Police Officer (CAT/ERT) Job in Pentagon, Arlington, VA

Vacancy No. DHA-12833205-26-TJ Department Pentagon Force Protection Agency
Salary $79,169.00 to $136,994.00 Grade 6 to 7
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/9/2025 Close Date 12/8/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Pentagon, Arlington, VA


Summary

This position is located in the PFPA, Law Enforcement Directorate, Pentagon Police Division. As a Police Officer, the primary responsibilities are force protection, security, and law enforcement in the NCR for the people, facilities, infrastructure, and other resources at the Pentagon Facilities. The incumbent serves on the Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Counter Assault Team (CAT) performing a full range of police officer functions in addition to ERT and CAT duties and responsibilities.



This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

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.

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 Top-Secret security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). A Special Background Investigation (SBI) is required with favorable adjudication by a determining authority.
  • 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 PPD/ERT Basic SWAT Operators Course or equivalent SWAT/Tactical Operators Course. The employee must pass the PPD/ERT Bi-Annual Tactical Physical Fitness Test.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • The employee assigned to this position is designated as a MISSION ESSENTIAL EMPLOYEE.
  • The employee must be in a constant state of physical readiness and must be capable of demonstrating maximum physical exertion without warning.
  • This position requires the employee to take and pass annual medical and physical fitness examinations.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the requirements described below.


You may qualify at the AD-6 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the AD-5 grade level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) that demonstrates your experience in:

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.

You may qualify at the AD-7 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the AD-6 grade level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) that demonstrates your experience in:

1) Conducting long- and short-term investigations when solutions cannot be achieved during the course of a normal patrol shift; 2) Developing and following leads, take statements, and otherwise gather bits of information and facts; 3) Evaluating crime prevention programs and recommending changes to reduce opportunities for theft, assault, illegal entry, or other kinds of violations.

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). 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.
Your resume may not exceed two (2) pages
. 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 duration 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://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include

ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: Federal agencies treat active duty service member as veterans, disabled veterans, and preference eligible, when they submit, as part of their application package, a "certification" of active service in lieu of a DD-214, indicating the service member is otherwise eligible and will be discharged or released within 120 days from the date of submission.. A "certification" letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. This "certification" must include your rank, dates of active duty service, type of discharge and character of service (i.e. honorable), and date any terminal leave will begin. It must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters. Active duty members that fail to provide a valid "certification" of service with their initial application will be found "not eligible". Members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if they are on terminal leave.

Education

Education cannot be substituted for experience.

Additional information

Probationary Periods: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing an online application, you may request an alternative application. Please send an email to the following address for information on how to obtain an alternative application: whs.job.application.assistance@mail.mil

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/

Current or Former Political Appointees: Agencies must seek prior approval from OPM before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level. If you are currently or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Human Resources Office.

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.

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.

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.

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

Your application (resumes and supporting documentation) will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required as listed in this announcement.

DOD PPP candidates using Application-Based Procedures:


Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD-3145-3) to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician preference.

Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians Receiving Disability Retirement PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians receiving disability retirement PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD-3145-2) to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability preference.

Retained Grade PPP Eligible: Retained Grade PPP applicants, must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD-3145-1) to verify your eligibility for Retained Grade preference.

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. All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages showing all relevant experience. Your resume must address your technical 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 1" 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.

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. It is recommended you provide a SF-50 within the last 52 weeks before the closing date of this JOA for current federal employees. We will use the employment date and grade on your resume in conjunction with the provided SF-50 to help determine initial eligibility, but may require additional information to confirm at the job offer stage if needed.
  • College Transcript(s), if qualifying based on education. Official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
  • 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
  • DoD Priority Placement Program applicant supporting documentation - See the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section of this announcement
  • 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.)
  • Other Noncompetitive appointment authority documentation, if applicable
DOES THIS POSITION REQUIRE A LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE?
You are strongly encouraged to provide a copy of your license or certificate in your application package. It is also acceptable to document your license number and the name of the licensing authority in your resume.


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.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement 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. Your resume cannot exceed two pages. See the Required Documents section above for more information.
  • 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, and it is your responsibility to ensure that they do so successfully.
  • 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.
  • Read the Eligibility questions carefully. Your responses will affect your consideration for the position. You may qualify for more than one eligibility, so please choose carefully. You will only be considered under the options you have selected. If you respond that you do not meet any of the eligibility questions, you will not be considered for this position.
  • To view the assessment questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12833205
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.

Agency contact information

Washington HQ Services
Email
whs.job.application.assistance@mail.mil
Address
Pentagon Force Protection Agency
Human Resources Directorate
4800 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22350
US

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.

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

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.