and any associated documentation in accordance with the instructions in this vacancy announcement. Failure to provide this documentation with your application will result in the loss of eligibility to receive a waiver of the maximum entry age requirement. If you have an approved age waiver, please submit that with your application.

If you have current or prior Federal Law Enforcement Officer coverage, you must submit appropriate SF-50s that document the period of coverage. Failure to provide proof of Federal LEO coverage may result in removal from consideration.

NOTE: LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT - This position authorizes the incumbent to carry a firearm. Any person who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, USC Section 992(g)). A felony or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence is generally defined under the statute as any offense involving the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by the victim's current or former domestic partner, parent, or guardian. The term convicted, as defined in the statute, excludes any person whose conviction has been expunged, set aside, or pardoned, or any person whose civil rights have been restored, so long as such restoration does not restrict the shipping, transport, possession, or receipt of firearms or ammunition. Candidates who have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence within the meaning of the referenced statutes are not eligible for this position.

FIREARMS REQUIREMENT: This position requires that the incumbent meet initial and continuing qualifications in the use of firearms as outlined in the Gun Control Act of 1968, amended by the Lautenberg Amendment of 1996. An applicant whose background includes any of the following will be ineligible for consideration: 1) convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year; 2) has any outstanding warrants or is a fugitive from justice; 3) unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance; 4) adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to a mental institution; 5) illegally or unlawfully in the United States; 6) renounced U. S. citizenship; 7) subject to a court-ordered restraining order from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child; or 8) convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., two-page resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, the result of the USA Hire assessment required for this position.

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.

The assessments will evaluate you on the following general/technical competencies required to perform the job; please do not provide a separate written response:

• Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Flexibility, Integrity/Honesty, Interpersonal Skills, Learning, Reading, Reasoning, Self-Management, Stress Tolerance, Teamwork, Security/Protective Operations, Investigative Operations, and Communications.

To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. Do NOT include the following types of information in your resume/application. If any are included, you will be deemed INELIGIBLE for consideration.

• Classified or government-sensitive information
• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Photos of yourself
• Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.

To preview the questionnaire, click the following link:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12885339

A complete application consists of the following:

• Resume which shows relevant experience; cover letter optional. Your resume should list your educational and work experience including the dates (mm/dd/yy) of each employment along with the number of hours worked per week, if less than 40. Your resume may be used to validate your responses to the qualifications/assessments. Your resume should also indicate your citizenship and if you are registered with the Selective Service System if you are a male born after 12/31/59. Refer to the "How you will be Evaluated' section for types of information not to include in your resume/application.

• Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) documentation, if applicable. CTAP or ICTAP applicant(s), MUST submit the following documents:
  • A copy of your specific RIF notice; notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate; or a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES); or certification that you are in a surplus organization or occupation (this could be a position abolishment letter, a notice eligibility for discontinued service retirement, or similar notice); or notice of disability annuity termination; or certification from your former agency that it cannot place you after your recovery from a compensable injury; or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement; or a copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" documenting your RIF separation, noting your positions, grade level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through RPL, etc;
  • Any documentation from your agency that shows your latest performance appraisal rating; AND
  • Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.

• Education. If you are substituting education for experience, you must submit an unofficial transcript or a list of courses that includes the following information: name of accredited institution, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. Please refer to http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStds-04.asp for more information.

• SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action). If you are a current Federal employee, you may provide a copy of your most current SF-50.

• Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
  • Position title;
  • Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee);
  • Agency; and
  • Beginning and ending dates of appointment.

You are not required to submit official documents at this time; copies are sufficient. Failure to provide such documents when requested may result in lost consideration.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education: See note listed under the "Education Section" for additional information.

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