To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/25/2025.
You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:
- Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-04 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: knowledge of specific security objectives, programs, methods, and procedures; knowledge in transmitting or receiving messages via radio, fax, computers; knowledge of agency policies, procedures, technical manuals; knowledge of common terminology of formats, commands; ability to use standard computer/typewriter keyboard with speed and accuracy; skill in grammatically correct written and verbal communication; ability to attain a high degree of efficiency to resolve problems. OR,
- Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed four (4) years of education above high school. One year of full-time academic study is defined as 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or the equivalent in a college or university, or at least 20 hours of classroom instruction per week for approximately 36 weeks in a business, secretarial, or technical school. OR,
- Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned. Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-5 level.
You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:
- Communications
- Computer Skills
- Manages and Organizes Information
- Security
- Technology Application
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; religions; 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.
Note:
A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee sits to do the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items, such as office supplies. Good hand and eye coordination, vision and hearing is essential. The position often involves stressful, emergency situations. Security Assistants are subject to callback during emergency situations and may be required to work longer hours under the most serious of situations.
Work Environment: The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting and training rooms, or libraries. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.