Investigative Protection Officer (Direct Hire Authority) Job in Austin, TX

Vacancy No. TLE-INV-JJ012-25-DHA Department U.S. Secret Service
Salary $64,923.00 to $98,817.00 Grade 9 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/13/2025 Close Date 1/22/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Austin, TX


Summary

Joining the Secret Service as an Investigative Protection Officer allows you to support an integrated protective and investigative mission(s) which plans, directs, coordinates, and implements domestic/international protective and investigative policies, programs and operations.

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) Announcement - Veterans' Preference does not apply.

Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime is additional compensation which may be paid up to 25% of the base salary.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens, lnteragency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) eligibles and Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) employees.

Duties

The selectee(s) will serve as an Investigative Protection Officer in the Office of Investigations. Typical work assignments include:

  • Conducting a range of law enforcement activities which involve sensitive and discreet handling of cases; gathering and analyzing information/evidence collected through various methods; planning logistics and strategies in arranging protective services and transportation for internal and external law enforcement counterparts; and performing and/or conducting protective and investigative functions and collaborating with other law enforcement stakeholders to advance the investigation process to a resolution.
  • Maintaining designated protective security posts; implementing appropriate protective instructions and procedures; inspecting all operational, safety, emergency, and convenience equipment of protective vehicles to ensure peak operating conditions; and monitoring and operating communications and screening equipment.
  • Providing routine advice and guidance and assisting in the preparation of reports and investigations

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Be at least age 21 at the time of application and less than age 37 at the time of referral (unless currently employed in a law enforcement provision of the FERS/Civil Service Retirement System or previous service in a Federal Civilian Law Enforcement position covered by special civil service retirement provision, including early/mandatory retirement). Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must be less than 40 years of age at the time of referral.
  • Obtain and maintain a Top-Secret Clearance.
  • Possess and maintain a current valid driver's license.
  • Certify registration or exemption with the Selective Service if you are a male applicant born after 12/31/59.
  • Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment and random drug testing during employment.
  • Carry and use a firearm. Maintaining firearm proficiency is also mandatory. You will be ineligible to occupy this position if at any time you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, unless you received a pardon, or your conviction was expunged or set aside.
  • Complete or secure an appropriate waiver for a 12-week Uniformed Police Training Program (UPTP) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) AND a 10-week Mixed Basic Training Course (MBTC) at the Agency's James J. Rowley Training Center (RTC) Click here to review the required Fitness Standards. Failure to pass these training programs on the first attempt may result in separation from the U. S. Secret Service.
  • Possess uncorrected visual acuity of no worse than 20/100 binocular. Possess corrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better in each eye. Lasik, ALK, RK, and PRK corrective eye surgeries are acceptable eye surgeries for applicants, and you will be considered eligible for this position provided specific visual tests are passed. Waiting periods are Lasik-2 months after surgery, PRK-6 months after surgery, and ALK/RK-1 year after surgery.
  • Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 25 decibels (A.S.A. or equivalent I.S.O.) in either ear in the 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz ranges.
  • Submit to a polygraph examination prior to your appointment.
  • Complete pre-employment and post-employment medical examinations and be determined physically fit to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties.
  • A one-year probationary period may be required.

Qualifications

GL-09: To qualify for the GL-09 grade level, you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GL-07 grade level performing duties such as covering a designated security post; planning logistics in arranging protective services and transportation; and collaborating with other law enforcement stakeholders.

OR

Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in an accredited college or university leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D. if related. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.

OR

A combination of education and experience listed above.

GS-11: To qualify for the GS-11 grade level, you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GL-09 grade level performing such duties as covering and maintaining a designated security post; preparing a strategic plan and planning logistics in arranging protective services and transportation; performing investigative functions; and collaborating with other law enforcement stakeholders.

OR

Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in an accredited college or university leading to such a degree or LL.M, if related. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.

OR

A combination of education and experience listed above.

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, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Qualification AND Eligibility Requirements: The qualification and eligibility requirements listed above must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Since the duties of this position are exacting and involve the responsibility for the safety of others under trying conditions, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability. Any condition that would hinder full, efficient performance of the duties of this position or that would cause the individual to be a hazard to himself/herself or to others is disqualifying.

There are also specific medical requirements for this position, and any chronic disease or condition affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, digestive, nervous, endocrine, lymphatic, nervous, genitourinary, and other systems that would impair full performance of the duties of the position may also be disqualifying. Click here for more information.

The Secret Service follows stringent guidelines relating to illegal drug usage. An applicant's history is reviewed and a determination for employment is made according to our guidelines. For more information regarding the U.S. Secret Service drug guidelines please click here to view our Drug Policy.

Additional information

Applicants selected for this position will be required to sign a Continued Service Agreement (CSA) before being assigned to an initial training class. The CSA will commit the applicant to a specified period of employment with the U.S. Secret Service upon the successful completion of training.

Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

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, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

The Secret Service prohibits employees from having visible body markings (including but not limited to tattoos, body art, and branding) on the head, face, neck, hand and fingers (any area below the wrist bone). Exception: a single conservative and unobtrusive tattoo in the form of a ring is authorized on one finger.

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 CFR § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to Equal.Opportunity@usss.dhs.gov.

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays.

Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.

DHS uses E-Verify to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Click here to learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR § 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

View common definitions of terms found in this announcement.

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.

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.

This announcement is being filled using the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Direct-Hire Authority. Agencies may appoint candidates directly to jobs, without regard to the provisions of Title 5 U.S.C.3309 through 3318. Therefore, Veterans' preference does not apply when appointing individuals. For more information on Direct Hire Authority please visit: Direct Hire Authority.

Applicants who meet the specialized experience for the position will be referred to the selecting official for furth consideration. Traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply to the announcement.

Veterans: Although the Direct Hire Authority permits hiring without regard to Veterans Preference, applicants who are eligible for Veterans Preference are encouraged to include that information in their application and submit supporting documentation (See Required Documents section for information on substantiating documents).

Upon review, your resume and/or supporting documents need to support your answer choices to the assessment questionnaire. Your resume must also reflect the one year of specialized experience requirement, in order to be considered. If the one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the next lower grade level cannot be identified in your resume, you will be considered not qualified.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the Federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered eligible under ICTAP, you must be placed in the well-qualified category for this position, as described above. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.

An interview may be required for this position. If an interview is required, failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration.

Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

To preview questions, please click here https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12666441.

All information that you want us to consider must be in your resume. For additional information on how to build a federal resume, please click here.

Required Documents

In addition to addressing the job opportunity announcementspecific questions, you must also submit the following documentation:

  • Resume - In order to receive credit for experience contained in an uploaded resume, your employment history should show work experience in detail and in month/year format (MM/YYYY), reflecting starting date and ending date, and include the number of hours worked per week.
  • Are you a Veteran? Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or notice form. If a DD-214 is not available, submit certification from the Armed Forces that list the beginning and ending dates of active service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out the SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. Click here for more veterans' information.
  • Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Submit a copy of your agency notice, copy of your most recent performance appraisal (with at least a satisfactory rating), and your most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location
  • Are you a current or former Federal Employee? Submit a copy of your SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing your tenure code, position occupied and highest grade and step. In addition, if you have or had service in a Federal Law Enforcement position covered by law enforcement or firefighter retirement provisions, including early or mandatory retirement, the SF-50 must show the retirement code. An award SF-50 does not contain the required information. Also submit your performance appraisals and/or incentive awards.
  • 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, Notification of Personnel Action, 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, Beginning and ending dates of appointment
  • The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET) before 01/22/2025 to receive consideration.

The application process is as follows:

  1. To begin your online application, click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to register or sign into USAJOBS,
  2. Complete the online questionnaire and submit the required documents. See Required Documents section for more detail.

To update your application, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account. There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides the Announcement Status and a "You applied on" date. This information does not confirm the agency application status. Use the "Track this Application" link for additional information regarding the agency application status, the documentation you submitted, and any correspondence sent related to this application. The Announcement Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Announcement Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to.

It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application.

We strongly encourage you to apply online. If you cannot apply online, you may contact the Law Enforcement Acquisition Division, Technical Law Enforcement Support Branch at TLEHRSUPPORT@usss.dhs.gov prior to the closing date of this announcement to receive assistance.

Agency contact information

Jacqueline Johnson
Address
United States Secret Service
Please read entire announcement
Please apply online
Washington, DC 20223
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your eligibility. Best qualified applicants will be referred for further consideration. We expect to make a selection of which applicants will continue in the application process within 45 days of the closing date of this announcement.

If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process.

You may check the status of your application for this position by going to your USAJOBS account. You will also receive an e-mail notification regarding your application status.


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


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