Security Duty Officer - Entry to Experienced Level (Maryland) Job in Fort Meade, MD

Vacancy No. 1247525 Department National Security Agency/Central Security Service
Salary $57,164.00 to $185,234.00 Grade 7 to 14
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/26/2025 Close Date 8/27/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Fort Meade, MD


Summary

The Security Operations Command Center (SOCC) is seeking highly motivated, disciplined individuals to fill Security Duty Officers (SDO) positions in our 24x7 watch center headquartered at NSA's Fort Meade MD Campus. SOCC personnel provide a myriad of services across multiple security disciplines with a no fail mission supporting Agency organizations throughout the global enterprise!

Duties

Security and Counterintelligence (S&CI) is responsible for the protection of NSA/CSS information, people and facilities worldwide. In support of this mission, the Security Operations Command Center (SOCC) ensures continuity of mission and the protection of the Agency's critical assets worldwide 24x7. Primary responsibilities of a SOCC Security Duty Officer (SDO) include:

- Emergency and critical Incident response and management
- Initiating and conducting all necessary investigative actions for physical, force protection, personnel and counterintelligence related security incidents
- Coordination, response, mitigation and resolution of life safety, security and facility emergencies
- Access verification and management
- Monitoring the physical security and force protection posture of NSA facilities worldwide and deploying appropriate countermeasures and resources to sustain or enhance the posture as necessary
- Threat analysis, management and mitigation
- Dispatch NSA Police, security and other resources accordingly
- Monitor and manage multiple security systems and investigate, mitigate or resolve anomalies
- Conduct security checks
- Liaison with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies

All SDOs are required to:

- Be 21 years old at a minimum due to weapon handling requirement
- Candidates must possess a current valid U.S. driver's license, absent of any restrictions that would preclude operation of a U.S. Government motor vehicle.
- In order to be considered for this position, you will be required to successfully complete a written assessment prior to interviewing for the position.
- Successfully complete all phases of the NSA Special Agent's Course
- Maintain federal firearms certification and a working knowledge of Agency Policies and Regulations allowing the carry of an Agency-issued firearm. The Gun Control Act of 1968, as amended, and applicable implementing regulations prohibit the issuing of a firearm to anyone who has been convicted of a crime involving domestic violence. Individuals who have been convicted of such a crime are not eligible for consideration for this position.
- Perform physical and potential strenuous activities to include standing, walking, or kneeling for long periods under all weather conditions

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.

A degree in any field is acceptable.

Relevant experience must be in a security/law enforcement related field (for example, Contractor Special Security Officer, special agent or police officer) or in emergency management.

ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL
Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 4 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree and no experience.

FULL PERFORMANCE
Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 7 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience.

SENIOR
Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 10 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience.

Education

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.

A degree in any field is acceptable.

Additional information

Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position.

Salary Range: $57,164- $185,234 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance, Senior) Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.

Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience.

Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Work Schedule: Applicants should be aware that this position is in support of 24/7 operations with 12 hour rotating shift schedule.

This is a high visibility position that provides a unique opportunity to view and execute all aspects of Security and Counterintelligence's mission while enjoying a shift schedule that provides several consecutive days off. SOCC SDOs work twelve-hour shifts, rotating between days (0600-1800) and nights (1800-0600) over an approximate 3-month span. The rotation is an aggregate of 7 days on duty and 7 days off duty in a 14-day period, and also includes two weeks of dayshifts during which time team members can use personal leave, take classes/training, cover shifts for other team members, train new team members, or work on special projects. T

his is a full-time position in a 24x7 operations center. Security Duty Officers work 12-hour rotating shifts, and the shift schedule may result in additional compensation of Sunday premium, night differential, holiday pay, and scheduled overtime, when warranted and approved. Additional hours to support operational requirements are compensated in accordance with Federal regulations.

This position is designated as emergency essential, which means this position cannot be vacated, especially during a significant crisis situation or emergency incident, without seriously impairing the organization's ability to function effectively. Personnel assigned to this position are required to report to work as scheduled, regardless of weather conditions, operating status or other atypical situation. Personnel will also occasionally be requested to cover additional shifts to ensure mission continuity and maximize operational effectiveness.

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.

Successful candidates will:

- Have relevant experience in law enforcement, investigations, intelligence/threat analysis, homeland security, risk assessment and mitigation, or NSA S&CI security or other IC/federal agency equivalent - Exhibit solid critical thinking, listening and prioritization skills
- Be able to successfully multi-task, utilize resources effectively and manage multiple incidents simultaneously
- Have the ability to work effectively and build rapport with senior leaders, staff personnel, and external customers at all levels and ranks
- Able to handle and adapt to constructive feedback
- Possess excellent oral and written communication skills
- Convey information accurately through detailed written documentation in the appropriate format, using proper grammar, spelling and punctuation
- Maintain proficiency on multiple agency and security systems, applications and databases
- Be able to use Microsoft Office Suite tools (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and utilize other basic office resources (e.g., web browsers, multi-function devices, audio/visual equipment, telephones, etc.)
- Utilize authorized investigative techniques to support personnel, physical or counterintelligence investigations and mitigate or resolve concerns
- Apply interview, elicitation, debriefing, and/or interrogation techniques in a systematic manner
- Detect verbal and non-verbal cues, body language and behaviors that may indicate a potential security issue or concern and address accordingly
- Maintain awareness of physical surroundings and detect factors that may impact physical, personnel, and operational security
- Operate and maintain proficiency with firearms
- Obtain certification in First Aid, CPR, AED and other training requirements, to include successful completion of the NSA Special Agent Course and being issued NSA Special Agent Credentials
- Be able to stand or walk for extended periods of time indoors and outdoors regardless of weather conditions, as necessary
- Be mature and professional in demeanor and appearance, dressing in appropriate business attire

Required Documents

The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility.

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

Please visit our application site to apply: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1247525

Agency contact information

NSA POC
Address
NSA External Hiring
9800 Savage Road
Fort Meade, MD 20755
US

Next steps

Please visit our application site to apply: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1247525


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