Security Specialist (Badging) Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. DEU-OMD-2025-001 Department Federal Communications Commission
Salary $82,764.00 to $153,354.00 Grade 11 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/24/2024 Close Date 11/8/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

This position is located in the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Office of the Managing Director (OMD), Administrative Operations (AO), Security Operations Center (SOC) located in Washington, DC.

RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL NOT BE PAID.  

THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL POSITIONS WITHIN 90 DAYS.

 

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Open to all U.S. Citizens AND MERIT PROMOTION (MP) - STATUS CANDIDATES and NON-COMPETITIVE ELIGIBLES. MP candidates include Federal Employees, Agency Employees, competitive Reinstatement eligibles, VEOA, CTAP and ICTAP. Individuals eligible for non-competitive appointment under special appointing authorities may also apply for consideration (e.g. Individuals with Disabilities; Veterans [VRA, 30% Disabled]; former Peace Corps, AmeriCorps or Vista). Indicate how you wish to be considered.

Duties

At the full performance level of this position (GS-13):

The incumbent is directly involved in the development of policy, monitoring, administering and overseeing the following FCC agency-wide security programs: Personnel Security/Classification Management, Information Security program, and training, Physical/ Operations Security, and Automated Security Systems Technology. The incumbent initiates, develops, and coordinates the implementation of broad overall policies and procedures pertaining to FCC security programs, which includes exercising program responsibility and rendering assistance and interpretive advice to bureaus and offices on security programs.

Provides authoritative advice and assistance to the Chief Security Officer and Associate Managing Director-AO and Deputy Security Officer-AO on security policies and procedures. Works with the Deputy Security Officer to direct and/or plan, formulate, develop, coordinate and implement FCC's security programs. Serves as an authoritative source of information and provide assistance to all levels of FCC management, advising on key security guidelines and appropriate protective measures relative to specific one-of-a-kind situations, functions, or requirements.

Serves as FCC's security specialist on personnel security clearances, access to classified materials, special access programs, and requests for sensitive compartmented information (SCl) access. Assists in determining the suitability and security eligibility of individuals for entry and retention in sensitive and non-sensitive positions including making security clearance determinations for employees or other persons for access to sensitive information, resources, material or work sites.

Serves as Assistant to the Physical Security Officer responsible for the physical security of FCC assets, and facility-classified material for compliance with current regulations and policies. He/she plans, develops, coordinates, and implements physical security/crime prevention programs for the agency; plans and conducts physical security surveys/inspections and recommends upgrading or additional security systems (i.e., locks, security containers, and ID systems) to safeguard facilities and documents. Maintains a strict lock and key control system while serving as the Key Control Custodian.

Establishes, manages, implements and evaluates the effectiveness of the FCC Information Security Program. Integrates security measures to ensure adequate protection of classified agency documents/items and provides input and recommendations regarding the security of classified information and discussed issues with Security Officer.

Serves as Security Training Coordinator to Bureaus and Offices. Disseminates current security practices information, schedules training sessions (at the direction of the Security Officer), and maintains current files on background investigations and periodic reinvestigations data.

Serves as the Systems Administrator for the Genetec automated security access control system, which requires creating special door groups, generating reports, training authorized personnel and performing required maintenance. Manages/administers the contractor personnel security investigative database. Completes and updates the security investigative forms. Reviews security forms for accuracy, completeness, and forwards forms to DCSA for investigative processing.

Serves as the Recorder of classified documents data from departmental and field activities for subsequent input to the annual reporting requirements submitted to the National Archives Records Administration's Security Oversight Office. Processes the administrative functions and schedules for FCC Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) briefings for FCC employees as required. Conducts FCC's employee Security Awareness Program. Processes all public appeal requests for record under Section 522 of Title 5, U.S.C. when denial is based on continuing security classification under Executive Order 13526. Maintains official record of each Committee Proceeding and a current library of the laws, rules and regulations necessary for performing this function.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
  • US Citizenship.
  • May serve a one year probationary period (if applicable)
  • Suitable for employment as determined by a background investigation.
  • If selected, a financial disclosure statement may be required.
  • Current/former federal employees must provide SF-50 verifying grade/status
  • Current FCC employees must provide SF-50 verifying grade & status.
  • Drug Testing Required.
  • Security Clearance Required

Please note your resume must thoroughly support your responses to the vacancy questions.  Your resume is an integral part of the process for determining if you meet the basic qualifications of the position and determining if you are to be among the best qualified.

ALL CURRENT/FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AND CURRENT FCC EMPLOYEES MUST provide a legible Personnel Action, SF-50, that verifies your status and highest permanently held grade.  If an SF-50 is not submitted, the application will be rated as ineligible.

CURRENT FCC EMPLOYEES-To request a copy of your SF-50 please send an email to PersonnelRecordsRequest@fcc.gov

Qualifications

Applicants must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.  Current Federal employees asking to be considered under Merit Promotion procedures must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement.  

Candidates must meet all of the specialized experience requirements outlined below in order to be deemed as qualified.

Specialized Experience

GS-11

In order to be deemed as qualified, candidates must meet the Educational Requirements (A) OR Specialized Experience requirements (B) OR a combination of both education and experience (C).

A. Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.M., if related.

OR

B. Specialized Experience

In order to be deemed as qualified candidates must have one year of specialized experience which is equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience includes:


1. Experience scheduling appointments and/or service walk-ins for Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Card Activations, Enrollments, and PIN Resets.
2. Experience coordinating and conducting the enrollment process for PIV cards, including verifying the identity of applicants and collecting required documentation.
3. Experience issuing PIV badges/cards.
4. Experience processing information in a personnel security background investigation system or database.

OR

C. A combination of both education and experience.

GS-12

In order to be deemed as qualified candidates must have one year of specialized experience which is equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience includes:

1. Experience assisting in the development of personnel security policies and procedures.
2. Experience determining the suitability and security eligibility of individuals for entry or appointment to sensitive and non-sensitive positions.
3. Experience providing guidance on PIV card enrollment, registration, sponsorship and issuance.
4. Experience resolving complicated key/badging issues.
5. Experience maintaining a personnel security background investigation system or database.

GS-13

In order to be deemed as qualified candidates must have one year of specialized experience which is equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience includes:

1. Experience leading the analyses of HSPD-12 initiatives including coordinating procedures to support the creation, issuance, and management of Personal Identity Verification (PIV) credentials for employees and contractors, supporting the use of the credentials for secure electronic access of employees and contractors to buildings and information systems as called for by HSPD-12, and managing the background investigation process for employees and contractors.
2. Experience conducting quality assurance of background investigations for employees and contractors, identifying issues and resolving complex issues.
3. Experience granting security access based on clearances and provides recommendations to senior leadership on security clearances and access.
4. Experience drafting personnel badging guidance and/or policies.
5. Experience providing expert technical advice and guidance to employees, contractors, affiliates, and volunteers about matters pertaining to the PIV Program.
6. Experience delivering briefings and training to other staff members on the PIV/badging program

You will be evaluated for this position on the following Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other characteristics (KSAOs):

  • Expert knowledge of physical security, information security, personnel security, operations and industrial security principles, concepts, practices and regulations.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of numerous security program and policy requirements to establish and provide policy oversight, and serve as a technical authority for the agency.
  • Highly developed oral and written communications skills
  • Skill in resolving difficult and complex security problems caused by conflicting information sources and guidance, such as inconsistencies between personnel security and human resources management policies.
  • Expert knowledge on how to process PIV badges


PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: 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.

Additional information

EEO Policy Statement

Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement

Veterans Information

Legal and Regulatory Guidance

Other:
-  Before hiring, an agency will ask you to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation.  The agency will also ask you to sign and certify the accuracy of all the information in your application.  If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or you may be fined or jailed. If you are a male over age 18 who was born after December 31, 1959, you must have registered with the Selective Service System (or have an exemption) to be eligible for a Federal job.

-  If applicable, you will be required to serve a trial period of one year.

-  In order for you to be employed at the FCC, there are certain Commission and Federal laws governing the financial interests of you and members of your immediate family. If selected for the position, you must submit a financial disclosure statement upon assuming the position

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.

The FCC offers a wide range of employee benefits, including:

Health Insurance
Life Insurance
Dental & Vision Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Long-Term Care Insurance
Holidays and Leave
Retirement
Thrift Savings Plan
Transit Benefit
Alternative Work Schedule
Telecommuting

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.

As this position is being advertised under DEU and Merit Promotion hiring procedures, applicants will be rated on the extent and quality of experience and education relevant to the duties of the position using the hiring procedures outlined below.

How You Will Be Evaluated-DEU Hiring Procedures

The FCC determines the BEST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES based on the major job related competencies and evaluation of your knowledge, skills, and abilities reflected in your application and supporting documents using the CATEGORY RATING PROCESS. Time in grade restrictions do not apply to DEU hiring procedures.

All eligible applicants under Delegated Examining (DEU) will be placed in one of the following three categories:

1. Highly Qualified (Score 90-100) - the applicants possessing a background that demonstrates a superior level of major job related competencies and possession of all evaluation criteria;

2. Fully Qualified (Score 80-89) - the applicants possessing a background that demonstrates a satisfactory level of major job related competencies and possession of the evaluation criteria; and

3. Minimally Qualified (Score of 70-79)- the applicants possessing only the specialized experience described in the vacancy announcement. An automated score is administered based on the on-line application process used.

Eligible applicants will receive a numerical rating based on their responses to the job specific questions for this position. Application of Veterans Preference: The category rating process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have compensable service-connected disability at least 10 percent MUST be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher.

A selecting official may make selection from the highest quality category ("HIGHLY QUALIFIED") provided no preference eligible in that category is passed over to select a non-preference eligible in the same category. Qualified disabled veterans (30% disabled veterans and at least 10% disabled veterans) who meet the qualification criteria float to the top of the Highly Qualified category and by law must be referred over non-veterans. Non-veterans are strictly prohibited from being referred or selected over qualified disabled veterans.

There are several parts to the application process that affect the overall evaluation of your application including:

1. the core questions
2. the vacancy questions
3. supplemental documentation (e.g., DD-214, SF-50, SF-15, transcripts), if applicable; and
4. your resume.

Applicants will be rated ineligible, if they do not respond to job specific questions, provide supplemental documents and submit resume.  For more information, please click on Rating Process.

Merit Promotion Procedures

Applicants under Merit Promotion will be considered in accordance with the agency's merit promotion plan and union agreement. Time in grade restrictions apply.

Under Merit Promotion procedures, applicants must meet the qualifications criteria and receive a score of 90 or above in order to be deemed as BEST QUALIFIED.  Candidates who ask to be considered non-competitively only have to receive a score of 70.


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

Your resume must clearly document how you meet the specialized experience in order to meet the minimum qualification requirements for this vacancy. Some positions require supplemental document(s). All required supporting documents MUST be received by midnight U.S. Eastern Time of the closing date of the announcement, as specified in this announcement. If you do not submit a required document (e.g. transcripts, etc.) your application will be considered incomplete and you will not receive further consideration. Additionally, you may not receive the special consideration, e.g. Vet's Preference, for which you may be eligible without the appropriate supporting documentation.

Once you apply to this vacancy you will be prompted by the system to upload the documents. If you are unable to upload the required documentation, contact the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement prior to 5:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. 

Electronic Supplemental Documents Required:

1. When the area of consideration is "Government-Wide" or "All U.S. Citizens." current Federal employees, including those eligible for noncompetitive transfer or reassignment, must provide an electronic copy of Personnel Action, SF-50, that verifies your status and highest permanently held grade.

2. If applying for consideration under a non-competitive appointment such as Schedule A, Excepted Service, all documentation establishing your non-competitive eligibility must be provided.

3. Veterans MUST upload and submit a Member 4 DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" or a "Statement of Active Service". The type of discharge must be annotated. Disabled veterans MUST upload and submit the VA letter and/or Schedule A letter which demonstrates the overall percentage of disability. Any/all documentation verifying or confirming veterans preference or non-competitive eligibility as a veteran must be uploaded and submitted electronically at the time of application. If veterans preference is claimed but the appropriate documentation is not provided to substantiate the veterans preference claim, the veterans status will be adjusted to reflect "non-veteran".

4. College Transcripts (For Positive Education Required positions and if qualifying based on education and or experience and education.), if applicable. For positions which require education as a qualifying factor, transcripts MUST BE SUBMITTED.  If the transcript is not submitted, the application will be rated as ineligible.

5. Required Documentation for CTAP and ICTAP eligibles:

1. An SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, or other official documentation, which shows that you were declared displaced or surplus while serving as a career or career conditional competitive service employee, in tenure group 1 or 2, OR are a current or former Executive Branch agency employee in the excepted service serving on an appointment without time limit, at grade levels GS-15 or equivalent and below, and who has been conferred noncompetitive appointment eligibility and special selection priority by statute for positions in the competitive service.

2. An SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, or other official documentation which shows the position you may be or are being separated from has the same or higher promotion potential as that of the vacancy.

  • A copy of your Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice; a notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local commuting area
  • A Certificate of Expected Separation
  • Your agency's certification that you are in a surplus organization or occupation (this could be a position abolishment letter, a notice of eligibility for discontinued service retirement, or similar notice)

ICTAP eligibles must submit:

  • A copy of your RIF separation notice; a notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local commuting area
  • An OPM notice that your disability annuity has been (or will be) terminated
  • Certification from your former agency that it cannot place you after your recovery from a compensable injury or Certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for a disability retirement and will receive the special OPM annuity.
  • A copy of a current (or last) performance rating of record of at least fully successful or equivalent (not required if you are an ICTAP eligible due to compensable injury or disability retirement).

For more information on CTAP and ICTAP download a copy of The Employee's Guide to Career Transition at http://archive.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.pdf

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 to this announcement go to the website: https://fcc.usajobs.gov/

Your application, including resume, all supplemental documents, registration information and answers to job specific questions must be received no later than midnight U.S. Eastern time of the closing date. For more information on applying federal jobs, please check this webpage https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Main_Page.

If applying online poses a hardship, you may contact either the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement or you may contact the Monster Government Solutions help desk (prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement) via e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or you may reach them directly at 866-656-6831. The Monster Help Desk is available Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm EST.

Qualified applicants may be further reviewed and rated by Subject Matter Experts to determine the validity of on-line question.

The Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) are programs designed to afford selection priority to well-qualified Federal employees who meet the definition of a “surplus” or “displaced” employee.

To be eligible for consideration under CTAP you must meet all of the following criteria:

1) Be a current FCC employee who has received an official notice stating that your position is no longer needed, or that you will be separated by reduction in force (RIF);

2) Have a current performance rating of at least "fully successful" or equivalent as substantiated by the submitted/uploaded performance appraisal.  This must be submitted with your application package;

3) Occupy a position in the same local commuting area of the vacancy;

4) Apply for a specific vacancy at or below your current grade level with no greater promotion potential than your current position;

5) Meet the application deadline in the announcement; and

6) Be deemed as "qualified" by meeting all of the required qualification criteria.

To be eligible for consideration under ICTAP, you must be a displaced Federal employee and have a current duty station within the local commuting area of this vacancy.  You must submit a copy of the appropriate documentation such as a RIF separation notice, a letter from OPM or your agency documenting your priority consideration status with your application package. The following categories of candidates are considered displaced Employees:

Current or former career or career-conditional (tenure group I or II) competitive service employees who:

  1. Received a specific RIF separation notice; or
  2. Separated because of a compensable injury, whose compensation has been terminated, and whose former agency certifies that it is unable to place; or
  3. Retired with a disability and whose disability annuity has been or is being terminated; or
  4. Upon receipt of a RIF separation notice retired on the effective date of the RIF and submits a Standard Form 50 that indicates "Retirement in lieu of RIF", or
  5. Retired under the discontinued service retirement option, or
  6. Separated because he/she declined a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area.

The additional following types of candidates are considered displaced Employees:

Military/National Guard Technician--you were a Military Reserve or National Guard Technician and now receive a special OPM disability retirement annuity.

To be eligible for consideration under ICTAP you must:

1) Have a current performance rating of at least "fully successful" or equivalent;

2) Occupy (or have been separated from) a position in the same local commuting area of the vacancy;

3) Apply for a specific vacancy at or below the grade level you are being (or have been) separated from that does not have greater promotion potential than your last position;

4) Meet the application deadline; and

5) Be deemed as "qualified" by meeting all of the required qualification criteria.

To apply to this announcement go to the website: https://fcc.usajobs.gov

NOTE: To be considered for an announced vacancy in the area of consideration within which the employee is eligible to compete, the employee must apply online using the Commission’s automated recruitment system. Employees must submit all necessary application materials identified in the announcement by the specified closing date.

Agency contact information

Kristin Young
Address
Federal Communications Commission
45 L Street NE
Washington, District of Columbia 20554
United States
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications to determine your ranking.  The best-qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring official for further consideration and possible interview.  You will be notified of the outcome.


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