SECURITY SPECIALIST- DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY

Department of the Air Force

Air Force Elements, U.S. Strategic Command

Joint Warfare Analysis Center (JWAC)

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.

The primary purpose of this position is to perform work in the development/implementation of policies, procedures and training for identifying and protecting info, personnel, facilities, operations or materials from unauthorized disclosure, misuse, theft, assault or loss.

This job is open to

The public

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

Clarification from the agency

This job announcement will be used to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection.

Duties

DO-0080-02

Provides guidance and assistance interpreting classified information for JWAC personnel. Work is independently planned and carried out in accordance with proven techniques, methods, and practices. Demonstrates comprehensive administrative/ technical competence in assigned areas and effectively applies knowledge to a variety of complex and unusual situations and problems. Includes refinement of methods or development of new ones.
Determines if a system is providing adequate protection; assesses the adequacy of inventory and management control systems of classified materials; monitors the manner in which sensitive material is handled/used; recommends appropriate corrective action; makes adjustments as needed.
Evaluates, develops, implements, and maintains methods to enhance information, personnel, physical, industrial, and general security methods, and provides recommendations to upper management on difficult security issues. Establishes controls and suspense dates to ensure required administrative actions and responses are made within deadlines.
Represents JWAC and establishes, develops, and maintains effective working relationships with higher headquarters and external organizations. Responsible for communicating impact of, gaining commitment for, and ensuring consideration of division initiatives, policies, and recommendations. Meets with key customer and coordinating officials to assess customer satisfaction, explain organization policy and procedures, and resolve problems that arise. Prepares and presents reports and briefings on status of division initiatives and/or recommends action to key internal and/or external elements. Represents JWAC at meetings, conferences and trainings in order to keep abreast of issues impacting division; ensure project plans and objectives are on target; resolve technical conflicts; and serve on technical groups or committees.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

U.S. Citizenship Required
Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
A security clearance may be required
If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
Recruitment incentives may/may not be authorized
This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
Position may be subject to random drug testing
Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays
Shift work and emergency overtime may be required
Employee must maintain current certifications
Disclosure of Political Appointments
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Position may be subject to polygraph testing.

Qualifications

Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions. Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower grade DO-01/ GS-11, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes interpreting policy originating from higher organization levels and implementing instructions, providing authoritative guidance to management officials and other security personnel; resolving issues involving conflicting security requirements from multiple nations; aid in responding to requests for physical, information, and personnel security guidance or assistance, identifying the nature of the issues involved and researching guidelines to identify the policies and procedures that apply to their solutions; independently use security principles, concepts, and methodologies to review, independently analyze, and resolve difficult security problems.

NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement.

COMPETENCIES: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:Problem Solving, Communication, Business Management, Teamwork and Leadership

IDEAL CANDIDATE: In addition to the specialized experience statements above, the ideal candidate would have the following skills and experience:

Ability to apply comprehensive knowledge and applied expertise of Department of War (DoW), Intelligence Community (IC), Air Force, and federal policies governing Information, Personnel, Physical, Industrial, and AT/FP security across Collateral, SCI, and Special Access Program (SAP) levels to safeguard critical organizational assets.
Ability to lead complex facility and personnel security operations, establishing a proactive culture of security by successfully bridging the gap between strict regulatory compliance and critical mission requirements to ensure uncompromised productivity.
Ability to serve as the Technical Authority and principal advisor on multi-disciplinary security programs across all classification levels.
Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate security policies, procedures, and training programs designed to protect personnel, facilities, operations, and materials from unauthorized disclosure, misuse, theft, or loss.
Demonstrate knowledge of security training concepts and practices to assist leadership in establishing and operating robust internal security programs as well as provide briefings to command personnel.
Skill in analyzing and evaluating organizational security programs to ensure full alignment with mission requirements and to drive continuous program improvement.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Additional information

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.

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. Click here for more information.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

This job announcement will be used to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection.

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.

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

The resume/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.

For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here.

APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming.

Online Application: Questionnaire
Resume: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on resume requirements can be located under "How To Apply".

ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following:

Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member
Branch of Armed Forces
Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s)
Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty
Terminal leave start date (if applicable)
Expected character of service/discharge and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement)
Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge
Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.

Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form 214 must be submitted upon receipt.

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

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 08/04/2026

To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13013826

To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.

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

1. Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp.

Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here.
For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume.
Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy.
Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume.

2. A complete Application Questionnaire
3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.
4. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here.

Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (Includes current Air Force employees): You are required to submit legible copy/copies of your last or most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, (block 24 must be a "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a"1"). Additionally, if you are applying for a higher grade (GS) and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one year time-in-grade requirement so you will need to provide an SF-50 which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-grade Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old).

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS:
Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable.
Awards for Current Federal Civilian employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume.
Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s).

PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.

Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.

Agency contact information

JWAC Group Box

Phone: 123-123-1234
Email: stratcom.south-potomac.jwac.list.jwac-jobs@mail.mil

Address: Joint Warfare Analysis Center - JWAC
4048 Higley Road
Dahlgren, VA 22448
US

Next steps

Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent.

If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for consideration. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.

To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.

If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.

SECURITY SPECIALIST- DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY Job in Dahlgren, VA