POLICE OFFICER (OPERATOR) Job in Pentagon, Arlington, VA

Vacancy No. DE-12549055-24-TM Department Pentagon Force Protection Agency
Salary $73,068.00 to $126,434.00 Grade 6 to 7
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/7/2024 Close Date 10/6/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Pentagon, Arlington, VA


Summary

This position is located in the Law Enforcement Directorate, Pentagon Police Division, Special Operations Branch. The incumbent will serve on the Emergency Response Team (ERT) or Counter Assault Team (CAT) and perform a full range of police officer functions and ERT/CAT duties and responsibilities.

Duties

This is a Direct Hire Public Notice, under this recruitment, applications will be accepted for each location and/or installation identified in this Public Notice and selections are made for vacancies as they occur. There may or may not be actual/projected vacancies at the time you submit your application.

Applicants will be reviewed throughout the open period of the public notice. The first cut-off date for consideration of applicants will be October 31, 2024. Thereafter, the cut-off for applications received will be on/about every 60 days on December 31, 2024; February 28, 2025; April 30, 2025; June 30, 2025; and August 31, 2025 until the public notice closes.

This Public Notice is to gather applications which may or may not result in a referral or selection.

This position is being filled under Direct Hire Authority (DHA) in accordance with Section
9902(b)(2) of Title 5 U.S. Code. Please read this Public Notice in its entirety prior to submitting your application for consideration.


Incumbents typical work assignments may include the following:

  • Serves as an Operator for the PFPA Emergency Response Team (ERT), responding and mitigating high threat critical incidents and/or Counter Assault Team (CAT), responsible for providing tactical support to the Secretary of Defense and senior DoD officials around the NCR.
  • Participates in neutralizing ground assault, unmanned aerial threats, protected extraction techniques and tactical medicine.
  • The employee patrols a designated area to preserve law and order; investigates complaints, disturbances, accidents, and reported criminal activities; testifies in court.
  • Responds to emergency and routine calls which may involve dangerous personnel or personnel who have committed felonies.
  • Checks badges and identification cards of incoming personnel. Performs searches of individuals and hand carried items for weapons, narcotics, explosives, and other illegal contraband.
  • Operates official government vehicles, including sedans, sport utility vehicles, and vans in various weather conditions.
  • Conducts preliminary investigations of surveillance and suspicious persons on and around the Pentagon Reservation.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship is required
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/Home/Registration)
  • Total salary varies depending on location of position
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period
  • Must be determined suitable for federal employment
  • Required to participate in the direct deposit program
  • This position is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing
  • The employee must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
  • The employee must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license from the jurisdiction where he or she resides.
  • The employee must meet requirements of “Lautenberg Agreement” which outline rules regarding carrying of firearms
  • The employee must qualify bi-annually with assigned weapon(s).
  • This position is subject to recall 24/7 and the employee is required to work shifts; days off vary.
  • The employee must have passed the must have passed a 120-hour Basic SWAT Operators Course or equivalent tactical training.  The SME will evaluate the equivalent tactical training related to Special Weapons and Tactics.
  • This position is authorized for the Domicile-to-Duty Transportation Program. Domicile-to-duty mileage is limited to operators living within 50 driving miles, one way of their duty location.
  • Retention in this position is contingent upon the successful completion and passing of all agency-trained requirements. This includes "Introduction to Field Training Programs" and any other FTO training requirements
  • Police Officers assigned to ‘Special Units” may be eligible for an additional 6% supplement (Special Unit Pay) upon successful completion of required training. Special Unit Pay may range between $77,451.00 to $134,020.00
  • Employees that do not pass the PPD/ERT Bi-Annual Tactical Physical Fitness Test may be reassigned to the Pentagon Police Division (PPD), Operations Branch.

Qualifications

Continued Condition of Employment
  • The employee assigned to this position is designated as a MISSION ESSENTIAL EMPLOYEE. Mission essential employees may be required to report for, or remain at, work in dismissal or closure situations due to adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, or other emergency situations (e.g., building closure due to power outage) causing disruptions of government operations, and are required to maintain contact with their supervisor during any dismissal or closure situation unless specifically excused by their supervisor
  • The employee must be in a constant state of physical readiness and must be capable of demonstrating maximum physical exertion without warning. Any hesitancy, reluctance, or inability to fully engage in a critical situation that requires full-unrestricted physical capabilities could have tragic, if not fatal, consequences
  • This position requires the employee to take and pass annual medical and physical fitness examinations; to carry and qualify with PFPA designated weapons twice a year on a test; to wear personal protective equipment, i.e., ballistic vest, etc.; and to pass all designated PFPA certification programs. This includes being trained and then qualifying in how to deal with an "active shooter". He or she must have the capacity to perform the essential functions of the position without risk to themselves or others
  • The following medical requirements apply to all employees: good near and distant vision, ability to distinguish basic colors, emotional and mental stability, and the ability to hear the conversational voice. In addition, the position requires common physical characteristics and abilities in agility, dexterity, and strength to endure regular and recurring physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking, driving, bending, stooping, carrying, or dragging unconscious victims up or down multiple flights of stairs, moving heavy or unwieldy objects over 50 pounds, running, climbing, crouching, crawling and kneeling during pursuit possibly in restricted, dark and hot or cold spaces, or defending oneself or others against physical attacks, possible exposure to explosives, chemicals, or other weapons of mass destruction
  • As a police officer representing PFPA, it is essential that the employee present a professional and competent image, with a clean, neatly pressed uniform or attire. Safety and effective performance requires a well-groomed and tidy appearance, proper decorum and appropriate responses.
  • Retention in this position is contingent upon meeting PFPA medical standards and performing duties required by the Emergency Response Team (ERT) Special Unit. Upon movement out of a Special Unit position to a Non-Special Unit position, employee is no longer authorized the additional 6% supplement (Special Unit Pay)
  • This position is identified as a covered position under the Pentagon Force Protection Agency (PFPA) Civilian Mobility Program, Regulation 1400.24, effective September 28, 2015. This position requires that the candidate must sign a mobility agreement as a condition of employment. PFPA may relocate covered positions and covered employees in permanent changes of duty station between PFPA duty locations in the National Capital Region; Raven Rock Mountain Complex (Adams County, Pennsylvania); Glynco, Georgia; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania or Baltimore, Maryland and potentially other locations to improve mission effectiveness or enhance individual career progression

For qualifications determinations, it is recommended that applicants include their months and hours worked per week for each employment listed on their resume. If a determination is not able to be made about the length of your creditable experience for qualification requirements, you will be removed from consideration.

Read more about what should I include in my federal resume? at https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include/


You may qualify at the AD-07 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the AD-06 grade level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) that demonstrates your ability to.

1) Enforcing a full range of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations as they pertain to law enforcement work;
2) Applying knowledge of Emergency Response Team (ERT) tactics and procedures, (i.e. weapons and chemical agents); and
3) Applying knowledge to establish perimeter security and evacuate the affected area.

You may qualify at the AD-06 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the AD-05 grade level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) that demonstrates your ability to.

1) Knowledge of applicable federal laws sufficient to conduct short and long-term investigations, respond to emergency calls,
complaints, and other calls for service
2) Knowledge of proper procedures for Identifying, safeguarding, preserving, and collect evidence and data under normal, adverse, or
life threatening situations
3) Ability to operate official police vehicles under hazardous conditions, such as suspect pursuit or surveillance, adverse weather
conditions.

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.

All qualifications and education requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement and clearly documented in your resume. Supporting documentation such as profiles and training certificates may be included (SWAT or Tactical Training).

Education

Education cannot be substituted for experience.

OR


ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? You MUST provide transcripts to support your educational claims. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Unless otherwise stated: (1) official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.

PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.

GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Additional information



Other priority consideration programs will continue under their current operating procedures.

A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments.

Washington Headquarters Services uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: http://www.dhs.gov/E-Verify

If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application. Please view the following link for information on how to obtain an alternative application https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?%20title=Alternate_Application_Information

Appointment Authorities: For more information on appointment authority eligibility requirements:

Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. /www.esd.whs.mil/DD/DoD-Issuances/140025/


Nepotism: Under the provisions of 5 USC 3110, an individual may not be appointed into a position if the position is under the supervisory chain of command of a relative.

Additional vacancies may be filled by 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.

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.

Traditional rating and ranking of applications does not apply to this vacancy. Your application (resumes and supporting documentation) will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required as listed in this announcement.

Note: Under this DHA, veteran's preference does not apply.

When the application process is complete, we will review your resume to ensure you meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this announcement. You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume and responses to the Occupational Questionnaire, along with your supporting documentation to determine your ability to demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Arrest/Apprehension
  • Criminal Investigation
  • Criminal Law
  • Critical Incident Response
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Vehicle Operation


Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

Your responses to the questionnaire may be compared to the documents you submit. The documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

Required Documents

YOU ARE REQUIRED TO DOCUMENT IN YOUR APPLICATION PACKAGE EVIDENCE THAT SUPPORTS YOUR ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATION CLAIMS. You MUST upload the applicable documents with your application package. 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.

1. Your resume may be submitted in any format that includes your name and contact information (telephone number and/or email).
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.

2. Other supporting documents:

  • Cover Letter, optional
  • Most recent SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action" showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade held (WHS serviced employees SF-50s will be verified via eOPF).
  • College Transcript(s), if qualifying based on education or if the position has a basic requirement. Official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable. (WHS serviced employees will be verified via eOPF or you may include them in your application package. However, it is the employee's responsibility to ensure that his/her eOPF contains the required transcript and is up-to-date).
  • DD-214, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty from Veterans for consideration under Veteran hiring authorities
  • Noncompetitive appointment authority documentation, if applicable
  • Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
  • PPP Registrants/Eligibles: Must submit the following applicable documents: 1) PPP registration 2) PCS orders (if applicable)

ARE YOU QUALIFYING BASED ON EDUCATION or A COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE?
You must provide sufficient documentation of your education in your resume. You are required to provide a copy of transcripts or degrees in your application package. It is also acceptable to document your applicable course listing in your resume (course number, credits earned, etc.). 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. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html.

ARE YOU A VETERAN CLAIMING SOLE SURVIVORSHIP PREFERENCE OR 5-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE?
1. You must provide legible copy/copies of the following: DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," showing all dates of service, as well as type of discharge and character of service (Honorable, General, etc.) or Statement of Service/Proof of Service (in lieu of a DD-214) from your command or local Personnel Support Detachment (PSD). The Statement of Service/Proof of Service must provide all dates of service, the expected date of discharge and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). Veterans should upload their DD-214 once they receive it upon separation.
2. You should also document your complete military service information in the Veterans Preference and Military Service Section of the assessment questionnaire (type of preference, dates of service, date of VA letter, character of service, disability claim and rank and date of retirement if retired).

ARE YOU A DISABLED VETERAN or CLAIMING 10-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE?
1. Disabled veterans, veterans, widows, spouses or the mother of a veteran, who are eligible for 10-point veterans' preference, you must provide legible copies of the following: Applicable supporting documents as noted on Standard Form-15 (SF-15). To obtain a copy of SF-15, go to: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans/ng-paths/veterans/

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.

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 online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement (10/06/2025) to receive consideration.

  • To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
  • Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  • After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
  • You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
  • To view the assessment questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12549055
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login) all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

Failure to submit a complete application package will result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration.

Do not email or send hard copy resumes/applications to the Contact Information or Agency Information listed in this vacancy announcement. All resumes/applications received at the addresses listed in the Contact Information or Agency Information will be destroyed and will not be considered for this vacancy announcement.

It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that all information in their resume and documents are legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers/documents submitted by an applicant.

Washington Headquarters Services provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please view the "Alternate Application" method listed in the "Other Information" section of this announcement. Your requests for reasonable accommodation will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Please visit the following link for more information http://http://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/issuances/admin_inst/

Agency contact information

Washington HQ Services
Address
Pentagon Force Protection Agency
Human Resources Directorate
4800 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22350
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.

Stay informed of changes to your application status by signing up for automatic email alerts at: https://www.usajobs.gov/Applicant/Application/ListApplications?

Washington Headquarters Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.


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