Investigator - Entry to Mid Level (Maryland) Job in Fort Meade, MD

Vacancy No. 1262971 Department National Security Agency/Central Security Service
Salary $57,736.00 to $133,142.00 Grade 7 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/17/2026 Close Date 9/20/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Fort Meade, MD


Investigator - Entry to Mid Level (Maryland)

Department of Defense
National Security Agency/Central Security Service

Summary

Conduct investigations and assessments regarding personnel, security, threats and other Agency equities. Ensure efficiency, effectiveness, compliance, and/or the safeguarding of NSA/CSS mission, people, and facilities worldwide. Collect information by conducting interviews, gathering relevant documents, and/or reviewing evidence. Research applicable authorities, policies, and procedures, analyze data, and cite as necessary. Report on investigative procedures, analysis, findings, and conclusions

Duties

Security and Counterintelligence is responsible for the protection of NSA/CSS's information, people and facilities worldwide. Investigators within Security and Counterintelligence are required to successfully complete the NSA Special Agent's Course.

After successfully completing training, the responsibilities of an Investigator include:
- Applying techniques of interviewing, elicitation, debriefing, and/or interrogation in a systematic manner
- Completing detailed, concise and accurate reports that encapsulate the information developed during the course of an investigation
- Conducting counterintelligence or security investigations to resolve problems, clarify suspicious activities, and ensure compliance with security regulations
- Creating a product based on analysis of security and/or counterintelligence data
- Maintaining liaison with local, state and federal law enforcement and investigative agencies for the purpose of coordinating matters of mutual interest

Note: The agency is currently hiring Investigator to specialize in:
- Security Investigations
- Security Indoctrination and OPSEC

All Investigators are required to:
- Have a valid driver's license and operate a motor vehicle on a daily basis
- Successfully complete all phases of the NSA/CSS Special Agent's Course.
- Maintain working knowledge of Agency Policies and Regulations
- Perform physical and potentially strenuous activities to include standing and walking

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.

Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: security; counseling; social work; auditing; information technology systems security or policy; investigative interviewing or investigative report writing; applying or enforcing the law; performing EEO functions; government oversight; conducting intelligence work within the IC; or working as an investigator, grievance examiner, analyst, or compliance officer.

ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL
Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 4 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree and no experience.

FULL PERFORMANCE
Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 7 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience.

Education

Degree in the following fields are preferred, but a degree in any field is acceptable: Analysis, Behavioral Science, Communications, Criminology, International Studies, Finance, Law Enforcement, Political Science, and Psychology.

Additional information

Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position.

Salary Range: $57,736 - $133,142 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance)
Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.

Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience.

Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).

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.

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.

The ideal candidate has a desire for continual learning with excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills who is:

- Able to work autonomously, and in a team and/or classroom environment
- Well-organized and able to handle multiple assignments
- Able to handle and adapt to constructive feedback
- A strong written and oral communicator
- Able to deal with conflict or difficult situations and topics
- Mature and professional in their demeanor and appearance

The following knowledge and experience is preferred:

- Ability to gather data through interviews
- Investigation, inspection or auditing experience
- Writing detailed, concise and accurate reports of information
- Conducting analysis (ex: financial, research, intelligence)
- Information security/assurance

Required Documents

The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility.

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.

National Security Agency/Central Security Service

Agency contact information

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