Law Enforcement Specialist (Explosive Detection Canine Handler)

Clarification from the agency

Status Candidates (this includes current or former Federal employees with career or career-conditional tenure in the competitive service, Former Overseas Employees, CTAP, ICTAP, VEOA, 30% or More Disabled Veterans, Schedule A, Military Spouses, Americorps, Peace Corps, Vista, Land Management, and Interchange Agreement Eligibles)

[Agency] is hiring for law enforcement jobs that have an exciting opportunity! Once onboarded, you may be assigned for up to one year to support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force. The law enforcement component of the D.C. Task Force is a partnership of over 20 federal and local agencies working together to make D.C. the safest city in America. Once the assignment ends, you'll transition back to support the [Agency]. Visit the D.C. Task Force page for more information.

The primary purpose of this position is to work as a member of an Explosive Detection Canine Team (EDCT) (Handler and Canine) performing canine related activities. These responsibilities include; searching for explosive devices, training as an EDCT, and administrative functions related to the EDC program.

Duties performed:

• Directing an Explosive Detection Canine (EDC) to perform explosive detection searches of building and office areas, vehicles, packages, materials and persons housed or located in or near property owned, occupied or secured by the U.S. Government.
• Performing record keeping of all EDCH/EDCT training, all operational searches conducted, and inventories of the CETAs.
• Implementing the FPS process for managing risk to Federal facilities through the conduct of Facility Security Assessments which inspects, analyzes and evaluates security systems from a physical and cyber security aspect in compliance with Interagency Security Committee Standards, identify risks and vulnerabilities.
• Recommending appropriate countermeasures to ensure that stakeholders understand their risks and are making informed decisions regarding the security of the facility and its occupants.
• Performing uniformed law enforcement work in the protection of life, property and the rights of individual citizens; enforces and assures compliance with statutes, laws, government facility rules and regulations, and protects the civil rights of all persons on property under the charge and control of the U.S. Government or in locations as may be necessary for the promotion of Homeland Security as directed by the DHS Secretary.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this 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.
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov/).
• Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required
• One-year probationary period may be required.
• Must meet Time-In-Grade requirements.
• Pre-Employment Drug Testing: This position requires a pre-employment drug test and a negative drug test result prior to appointment into the position must be achieved.
• Random Drug Testing: The incumbent of this position is subject to random drug testing.
• 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.
• DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States.
• All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
• License required: Yes
• Pre-employment physical required: Yes
• This is a non-bargaining unit position.
• Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expenses will not be paid.
• Financial Disclosure: If you are hired, you may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days after appointment.
• Promotion Potential: When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval.
• Essential Personnel: This position is designated as essential personnel. Essential personnel must be able to serve during continuity of operation events without regard to declarations of unscheduled "leave or government closures due to weather, protests, and acts of terrorism or lack of funding. Failure to report for or remain in this position may result in disciplinary or adverse action in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations (5 U.S.C. § 7501-7533 and 5 CFR Part 752, as applicable).

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications for GS-11:

Specialized Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service, performing the following:

• Conducting routine investigations of criminal violations;
• Supporting canine teams to preform physical security sweeps; and
• Monitoring the performance of contract officers to ensure compliance with program policies/procedures.

OR

Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M. in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.

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 compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages.

Minimum Qualifications for GS-12:

Specialized Experience: Applicant must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-11 level in the Federal service, performing the following:

• Analyzing the effectiveness of facility security countermeasures through advanced testing (e.g. covert surveillance or intrusion testing);
• Evaluating canine explosive training aids to ensure proficient training; and
• Reviewing risk-mitigation strategies to recommend strategic physical/cyber countermeasures.

NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Limit your resume to two pages. Only resumes 2 pages in length will be accepted to determine eligibility and qualifications.

Time-in-Grade Requirements: Under competitive merit promotion procedures, any individual who is currently holding, or who has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under a non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet "time-in-grade" requirements (have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade of the grade for which you are applying). Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to current competitive service employees applying for a Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. NOTE: All current or former Federal employees must provide a copy of their SF-50 (you may need to submit more than one), "Notice of Personnel Action" that indicates proof of status and time-in-grade eligibility. The SF-50 must include your position, title, series, grade, step, tenure (1 or 2), and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). You may need to submit more than one SF-50 to comply.


All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.

NOTE: 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.

Additional Conditions of Employment:

• Travel: The incumbent of this position will be required to travel frequently.
• Tour of Duty: Must be available for overtime and shift work.
• Law Enforcement: The position shall possess law enforcement authority under Title 40 of the United States Code, Section 1315, exercising such authority relating to criminal offenses to provide investigative and law enforcement services to tenant agencies, Federal employees and members of the general public located in/or conducting business in government-owned or leased properties.
• Pre-employment Medical Requirements: Prior to appointment, the individual selected for this position must be determined physically fit by an authorized government physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties, such as protecting citizens, making arrest, and responding to situations requiring physical agility and quick and legally sufficient decision making. The incumbent must successfully pass a pre-employment medical examination which includes, but is not limited to vision, hearing, cardiovascular and mobility of extremities. In addition, the incumbent must be medically eligible and otherwise capable of safely wearing and using a negative air-purifying respirator (gas mask) or other respiratory protective equipment. This position may be subject to periodic incumbent examinations in the future.
• Lautenberg Amendment: This position is covered by the 1996 Lautenberg Amendment to the Gun Control Act of 1968. A person convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime of domestic violence are not eligible for this position.
• Firearms Requirements: The incumbent will be required to carry a firearm while performing duties of this position. Maintaining firearms proficiency is mandatory.
• Mobility Agreement: This position may require the incumbent to be reassigned to different geographic locations. Accordingly, the incumbent will be required to sign a mobility agreement, which will remain in effect through the duration of the assignment.

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 for this position based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Your application package, including your resume, responses to the assessment questionnaire, and any required supporting documentation, will be reviewed to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications and eligibility requirements for the position. Applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications will not receive further consideration.

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Flexibility
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Learning
• Reading Comprehension
• Reasoning
• Self-Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork

Your application materials and/or assessment responses will then be scored using the criteria established for that assessment. Failure to meet or exceed the passing score/cut score will prevent your application from moving forward in the hiring process.

If you are referred to the hiring manager, you may be contacted for an interview. Failure to complete the required interview may result in your removal from consideration.

This assessment may be used as a part of the selection process. Failure to complete the assessment and, if applicable, meet or exceed the passing score, may result in your removal from further consideration.

For Competitive Merit Promotion and Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) Applicants: The highest rated candidates will be referred to the hiring agency.

For Noncompetitive Appointment Eligibles: All qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring agency.

To preview the assessment questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13000062

Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment, the veteran must 1) be a preference eligible; or 2) be a veteran separated after 3 or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions (you must submit a DD214-member copy 4).

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.

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your resume showing a detailed description of your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates with the month and year and hours worked per week (if less than 40) for each paid and non-paid work experience job title listed. Limit your resume to two pages. Only resumes 2 pages in length will be accepted to determine eligibility and qualifications.

2. Other supporting documents (only submit if applicable to you):

• Are you a current federal employee? Submit a copy of your SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action that demonstrates your eligibility for consideration, e.g., length of time you have been in your current/highest grade (examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, with-in grade/range increases); your current promotion potential; proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an interchange agreement etc.
• Are you a former federal employee? Submit a copy of your last SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action that demonstrates your eligibility for consideration and a copy of your last Federal Performance appraisal.
• Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) or a list of coursework with hours completed.
• Are you a veteran? Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 or other (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or notice form. Those applying for 10-Point preference must fill out the SF-15 and provide an official document dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces, and/or any other associated documentation based on your preference. If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date you submit your application. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions.
• For more information on veterans' preference see http://www.fedshirevets.gov/.
• Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP/CTAP)? If so, submit the documents applicable to you:
  • A copy of the documentation demonstrating your status as a surplus or displaced employee (See OPM's Career Transition Guide for additional information regarding these statuses);
  • A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action," noting your position, grade level, and duty location. If you have already separated, submit a copy of your SF-50 documenting your separation;
  • A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating (if your separation notice does not have this information included); and
  • Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.
• Are you eligible for a special noncompetitive hiring authority (e.g., Schedule A Disability, Peace Corps, Former Overseas Employees, etc.)? Submit documentation of proof that supports your eligibility under a special hiring authority.
• 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 may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal and/or incentive awards.

Next steps

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