Police Officer (K-9) Job in Pentagon, Arlington, VA

Vacancy No. IMP-12785895-25-TJ Department Pentagon Force Protection Agency
Salary $74,689.00 to $129,240.00 Grade 6 to 7
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/25/2025 Close Date 9/3/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Pentagon, Arlington, VA


Summary

This position is located with the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, Law Enforcement Directorate, Pentagon Police Division, Special Operations Branch. As a Police Officer, the primary responsibilities are for force protection, security, and law enforcement in the NCR for the people, facilities, infrastructure, and other resources at the Pentagon Reservation and for DoD activities and DoD occupied facilities not under the jurisdiction of a Military Department.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Hiring Organization Employees Only

Duties

Incumbent typical work assignments may include the following:

  • The employee is responsible for protecting life and property, preventing, detecting, and investigating criminal acts, and enforcing traffic regulations throughout a large complex of the Pentagon Reservation, DoD leased buildings, parks, and National Memorials in the NCR.
  • The employee patrols a designated area to preserve law and order; investigates complaints, disturbances, accidents, and reported criminal activities; testifies in court.
  • Checks badges and identification cards of incoming personnel. Performs searches of individuals and hand carried items for weapons, narcotics, explosives, and other illegal contraband.
  • Conducts preliminary investigations of surveillance and suspicious persons on and around the Pentagon Reservation. Employs methods to counter terrorism activities including, surveillance detection, monitoring CCTV, and conducting risk assessments of buildings and entrances.
  • In addition to serving as a Police Officer, the employee also serves as a dog handler for the Explosive Detection Dogs Team (EDD), one of the most effective countermeasures to the increasing use of explosives by terrorist and criminals.

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)
  • 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 the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • The incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret/SCI security clearance.
  • The employee must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license from the jurisdiction where he or she resides.
  • This position is designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the civilian drug-testing program. The employee is subject to pre-employment random urinalysis testing in accordance with guidelines.
  • The employee must meet requirements of "Lautenberg Agreement" which outline rules regarding carrying of firearms.
  • The employee must qualify monthly, quarterly, and/or bi-annually, as applicable, with assigned weapon(s).
  • The employee assigned to this position is designated as a MISSION ESSENTIAL EMPLOYEE. May be required to report for, or remain at, work in dismissal or closure situations due to adverse weather, natural disasters, or other emergency situations
  • Retention in this position is based on successful completion of all agency-training requirements.
  • This position is subject to recall 24/7 and the employee is required to work shifts; days off vary.
  • The employee must take and pass annual medical and physical fitness examinations; to carry and qualify with PFPA designated weapons; wear personal protective equipment, and to pass all designated PFPA certification programs.
  • The incumbent must be in a constant state of physical readiness and must be capable of demonstrating maximum physical exertion, without warning.
  • The following medical requirements apply to all incumbents: good near and distant vision, ability to distinguish basic colors, emotional and mental stability, and the ability to hear the conversational voice.
  • 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.
  • As a police officer representing PFPA, it is essential that the incumbent present a professional and competent image with a clean, neatly pressed uniform or attire.
  • It is required that the canine reside with the officer and that the home must have a fence not lower than four (4) feet with a lockable gate.

Qualifications

Additional Conditions of Employment
  • Retention in this position requires passing the agencies Basic Explosive Dog Handlers Course.
  • Police Officers assigned to 'Special Units" may be eligible for an additional 6% supplement (Special Unit Pay) upon successful completion of required training.
  • Retention in this position is contingent upon meeting PFPA medical standards and performing duties required by the K-9 Specia 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 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-06 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement:

At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least AD-05 or GS equivalent level, performing work that demonstrates knowledge of a body of standardized, optional, and innovative investigative procedures, techniques, and methods to detect, investigate, and resolve crimes and other incidents. Candidates for this position must clearly demonstrate in their resume that they possess specialized experience in law enforcement experience in:
  • Ability to interpret laws and regulations, testify in court, and write reports
  • Proper procedures for identifying, safeguarding, preserving, and collecting evidence and data under normal, adverse, or life-threatening situations.
  • Applying knowledge of laws to assess violations of state and/or federal laws, regulations, statues, or articles.
You may qualify at the AD-07 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement:

At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least AD-06 or GS equivalent level, performing work that demonstrates knowledge of a body of standardized, optional, and innovative investigative procedures, techniques, and methods to detect, investigate, and resolve crimes and other incidents. Candidates for this position must clearly demonstrate in their resume that they possess specialized experience in law enforcement experience in:
  • Preparing law enforcement related reports and forms, including statements, advice of rights documents, accident reports, field investigation reports
  • Responding immediately to, and conducting, preliminary investigations relating to felonies, misdemeanors and other criminal acts such as grand larceny, sabotage, armed robbery, assaults, complaints of domestic disputes, etc.
  • Enforcing a full range of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations as they pertain to law enforcement work.

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.

ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act Chapter 21 of Title 5, United States Code (U.S.C.), Section 2108a, requires Federal agencies treat active duty service member as veterans, disabled veterans, and preference eligible, when they submit, at the time they apply for a Federal job, a "certification" of active service in lieu of a DD-214, assuming the service member is otherwise eligible. 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. The service member's military service dates are necessary in order to determine whether he or she meets the definition of "veteran" under 5 U.S.C. 2108(1). The "certification" must reflect the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date of submission. The "certification" must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters and must indicate when your terminal leave will begin (if applicable), your rank, dates of active duty service, the type of discharge and character of service (i.e. honorable). Further, under paragraph (h) of the rule, agencies are required to verify a qualifying separation from military service prior to appointment, through the DD-214 or other appropriate documentation. Your preference and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. Active duty members that fail to provide a valid "certification" of service with their initial application will be found "not eligible." Military members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if member is on terminal leave.

Current or Former Political Appointees: Beginning January 1, 2010, 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 under the provisions of title 5, United States Code. 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. 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.

All qualifications, education, and time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement and clearly documented in your resume.

Education

Education cannot be substituted for experience.

Additional information

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. http://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.

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: Military Spouse Preference applicants, must be selected and placed at the highest grade level for which they have applied and been determined best qualified up to and including the full performance level. You must include a completed copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Spouse Preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

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 to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist.6.

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 to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist.7.

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 to verify your eligibility for Retained Grade preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist

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.

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.

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.

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:


Once the announcement has closed, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

All qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The category assignment is a measure of the degree in which your background matches the competencies required for this position. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your responses to the assessment questionnaire. The assessment questionnaire link can be found under the 'How To Apply' section.

  • Arrest/Apprehension
  • Communication
  • Criminal Investigation
  • Public Safety and Security

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.

Are you applying for a promotion? If you are a current or former Federal Civilian employee and applying for a higher grade than the grade that you currently or formerly held within the last 52 weeks, it is recommended you provide SF-50(s) that show you have held the next lower grade for at least one year. Some SF-50s effective within the last 52 weeks will not demonstrate you have held the next lower grade for at least one year (e.g. General Adjustment SF-50 from this year). In many cases, you are required to provide two (2) SF-50s to determine you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirement and eligibility for promotion.

It is still recommended you provide a Within-Grade Increase (WGI) SF-50 or multiple SF-50's at least one year apart at the lower grade level for time in grade confirmation with your application.

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. Effective 5/25/2022, WHS HRD will use the resume in conjunction with the provided SF-50 to confirm Current Federal Employee eligibility. We will complete confirmation of Current Federal Employee eligibility at the job offer phase if needed. It is still required that you submit at least one SF-50 with your application and confirm you are a current federal employee via your employment dates on your resume for current federal employee eligibility determinations.
  • 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.)

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 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, type of discharge as well as 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/

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.

A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement (09/03/2025) 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/12785895
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.

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

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.

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.

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


NOTE: "Recruitment, relocation, and retention incentives may be considered".


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


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