SECURITY SPECIALIST (T5) Job in Duluth, MN

Vacancy No. MN-12878610-AF-26-066 Department Air National Guard Units
Salary $74,678.00 to $97,087.00 Grade 11 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 2/18/2026 Close Date 3/4/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Duluth, MN


Summary

This position is an Open Title 5 Excepted Service Non-Uniformed Personnel position, open to the Public and to Veterans following the Minnesota National Guard Merit Placement plan.

AGENCY: Minnesota Air and Army National Guard

LOCATION: Duluth, Minnesota

SELECTION OFFICAL: Col Curtis Grayson, DSN 218-788-7250

This job is open to

The public

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

Veterans

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference

National Guard and reserves

Current members, those who want to join or transitioning military members.

Clarification from the agency

Title 5 Excepted Service, Non-uniformed Position with the Minnesota National Guard,

Duties

Major Duties: This is not an all-inclusive list

A SECURITY SPECIALIST (T5), GS-0080-11, 1. Implements and administers the SAP information security program. Serves as a security professional for the development, testing, fielding, and protection of advanced and special access program technologies. Researches, interprets, analyzes and applies security guidelines from various sources for local application. Develops and implements security plans and procedures such as standard operating procedures, system security, program test, treaty preparation, deployment, and operations security (OPSEC) for personnel and facilities that support advanced or special programs and sensitive compartmented information (SCI) material. Conducts and documents regular self inspections of SAP facilities and operations. Assesses the SAP security posture and sets goals and courses of action to correct deficiencies. May maintain Top Secret control accounts and strict accountability of all accountable material. Leads or performs security investigations for incidents involving the actual or possible loss, compromise, or inadvertent disclosure of classified information. Performs technical reviews of incident reports and recommends appropriate corrective actions to the commander and higher headquarters. Assist in developing security classification guide for various technologies. Establishes procedures for document marking, safeguarding, and use, personnel access controls, need to know criteria, physical storage and control, and transmitting, transferring, reproducing, downgrading, and destroying information. Provides security oversight and direction to lower grade program managers within organizational facilities specifically designated for advanced or special programs. Drafts specialized additions/modifications to security education programs to provide special access requirements as they pertain to classified couriers, foreign travel briefings, and defensive security briefs. (35%)

2. Implements and administers the SAP personnel security program. Establishes local procedures for processing requests for security accesses for military, civilian, and contractor personnel. Initiates and reviews all requests for personnel security investigations consistent with directives. Responsible for the classification management program and supports special access program manager in developing classification guidance and making personnel security decisions. Ensures requests for program access are properly screened and verified, and that all necessary forms and documentation have been completed before processing for access. Analyze each request to determine validity and eligibility for access in accordance with SAP policies. Prepares and transmits various reports and requests such as Transfer-of-Access (TOA), foreign associate and travel reports. Reviews personnel security decisions of lower-ranking personnel for accuracy. Maintain personnel information folders (PIFs) on each program-accessed individual. Investigate personnel security suitability issues and prepares and transmits adverse information reports to higher headquarters. Prepares and utilizes security databases, rosters, and other tools necessary to administer the personnel security program. Proactively initiates tracer actions, when required, to facilitate and determine access eligibility. (35%)

3. Implements and administers the SAP physical security program. Implements DoD, USAF, Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and MAJCOM policies and directives for the construction, protection, and operation of all advanced programs facilities. Prepares accreditation packages to include fixed facility checklists, facility and alarm diagrams, inspectable space determinations, and other essential physical security documents for approval. Applies risk-management techniques in designing security compensatory measures to mitigate facility vulnerabilities. Works closely with counterparts from civil engineering, communications, users, and industry to ensure timely and proper accreditation of program facilities. Approves design specifications for every aspect of facility construction. Conducts initial and annual physical security inspections of all SAP facilities. Defines protection requirements for various classified items at home station, deployments and ensures personnel are cognizant of security measures. Liaises with various outside agencies to secure technical expertise and specialized services needed to safeguard national security information within an SAP environment. Participates in installation-level pre-deployment planning. Performs site surveys and writes deployment plans. Ensures compliance with Emanations Security (EMSEC) Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) requirements.(25%)
Full list of duties available upon request.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

  • U.S. Citizenship is required
  • Prior to appointment, an applicant must have a current completed/clear drug test
  • This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
  • Irregular and overtime hours may be required to support operational requirements or contingencies.
  • This position is designated as Essential Personnel and may be subject to duty in preparation for, or in response to, a state emergency or disaster declaration. This designation will not exceed 14 calendar days per year unless otherwise approved in advance by the TAG.
  • The employee may be required to travel in military and/or commercial vehicles to perform temporary duty assignments.
  • The employee is required to maintain a Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
  • This position is a designated national security position.
  • This is a deployable position.
  • This position has been identified as a designated position under the Air Force Drug Testing Plan. Incumbent(s) of this position is subject to the possibility of a random drug test.
  • "Department of Defense Security Fundamentals Professional Certification, Special Program Security Certification and Security Asset Protection Professional Certification conferrals are required within 2 years of the established employee EOD or initial assignment date to this position in accordance with DoD 3305.13-M, DoD Security Accreditation and Certification.

***Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation*** Upon selection, individuals will undergo a background check to validate suitability for employment with the federal government as permitted by law, regulation, Presidential order or other authority. Suitability is dependent upon the particular requirements for security clearance, sensitivity level, and DOD IT network access. Items checked include, but are not limited to all criminal history record information, employment history, education and fiscal accountability/responsibility.**

The duties and responsibilities of your job may significantly impact the environment. You must maintain awareness of your environmental responsibilities as dictated by legal and regulatory requirements, your organization, and its changing mission.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. 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. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience. Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

GENERAL AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS:
The work requirements include practical understanding, specialized skills, and fundamental knowledge of the following Series GS-0080 programs: security police; information security; sensitive compartmental information; special security requirements; force protection; anti-terrorism; information protection; security police training, unit deployment, and physical security. Work involves security policies, guiding principles, training requirements, and certifications. Some work in this occupation require expanded security clearances, an extensive knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations and procedures governing a distinct set of operational duties and responsibilities for performing security functions and handling weapons.

Experience, education or training in collecting and analyzing data effectively, efficiently, and accurately. Able to apply procedures and directives by reading and interpreting technical material. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing, using presentation and report formats. Demonstrated ability to follow directions, to read, understand, and retain a variety of instructions, regulations, and procedures. Learned ability to assess the surrounding environment to recognize immediate risk levels.

Experience in managing the function of the work to be performed. Experience which includes leading, directing and assigning work of personnel.

1 year equivalent to at least next lower grade level specialized experience or equivalent

Education

EDUCATION:
If using education to qualify, a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree

or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree

You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your Educational claims. To receive credit for Education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the Education requirements for this position.

Additional information

REMARKS: No PCS available. Position will not be filled until current incumbent vacates. Sensitivity Level 2. Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.

To view ALL MN National Guard Vacancies, go to: https://minnesotanationalguard.ng.mil/full-time-jobs-in-minnesota

If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).

The Minnesota Department of Military Affairs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for the position without discrimination for any non-merit reason(s) such as age, race, religion, gender, ethnic origin or non-disqualifying disability. Pre-selection is not only counter-productive to effective recruitment and placement, but also violates Minnesota National Guard Merit Placement principles and will not be tolerated. If you have information or questions regarding this issue, please contact the Equal Employment Manager at 651-282-4472 or 651-282-4078.

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Basis for Rating: Qualified candidates will be assigned to one of the following areas of consideration (AOC) based on the Minnesota National Guard Merit Placement Plan:

  • Area 1: Current On-board Title 5 Employees (Tenure: 1-Career, 2-Conditional, 3-Indefinite or 4-Term ) - Only those current Minnesota National Guard employees who are in permanent, indefinite, or term technician status as result of being competitively hired by the Minnesota National Guard or Office of Personnel Management agency. This does not apply to Temporary Technicians or Temporary Employees
  • Area 2: Current On-board Excepted Title 32 Technicians (Tenure: 1-Career, 2-Conditional, 3-Indefinite) - Only those Minnesota National Guard employees who are in permanent technician status as result of being competitively hired within the Minnesota National Guard agency.
  • Area 3: Current On-board Federal Employees (Tenure: 1-Career, 2-Conditional, 3-Indefinite?) from another Federal Agency nationwide who are in permanent technician status as result of being competitively hired within that agency. I.e. Title 5 employed outside of the MNNG, Title 5 USAFR.
  • Area 4: All federal re-employable eligible employees. (used as a way to attract federal experience without considering all U.S. Citizens - can reach retirees)
  • Area 5: U.S. Citizens (to include current ARNG and ANG members.)
Basis for Rating Area 5: Qualified candidates will be assigned to one of three quality categories: Best Qualified, Highly Qualified and Qualified. Veteran preference eligible are listed ahead of non-preference eligible within each quality category.
  • Best Qualified. Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements for the announced position.
  • Well Qualified. Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements for the announced position.
  • Qualified. Candidates in this category meet the minimum experience requirements for the announced position.
Candidates will be evaluated on the basis of appropriate education, experience, training, self-development activities, and special awards. Candidates are considered on the basis of available information on their current application and supporting information that has been provided to this office. To ensure full consideration, applicants are urged to submit information about their training, self-development, outside experience, activities and awards. National Guard military (Part-time) service is considered as full-time experience when evaluated against the qualification requirements for a technician position.

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) 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.

Required Documents

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

  1. Your resume must include the following: Job title, Start and end dates (including the month and year), the number of hours you worked per week, level of experience, the amount of experience, relevant experience and accomplishments.
  2. Transcripts - if qualifying based on education or the position has an educational requirement (can be a copy)
  3. If claiming veterans' status, you must provide a copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other acceptable documentation..
  4. If claiming Veterans' Preference for disability - a copy of your DD Form 214, which must include character of service or a Statement of Service/Proof of Service which must include service dates and character of service. In addition, if claiming 10-point preference and/or 30% Disabled Veteran, you must submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces (or documentation of purple heart, if applicable) and a SF 15 (Application for 10-point veteran preference) If supporting documentation is not submitted to support your claim, it WILL result in losing your veteran's preference for this announcement.
  5. Current Federal employees or reemployment eligible: a SF-50 that shows your current Position, Grade, Step, and Tenure
Other required Documents: Top Secret Security Clearance if obtained. Additional certifications, training reports, and related credentials as applicable

Job Information: Vacancy Identification Number (12878610), title (SECURITY SPECIALIST (T5)) and grade(11) for which you are applying.

Do not include the following types of information in your profile or resume:

  • Classified or government sensitive information
  • Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Photos of yourself
  • Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.
  • Encrypted and digitally signed documents

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/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To view the Occupational Questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12878610

A 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. 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 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/.

Agency contact information

Taryn Unterschuetz
Phone
651-282-4127
Email
TARYN.S.UNTERSCHUETZ.CIV@ARMY.MIL
Address
MN 148TH MISSION SUPPORT GROUP
4680 VIPER STREET
DULUTH, MN 55811
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.

CONTACTING US: After you have read all the instructions in this vacancy announcement, if you still have questions about this position or the application process, you may contact us at (651) 282-4155.