INTELLIGENCE OPERATIONS SPECIALIST (COUNTERINTELLIGENCE SPECIAL AGENT (CISA)) Job

Vacancy No. DCSA-26-12806146-P Department Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency
Salary $105,383.00 to $171,268.00 Grade 13 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/29/2025 Close Date 10/9/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
San Diego, CASuisun City, CAOgden, UT


Summary

DCSA is seeking a qualified CI professional to serve as a Counterintelligence Special Agent (CISA). In this role you will serve as an SME responsible for providing CI functional services, oversight, and support to the cleared Defense Industrial Base (DIB). This is a great opportunity for those with a broad experience in CI collection, reporting, FIE tradecraft, and operations.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to: All U.S Citizens; Retained Grade Preference (RGP) eligibles, and Military Reserve and National Guard Technician eligibles may also apply

Duties

As an INTELLIGENCE OPERATIONS SPECIALIST (COUNTERINTELLIGENCE SPECIAL AGENT (CISA)) you will be responsible for the following duties:

- The incumbent evaluates, prioritizes and manages risk within the cleared industry portfolio they are assigned in coordination with the Regional Mission Director, CI and Region Operations Officer. The incumbent also must understand that risk, as it pertains to cleared industry, is a function of threat, vulnerability and consequence/value. The incumbent understands the interrelationship of these variables for cleared industry.

- The incumbent serves as a technical expert and consultant on CI and counter-proliferation issues involving facilities where Critical Program Information (CPI) resides, and facilitates support for DoD Research, Development, and Acquisition (RDA) programs. The incumbent provides advice and guidance as the basis for the development of new countermeasures/mitigation strategies to deter and/or detect FIE's attempts at illegally acquiring sensitive or classified CPI or RDA information and technology. This also includes using initiative and resourcefulness in deviating from traditional CI methods to develop new methods, criteria, and proposed strategies to counter FIE activities.

- The incumbent brings broad experience in CI collection and reporting. The incumbent conducts CI collection activities in cleared industry and produces and disseminates relevant reports meeting the full range of DCSA and DoD collection requirements. The incumbent prepares Intelligence Information Reports (IIRs) meeting National and DoD collection requirements.

- The incumbent maintains highly collaborative relationships with other DoD components, USG Law Enforcement (LE) and Intelligence Community (IC) counterparts, and with cleared contractors, to understand their requirements and to enable DCSA to collect, evaluate and share complete threat information relevant to each counterpart. The incumbent is active in relevant counterpart forums, such as CI working groups; counter-proliferation working groups; research development and acquisition working groups; and CI task forces, to name a few.

- The incumbent develops an understanding of the investigative and operational information thresholds required by counterpart USG LE agencies and Military Department CI Organizations to support the initiation of investigations and operations. The incumbent collects and refers complete information answering the basic interrogatives required by our counterparts, typically documenting the who, what, when, where, why and the how of a suspicious contact.

- The incumbent synchronizes all CI activities as an equal partner with DCSA Industrial Security Representatives and Information System Security Professionals to maximize DCSA mission efficiency and effectiveness in thwarting FIE and foreign commercial adversary attempts to obtain sensitive and classified U.S. information and technology. The incumbent participates in the Security Review process at cleared industry facilities to identify vulnerabilities and threats to sensitive and classified information and technology and recommend effective mitigation strategies.

- The incumbent supports all DCSA personnel in matters involving CI awareness and reporting requirements, the foreign intelligence threat, and makes recommendations for the implementation of appropriate CI countermeasures necessary to counter FIE collection efforts targeting DCSA.

- The incumbent prepares and presents significant case briefings for senior USG officials to articulate the threat to sensitive and classified technologies and programs in cleared industry. The incumbent also conducts CI threat awareness training to sensitize DCSA and cleared contractor personnel to the threats posed by FIEs per DoD 5240.06, "Counterintelligence (CI) Awareness and Reporting". They also develop, plan, or contribute to DCSA and to DCSA' Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) training programs on CI, insider threat, and cyber threat related issues for all DCSA employees and for cleared contractors.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a US citizen
  • Selective Service Requirement: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. For more information http://www.sss.gov
  • Resume and supporting documents received by 11:59PM EST will be considered
  • This is a Drug Testing designated position
  • Position is a (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under U.S.C. 1601
  • Work Schedule: Full Time
  • Overtime: Occasionally
  • Tour of Duty: Flexible
  • PCS (Permanent Change of Station): Not Authorized
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
  • Financial Disclosure: Not Required
  • Telework Eligibility: Supervisors may approve situational telework on a case-by-case, temporary basis for limited situations.
  • If selected, the incumbent must obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance as indicated in job announcement.
  • The incumbent will be required to sign a continued service agreement agreeing to stay with the agency for 12 months upon completion of the DCAC training.

Qualifications

The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the Office of Personnel Management's (OPMs) basic qualifications requirements. See: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0100/intelligence-series-0132/ for OPM qualification standards, competencies and specialized experience needed to perform the duties of the position as described in the MAJOR DUTIES and QUALIFICATIONS sections of this announcement by 10/09/2025

Applicant must have directly applicable experience that demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies necessary for immediate success in the position. Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position.

You must have specialized experience sufficient to demonstrate that you have acquired all the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade GG/GS 12 in the Federal service and are prepared to take on greater responsibility.
Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience.

Specialized experience for this position includes:
  • Knowledge and experience in the field of counterintelligence (CI) collection, investigations, operations, and in-depth research, compilation, and field-level analysis of a wide range of extremely complex and sensitive information to determine Foreign Intelligence Entity threats to US interests.
  • Applying knowledge and experience with the National Industrial Security Program and the DoD Personnel Security Program process sufficient to correlate counterintelligence issues emerging within cleared industry.

Specifically you will be evaluated on the following competencies:

1. Collection Operations-Develops and demonstrates operational knowledge of capabilities and accesses of the collection disciplines, strengths and weaknesses of specific technical sensors/platforms, and human sources in area of responsibility. Executes collection using appropriate collection strategies and within the priorities established through the collection management process.

2. Interpersonal Skills Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.


3. Oral Communication Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.

4. Problem Solving Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

5. Self-Management- Sets well-defined and realistic personal goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.

Incumbents who have not previously completed a DoD recognized CI Special Agent credentialing course, must successfully complete the DoD CI Agent Course (DCAC) offered by the Joint CI Training Academy (JCITA) and be certified to carry CI Special Agent credentials within 18 months of onboarding in accordance with DoD 5240.02 and DoD 5240.06. This time-period may be extended due to class availability. Failure to obtain DCAC certification may result in mandatory reassignment to a position that does not require credentials.

The incumbent will be required to sign a continued service agreement agreeing to stay with the agency for 12 months upon completion of the DCAC training.

Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.

Additional information

VETERANS PREFERENCE/CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL
In accordance with DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, veterans preference is not required to be applied when considering candidates with prior Federal competitive or excepted service who have completed a probationary or trial period and have not been separated for cause. Therefore, veterans preference will not be applied to applicants with current federal service, or former federal civilian service meeting the above criteria.

Re-employed Annuitant: This position does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf

Applicants selected from this announcement may be required to serve a two-year trial period.

If selected, Federal employees currently serving in the competitive service must acknowledge that they will voluntarily leave the competitive service by accepting an offer of employment for a DCIPS excepted service positions.

If selected, non-DCIPS candidates must acknowledge in writing that the position they have been selected for is in the excepted service and covered by DCIPS.

All Defense Intelligence positions under the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) are in the excepted service by specific statue, 10 U.S.C. 1601. This position is in the excepted service and does not confer competitive status.

For more information on the DCIPS occupational structure click here.

For more information about career advancement in DCIPS click here.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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., resume, supporting documents) and the responses you provide on the application questionnaire.

Application Questionnaire: Applicants must complete a screen out questionnaire as part of the application process. Applicants identified as meeting the basic education requirement and minimum qualifications for the position may move on.

EXCEPTED SERVICE PILOT REVIEW: Once the application process is complete, a review of your application will be made to ensure you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. All applicants who meet the basic qualification requirements will be forwarded to the Selecting Official for consideration.

You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume as that information may be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation.

Top ranked candidates will be referred to the selecting official for further review and consideration.

A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified'.

Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

All eligibility and qualifications requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Required Documents

Your complete application includes your COMPLETE resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

The following documents are REQUIRED:

1. Your resume:

  • All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages showing all relevant experience. Your resume must address your qualifications for the position, and it may not exceed two (2) pages. Your 2-page (or less) resume must be in PDF format, with no smaller than a 0.5" margin and no smaller than a 10-point font. If you submit a resume that exceeds the two-page limit and/or does not meet the margin or font limitations stated herein, you will immediately be deemed ineligible for this position and will receive no further consideration.
  • If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent."
  • If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations and you will not be considered for this vacancy.
  • Narrative responses in the assessment questionnaire do not replace content in your resume or vise a versa. Experience must be described in both places for qualification determinations.
  • Resumes should NOT include: Classified information/SSN/Photo of yourself/personal information (gender, religion, affiliation etc., Encrypted digitally signed docs). Resumes with this prohibited information will be automatically ineligible for consideration.
  • For qualifications determinations your resume must contain the dates of employment (i.e., Month/Year to present. Hours per Week).
  • If your resume does not clearly outline details for each position as noted, you may be deemed "not referred" for this position.
  • For additional information see: What to include in your resume.
2. Veteran's Documents
  • If applying for Veteran's preference, please provide a copy of your DD214 showing character of service, SF-15 Form and VA letter showing final percentage, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty.
NOTE: Active duty military members are not eligible for appointment unless currently on terminal leave.

3. SF-50:
  • All current and former Federal employees must submit a copy of your latest SF50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your tenure, grade and step, and type of position occupied (i.e., Excepted or Competitive); or similar Notification of Personnel Action documentation, i.e., Transcript of Service, Form 1150, etc. Failure to provide latest SF50 may result in you being rated ineligible for this position.
The documents you are required to submit vary based on the authority you are using to apply (i.e., applying as a veteran, applying as a current permanent Federal employee, applying as a reinstatement, etc.).

Please review the General Application Information and Definitions at:
https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DoDGenAppInfo%2012-1-2020.pdf?ver=ECNbdsHtGilTd3OENN4A0Q%3d%3d

PLEASE REVIEW THE BELOW LINK FOR OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS needed for proof of eligibility: https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DODCustomersRequiredSupportingDocumentation.pdf

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package as described in REQUIRED DOCUMENTS.

Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.

1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents.
2. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application.
3. Applications must be received by the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

To preview the questionnaire, please go tohttps://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12806146.

To review the status of an application through USAJOBS:

1. Log into your USAJOBS account
2. Click Application Status within your profile to expand your application
3. Locate the job announcement and click the more information link under the Status column for this position. You will be routed to Application Manager. The Details tab displays by default. The Details tab displays comprehensive information about the selected Application Package including: assessment(s) and the status, supporting documents and their status, correspondence sent to you by the hiring agency, and your application processing status.

Agency contact information

DCSA Servicing Team
Address
Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency
27130 Telegraph Road
Quantico, VA 22134
US

Next steps

Once you successfully complete the application process, you will receive a notification of receipt. Your application package will be reviewed to ensure you meet the basic eligibility and qualifications requirements, and you will receive a notification. A review will be made of your online questionnaire and the documentation you submitted to support your responses. A list of qualified applicants will be created and sent to the selecting official. All applicants reviewed and/or referred will receive a notification letter.

The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews, and once the selection is made, you will receive a notification of the decision.

*NOTE: If you submit a resume but no questionnaire, you cannot be considered for the position. If you submit a questionnaire but no resume, you cannot be considered for the position. Your application will be appropriately documented and you will be removed from further competition against this announcement.

REGARDING INTERVIEWS: Interviews may be required for this position. Accommodations may be made to conduct telephonic interviews to preclude travel hardships for applicants. Note: Declining to be interviewed or failure to report for a scheduled interview will be considered as a declination for further consideration for employment against this vacancy.

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the point of contact for this job announcement. Your requests for reasonable accommodation will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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