Security Guard (SCC Apprentice Operator) Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. NGA-25-078-MP Department National Gallery of Art
Salary $51,442.00 to $66,872.00 Grade 06 to 06
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 6/20/2025 Close Date 7/4/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

The position is located in the Office of Protection Services' Security Command Center (SCC), a multi-function uninterrupted central system monitoring, reporting and dispatch facility consisting of a highly sophisticated computer-based Integrated Security Management System (ISMS)), Administrator’s Staff (A), of the National Gallery of Art.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Present Permanent Federal National Gallery Employees All candidates must be able to work on any of the daily day and night shifts. This competitive opportunity has promotion potential to: Security Guard (SCC) Operator, GS-0085-7. Future promotions are dependent on employee’s ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and supervisory approval.

Duties

The incumbent:

  • Ensures safety, security and appropriate environmental conditions for National Gallery visitors, staff and collections through consistent monitoring and response to systems, maintaining situational awareness across all National Gallery facilities, grounds and access points. Monitors, acknowledges and immediately and accurately recognizes and interprets all alarms or unusual system readings. Immediately acknowledges each alarm and processes associated alarm camera call-up video. Responds promptly and consistently according to established SCC procedures to all alarms, notifies supervisory staff, and dispatches patrols to correct locations, providing patrols with clear, accurate information regarding the incident. Ensures timely and proper operation of security, fire, and building monitoring systems as well as telecommunication equipment to include ISMS, MXL, WAWAS, JUST, BAS, environmental maintenance, and communication systems and devices. Applies correct first-level response and system test procedures to check, determine operational status and make routine adjustments to systems.       
  • Provides clear, accurate and appropriate oral communication via established protocols to ensure coworkers, supervisors, staff and visitors are informed, directed properly, and kept safe. Initiates communication to ensure that all personnel staffing the SCC are aware of all alarms or unusual readings on systems and provides interpretation of complex readings. Ensures that relief operators are aware of all alarm suspensions and unusual situations or instrument readings. Uses the emergency notification system to provide clear, accurate and appropriate directions to staff and visitors, consistent with procedures. Provides clear, helpful communications to the public and National Gallery staff. Monitors external events that would affect National Gallery operations and promptly and clearly communicates important situations to AOP supervisors. Ensures proper incident documentation and preventive planning through clear, accurate and complete reporting and written communication. Makes routine reports consistent with time, content and overall compliance with SCC and National Gallery policy. Maintains accurate, clear and complete incident logs. Develops reports of all incidents and alarms.                   

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a United States Citizen.
  • This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • See "Other Information" section regarding Selective Service requirements.
  • Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
  • Must be able to work on any shift.

Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant work experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to this job opportunity. 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). Your resume must include the dates of all qualifying experience (from month/year to month/year) and the number of hours worked/volunteered per week.

Qualifications

Specialized Experience Statement: For this position, specialized experience is at least one year of experience, equivalent in responsibility to the GS-05 level in the Federal service, providing security guard services.

Those applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements will be evaluated against these factors to determine the best-qualified candidates.

  1. Security – Knowledge of security protocols and responsibilities.
  2. Communication – Skill in oral and written communication to provide and coordinate information.

OPM Qualifications Standard:

Individual Occupational Requirements: Security Guard Series 0085


Group Qualification Standard: There is no Group Coverage Qualification Standard for this series. Use the Individual Occupational Requirements described below.

GRADE EXPERIENCE EDUCATION/TRAINING
General Specialized
GS-2 3 months None High school graduation or equivalent
GS-3 6 months None 1 year above high school
GS-4 6 months 6 months 2 years above high school
GS-5 and above None 1 year equivalent to at least next lower grade level

None

Other Relevant Eligibility Criteria: Incumbents are required to maintain Special Police Officer firearms certification. This position is a drug testing designated position (TDP). This is an Emergency Employee – Critical Operations position, required to remain on duty or report to duty in the event of dismissals and closings during hazardous weather and other emergency situations. Must be able to work on an eight-hour day, evening or midnight shift. Requires weekend and holiday duty.  Requires vision correctable to 20/20. Must be able to obtain and keep a driver's license. Must have verbal and manual dexterity skills sufficient to communicate using a two-way radio.

The incumbents will undergo an initial 90-day training period under the guidance/supervision of a Supervisory SCC Operator. At the conclusion of the 90-day period, the Apprentices will be evaluated, and a determination will be made to continue with the training evaluation period or return the Apprentice to their previous position

The work is generally sedentary, but some walking, stooping, kneeling, and bending may be required to physically inspect both interior and exterior areas where physical security systems are located.  The incumbent must be physically able to operate a computer keyboard.

Candidates must meet these criteria as well:

At least a 3.50 overall performance rating on the most recent NGA performance appraisal (Candidates who do not have an official NGA performance rating of record will be rated after they have served in the same position for a least ninety (90) consecutive days).

Ability to perform all essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Successful completion of National Gallery Special Police Officer Training Course.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a state Drivers License. Incumbent has 90 days after date of hire to obtain a valid state Driver’s License.

No domestic violence convictions (per Domestic Violence Amendment of Gun Control Act of 1968 “Lautenberg Amendment of 1996”).

Other Information:

CANDIDATES MUST HAVE A SATISFACTORY SUITABILITY DETERMINATION BASED ON A BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION CONDUCTED BY THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART’S OFFICE OF PROTECTION SERVICES IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR SELECTION FOR THIS POSITION.

Merit promotion applicants must meet the time-in-grade requirement as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. One year at the GS-05 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-06 level.

You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

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.

Note: Applicants who are referred to the hiring office for selection consideration may be required to submit writing and/or work samples as part of the interview/selection process. If the hiring office decides to request a writing and/or work sample as part of its selection process, the vacancy contact will reach out to you by email to: (1) inform you of this requirement; and (2) provide further instructions.

Education

Although this position does not have a positive education requirement, you may submit copies of your transcripts or a course listing. You must provide documentation supporting your education claims.

Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.

Additional information

The National Gallery of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.

Relocation expenses will not be paid.

Some positions may require completion of a probationary period of up to 1 (one) year.

AN EXTERNAL SELECTED CANDIDATE MUST BE FINGERPRINTED AND RECEIVE A BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION, RESULTING IN A SATISFACTORY SUITABILITY DETERMINATION BEFORE BEING HIRED FOR THIS POSITION.

All males born after December 31st 1959 must abide by laws regarding Selective Service registration. To learn more about this law, visit the Selective Service web page, Who Must Register. If you are not registered and don't have an approved exemption, you will not be eligible for employment with the Federal government.

EEO Policy: https://help.usajobs.gov/equal-employment-opportunity

Reasonable Accommodation Policy: https://help.usajobs.gov/reasonable-accommodation

Veterans Information: https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans

Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/

Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, the veteran must be a preference eligible or a veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions.

Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility
requirements visit the following websites:


Reasonable Accommodation Requests:

To learn more, please consult the following resources:

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.

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.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses to the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.

All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications requirements will be evaluated on their knowledge of:

  • Security operations, policies, rules, regulations and procedures.
  • Writing and keyboarding ability. 
  • Ability to communicate orally. 
  • Professional image.
  • Care and maintenance of uniform and equipment.
  • Demonstrated performance in their current position.


Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

All qualified Non-Competitive applicants and the best-qualified Merit Promotion applicants will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration.

The National Gallery of Art uses an application tracking system to evaluate the responses you provide in the applicant assessment questionnaire to determine if you meet the minimum qualification requirements of this position. Then, the HR Office and/or Subject Matter Expert (SME) will conduct a quality review of your application and supporting documentation to determine if your qualifications meet the criteria for referral to the selecting official.


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

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

  1. Your Resume showing the applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment, and duties performed to include pay plan, series, and grade level for relevant federal experience. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications.
  • Do not include the following types of information in your 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
  1. Other supporting documents:
    • Cover Letter, optional
    • Most recent Performance Appraisal, optional
    • SF-50 Your most recent Promotion, Within Grade Increase (WRI/WGI), or Appointment/Conversion SF-50 - Notification of Personnel Action showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade or promotion potential held.
    • Veterans Employment Opportunity Act, Veterans Recruitment Appointment, and 30% Disabled Veteran Eligible: DD-214, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions within 120 days.
    • Schedule A, Persons with Disabilities Appointment Eligibles: Schedule A letter from a physician, local, state, or federal rehabilitation office citing your eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u).
    • Certain Military Spouses Eligible under E.O. 13832: Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders; OR verification of the member's 100% disability (VA Letter); and/or verification of the member's death while on active duty (DD-1300 and Death Certificate) AND verification of the marriage to the service member (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage).

Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

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 read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The application process is as follows:

Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page.

  • You must have a USAJOBS account and be logged in.
  • You must have a completed resume. (You may use the Resume Builder in USAJOBS)
  • You must respond to all applicant assessment questions, carefully following all instructions provided.
  • You will be able to upload additional supporting documentation, which may include, but not limited to transcripts, notification of personnel actions (SF-50), certifications and verification of veterans status (SF-15, DD-214)

 
The complete application package, including any additional supporting documents required for this position is due in the National Gallery of Art Personnel Office on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.


 NOTE: Applicants who cannot apply on-line must request a hard copy application packet from the Agency Contact listed in the vacancy announcement.  Resumes and/or supporting documentation alone will not be considered without the inclusion of a hard copy application packet. The complete package is due no later than 5:30 PM Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement.

The National Gallery of Art receives many applications for each job.  Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks.  You may also check your application status by logging into www.usajobs.gov and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS".

Agency contact information

Staffing
Phone
202-842-6814
Fax
000-000-0000
Email
staffing@nga.gov
Address
National Gallery of Art
4th and Constitution Avenue NW,
Washington, District of Columbia 20565
United States

Next steps

After each step in the recruitment process, your status will be updated in our application tracking system. Once this happens, if you have elected to receive e-mail updates, you will be notified through your USAJOBS registered e-mail address. If you have not elected e-mail updates, you can review your current application status in USAJOBS at any time. Please check that your USAJOBS profile contact information is current and correct each time you apply to a job--this will ensure we are able to contact you as quickly as possible.

In addition to changing your status online, we will send you e-mail notifications at each major step in the process, to include: application received, eligible or not eligible, referred or not referred, selected or not selected.

We expect to make a selection within 30 to 90 days of the closing date of this announcement.

For Fair Chance Act Covered Positions: An agency may not request, orally, in writing, or electronically through the USA Jobs website or other electronic means, that an applicant for appointment for a position in the civil service disclose criminal history record information before the appointing agency extends a conditional offer of employment. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency or visit https://www.opm.gov/about-us/careers-at-opm/opportunities/


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


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