Security Officer Job in Lakewood, CO

Vacancy No. 25-WA-00693-12751967-MP Department Western Area Power Administration
Salary $163,324.00 to $195,200.00 Grade 15 to 15
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/7/2025 Close Date 8/18/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Lakewood, CO


Summary

This position is part of the WAPA Headquarters. As a Security Officer, you will serve as WAPA Chief Security Officer and Continuity Officer (CSCO), and Vice President, Office of Security & Emergency Management (A7030), with oversight reporting Security Operations (A7031) and Physical Security (A7032) program elements.

**This is not a remote position. The selectee will be required to be physically present at the Lakewood, CO duty location.**

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Current Federal employees with competitive status or other eligibility; Former Federal employees with reinstatement eligibility; CTAP/ICTAP eligibles; Veterans with VOW, VEOA, or 30% disability; Military Spouses; Individuals with Disabilities Schedule A; Peace Corps, Vista (AmeriCorps) eligibles; Those eligible under an OPM interchange agreement or other special appointing authority. DOEnergy (DOE) employees participating in the OPM or DOE Deferred Resignation (DRP) are not eligible to apply.

Duties

As a Security Officer, some of your duties will include:

  • Direct, lead, control, oversee, monitor, align, prioritize, and restructure WAPA's Security, Critical Infrastructure Protection, Key Target, Continuity of Operations, and Emergency Response Programs, enabling uninterrupted operation of energy systems, facilities, administrative operations, rapid recoveries (in the event of disruption), and "best in class" program administration.
  • Manage, lead, direct development, formulation, interpretation, implementation of WAPA OSEM policy.
  • Oversee Physical Security for Bulk Electrical System (BES) facilities, offices, sites, systems, stations, control centers, information, risk assessment, analysis; physical attack, threats, vulnerabilities evaluations; security planning; law enforcement contact; critical asset, facilities access and risk mitigation.
  • Manage Personnel Security clearance, temporary access, requirements and processes; oversee badging, background investigation, cleared personnel management, Personal Identity Verification, Contractor, Federal Employee security operations, requirements, guidance, and functions.
  • Oversee Emergency Management, Response, Recovery, Continuity, Incident Response Programs, policy administration, guidance, activities, expenditures.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
  • If you are a male applicant born after 12/31/1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
  • If selected, your appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • New supervisors are required to attend 80 hours of supervisory training, of which 40 hours must be completed during your first year as a supervisor.
  • First time supervisors will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period.
  • This position does not support remote work. You will be required to report physically to the official reporting worksite as specified in this announcement. Situational telework may be approved.
  • In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to the four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answers to these questions are not scored or rated.
  • Your answers to the essay questions will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration.
  • Position demands the highest degree of public trust and incumbent must have a DOE "Q" security clearance, with access to Special Sensitive Information.
  • Position subject to random drug testing.
  • Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) is required.
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period. Employees serving on a probationary/trial period may be terminated at any time during the probationary/trial period for performance, conduct, or business-related reasons in the interest of Federal service.
  • Must be able to operate a Government vehicle. Incumbent must be at least 18 years of age, able to obtain and maintain Defensive Drivers certification and have a valid state driver's license. Defensive Driver's Training will be completed upon employment.
  • Incumbent must obtain and maintain the required DOE/WAPA training/certification to serve as a Government Purchase Card (GPC) holder.
  • This position is designated as Emergency Essential.
  • Department of Energy (DOE) employees participating in the OPM or DOE Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) are not eligible to apply for this announcement. DRP participants are not considered active DOE employees because they have agreed to separate from the agency.

Qualifications

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy.

Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.

GS-15: A qualified candidate's online resume and personnel records must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS14) or equivalent pay band in the Federal service.

Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting ALL of the following:

  1. Developing, implementing, and leading Security and Emergency Management Programs for a large scale transmission utility organization to include response and restoration planning;
  2. Applying policy, program objectives, and technical authority to new theories and developments to resolve incidents involving security problems, security methods, technology, and procedures; AND
  3. Managing Continuity of Operations program administration, resources, technology, operations, records, training, exercises, tests, evaluations, communications, and devolution activity.


"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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.


Time-in-Grade: Current career or career-conditional GS employees of the Federal government, or former career or career-conditional GS employees, who have a break in service of less than one year, are required to meet the time-in-grade restriction of one year of Federal experience at the next lower grade, with few exceptions outlined in 5 CFR 300.603(b). Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to current career or career-conditional federal employees applying for a Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.


Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications. Your full resume will be made available to the hiring manager if you are referred.

Education

There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position.

Additional information

  • This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE.
  • For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov
  • Employees or applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) for assistance, when applying or competing for a job or performing a job due to their medical condition or to exercise their religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Staffing Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement.
  • Reasonable Accommodation Policy: https://www.energy.gov/hc/department-energy-reasonable-accommodation-program
  • Veterans Information: https://www.energy.gov/careers/veterans-military-spouses
  • Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/
  • The Fair Chance Act prohibits specific inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal or credit background unless the hiring agency has made a conditional offer of employment to the applicant. An applicant may submit a complaint to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged noncompliance by completing the Fair Chance Act Intake Form and submitting it to the Administrative Investigations Program at AdministrativeInvestigations@hq.doe.gov.
  • The selectee for this position may be eligible to receive a relocation incentive. You will need to sign an employment agreement to be eligible for this incentive.
  • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized.

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.

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.

Minimum Qualifications: Once the application process is complete, the Human Resources Offices or Subject Matter Expert (SME) will review the first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation to determine whether you meet the minimum job qualifications.

Structured Resume Review: After it has been determined that you meet the minimum qualifications, Human Resources Offices or Subject matter experts (SMEs) will review the first two pages of your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required competencies. Additional documentation (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume) may not be considered. Once the announcement closes, we will conduct a review of your application package to verify your eligibility and qualifications. If you are found qualified, your application will move forward to additional phases of the review process.

Merit Promotion Procedures: Category Rating "like" procedures will be used to evaluate candidates; the categories are "Best Qualified", "Well Qualified" and "Qualified." The HR Office and/or Subject Matter Expert (SME) will conduct a review of your resume and place you in the appropriate quality category. Due weight will also be given, when applicable, for performance appraisals and awards in accordance with 5 CFR § 335.103(b)(3). At least a fully successful or equivalent performance rating for the most recently completed rating cycle is required to receive consideration. You must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

  • Leadership
  • Security
  • Planning and Evaluating
  • Incident Management

Non-competitive Procedures: Your resume will not be evaluated against the rating and ranking criteria. If it is determined you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements, you will be referred for consideration.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) candidates who meet the Qualified criteria must receive priority placement before any other competitive candidate(s) can be considered. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (08/18/2025) of this announcement.

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12751967

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you MUST provide a complete application package which includes:

  • Resume: Your two (2) page RESUME showing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of the each employer; start and end dates (month/day/year); work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent); salary; and any completed education and training (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date). Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications. Your full resume will be made available to the hiring manager if you are referred.
  • Transcripts, if specific educational requirements are indicated in this job announcement. Unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements.
Submit one or more of the following to support your eligibility(s) to apply to this job announcement:
  • Current and former Federal employees: Most recent SF-50 (Standard Form 50 - Notice of Personnel Action). To properly verify status eligibility, your SF-50 must show the following. If you do not submit an appropriate SF-50, we cannot verify your status eligibility.
    • Full position title;
    • appointment type;
    • occupational series;
    • pay plan, grade, and step;
    • tenure code; and
    • service computation date (SCD).
    • If your current position SF50 does not indicate you have competitive service status or does not reflect the pay plan and grade of the highest position you have held in the competitive service, in addition to your current SF50, you must provide your previous SF-50s that provide the proof of competitive status and highest grade held on a permanent basis. . If you do not submit an appropriate SF-50, we cannot verify your status eligibility.
  • Veterans: DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; current active duty members- certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter. For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center & OPM CHCOC website for VOW information.
  • Individuals with Disabilities: Schedule A letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing your eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u). For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center.
  • Certain Military Spouses: Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders authorizing you to accompany the Military member to the new duty permanent station; 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). For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center.
  • Other non-competitive or special appointing authorities: provide documentation which supports your eligibility.
  • Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable(e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) For more information see the OPM Guide to Career Transition.
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 for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration.

The application process is as follows:

  1. Click the Apply Online button.
  2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation.
  3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 pm (ET) on 07/31/2025.

You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account, select Update Application: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; 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/.

If you need help with login.gov or USAJOBS (e.g., account access, Resume Builder) visit the USAJOBS Help Center: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/.

If you experience difficulty applying on USAJOBS, after clicking the Apply Online button, or you are experiencing a significant hardship hindering your ability to apply online, the Agency Contact listed in the announcement can assist you during normal business hours. If you receive any system error messages, take screenshots if possible, to aid technical support.

Agency contact information

PMA Careers
Address
WAPA Headquarters
12155 W. Alameda Pkwy
Lakewood, CO 80228
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The status of your application will be updated in USAJOBS as it is evaluated.

You can check the status by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application changes by logging into your USAJobs Account and editing the Notification Settings.

You will be contacted directly if an interview is required.


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