Security Specialist (Physical/Technical)

Clarification from the agency

• Federal employees serving on career or career-conditional appointments • Former federal employees with reinstatement eligibility • Individuals with disabilities, peace corps, former overseas employees, military spouses, 30% disabled veterans, and those eligible under other special hiring authorities • Persons eligible under Interchange Agreements • Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA)

Serving as a Security Specialist (Physical/Technical) GS-0080-11/12 makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) team and mission. This position is located in the Enterprise Technical Service Branch in Artesia, New Mexico.

The primary purpose of this position is to serves as a Security Specialist supporting the physical security and technical support to internal agency customers who require support utilizing hardware and software in accordance with established or approved organizational process on a full range of activities in matters relating to the protection and safeguarding of personnel and facilities, and other security duties as assigned.

Typical duties include:

• Performs security work to inspect, analyze, and evaluate physical security systems, security information databases, and personnel security access control measures.
• Facilitates administrative and operations of the assigned campus and buildings and ensures coordination occurs during day-to-day activities and all policy requirements with appropriate agency stakeholders and/or ETS contract providers.
• Manages key control programs, including the issuance, tracking, and auditing of keys and access codes.
• Manages all assigned physical security systems and lock and key contracts.
• Develops, delivers, implements, and attends, as required, training in support of program elements,
  enterprise-wide level needs, and independent related programs

View common definitions of terms found in this announcement: Common Definitions.

Physical Demands: The work is primarily sedentary, with some work may require walking and standing in conjunction with travel and attendance at meetings and conferences away from the work site. Driving a vehicle may be required. Trips to other elements within the organization are routine and trips to other government agencies or contractor sites may be required. Intense concentration and performance of duties at maximum capability are required to meet deadlines. No special or out of the ordinary physical effort is required.

Work Environment: Work is normally performed in an office setting where no unusual safety precautions are required. However, during emergencies and natural disasters, working conditions may be austere. The work area is adequately lit, heated, cooled, and ventilated. Position may; however, be spent in government, private, or on public transportation.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• You must successfully pass a background investigation.
• Current and former federal employees within the General Schedule (GS) must meet the time-in-grade requirements outlined in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement.
• This is a non-bargaining unit position.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state issued driver's license to conduct official government business.
• You will be required to set up direct deposit.
• Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required.
• This position is eligible for situational telework based on agency policy. (This is NOT a remote position)
• Must successfully pass a background investigation to access, safeguard, and store CNSI on a regular basis.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI (4N -Special Sensitive, High Risk) security clearance or equivalent in accordance with ICD 704 standards.
• Travel of 50% or less may be required.
• Overtime may be required.
• Weekends and federal holidays may be required.
• This position is Emergency Essential required to sustain operations under all conditions such as in the event of a localized emergency situation to ensure Continuity of Operations for Mission Essential Functions.
• Required to complete an OGE 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, within 30 days of starting your federal employment and annually thereafter as long as you occupy a position that requires financial disclosure reporting.
• Required to undergo initial and random drug testing for illegal drug use. Employment is contingent upon favorable results. All other related duties as assigned.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license to conduct official government business.
• Must possess and maintain Federal Acquisition Certification - Contracting Officer Representative (FAC-COR) Level III certification; or have the requisite training/experience to obtain and maintain certification.
• Required to complete an OGE 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, within 30 days of starting your federal employment and annually thereafter as long as you occupy a position that requires financial disclosure reporting.

Qualifications

A resume must be no more than two pages. If an applicant's resume exceeds two pages, the USAJOBS database will not allow the application to be submitted. For additional assistance, please visit: USAJOBS Help Center - Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements

This position has a Selective Placement Factor (SPF). If your resume doesn't demonstrate possession of the SPF, you will be rated ineligible.

The SPF for this position is: Must possess and have maintained the Federal Acquisition Certification - Contracting Officer Representative (FAC-COR) Level III certification; or have the requisite training/experience to obtain and maintain certification. If you have the actual certification, you MUST upload a copy of your certification (not expired) for proof with your application.

NOTE: Your resume must support your claim of specialized experience and or training, to reflect your ability to gain FAC-COR Level III certification (i.e. where, when and how you performed the work or training, or you may be found ineligible).

Specialized Experience: GS-0080-11
You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal government, performing duties such as: Have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) or pay band in the Federal service, or equivalent experience in the private or public sector performing the following duties: (1) applying security principles to enterprise-wide physical security programs, including knowledge of mechanical and electronic locking devices and their integration with security systems. (2) Ability to vet and access authorization process by verifying personnel access levels and ensures alignment with key and badge credential issuance (3) Demonstrating proficiency in qualitative and quantitative methods to assess program effectiveness, familiarity with relevant laws and regulations, and strong interpersonal and communication skills. -or-

• possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. -or-
• possess three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a doctorate or an LL.M that is related to this position. -or-
• possess a combination of graduate education and specialized experience. You must provide a clear copy of your transcripts. Combinations of successfully completed graduate education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. In order to qualify based on a combination, graduate education must be in excess of 2 full years (36 semester hours).

NOTE: Your resume must support your claim of specialized experience, i.e. where, when and how you performed the work, or you may be found ineligible.

Specialized Experience: GS-0080-12
You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal government, performing duties such as: Have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) or pay band in the Federal service, or equivalent experience in the private or public sector performing the following duties: (1) Applying security principles to enterprise-wide physical security programs, including knowledge of mechanical and electronic locking devices and their integration with security systems. (2) Developing contracts and budgeting for security facilities and equipment. (3) Ability to vet and access authorization process by verifying personnel access levels and ensures alignment with key and badge credential issuance (4) Demonstrating proficiency in qualitative and quantitative methods to assess program effectiveness, familiarity with relevant laws and regulations, and strong interpersonal and communication skills.

NOTE: Your resume must support your claim of specialized experience, i.e. where, when and how you performed the work, or you may be found ineligible.

Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this GS-12 grade level.

All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

Time-in-grade: Current General Schedule (GS) federal employees, and those that have served in GS positions within the last 52 weeks, must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade, or a combination of the next lower grade level and an equivalent band in the federal service by the closing of this announcement.

Note: Current or former Federal employees MUST submit a copy of their SF-50 Form which shows competitive service appointment ("position occupied" block 34 on the SF-50 should show a "1"), tenure group (block 24 should show a 1 or 2), grade, and salary. If you are applying for a higher grade, please provide the SF-50 Form which shows the length of time you have been in your current/highest grade (examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, With-in Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s dated a year apart within the same grade/job). If you have promotion potential in your current position, please provide proof. Employees applying with an interchange agreement must provide proof of their permanent appointment. IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT ALL OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE CONSIDERATION AS A STATUS CANDIDATE.

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.

Re-employed annuitants' annual salaries will be reduced by the amount of their retirement annuity and by further cost of living increases. FERS retirees receiving a FERS annuity supplement must also be aware that, like social security benefits, their FERS annuity supplement is subject to an earnings test and may be reduced if the salary earned is more than the social security exempt amount of earnings. Additional information is available on OPM's website or by contacting OPM.

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP/ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP/ICTAP eligible. View information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered eligible under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be placed in the well-qualified category for this position, as described above. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to fletc-jobinfo@fletc.dhs.gov.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

A resume must be no more than two pages. If an applicant's resume exceeds two pages, the USAJOBS database will not allow the application to be submitted.

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), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the online assessments required for this position.

To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process, including the application, and the USA Hire Assessment.

Online assessment: Applicants must complete the online USA Hire Competency Based Assessments measuring critical general competencies required to perform the job. Examples used in the assessment may include general situations not directly related to customer experience. Applicants submitting complete application packages and completing the online assessment will move on to the next phase of the assessment process.

The USA Hire Assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.

If you are the best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. To preview the application questionnaire, click: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12948183

Due weight will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3).

Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment, the veteran must be 1) be a preference eligible; or 2) be a veteran separated after 3 or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement. (Note: Veteran's preference does not apply under Merit Promotion procedures. View VEOA information on Feds Hire Vets.)

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

After FLETC completes its hiring, the resumes of the remaining candidates referred for selection consideration may be shared with other DHS Components. During the application process, you may choose to opt-in if you would like your name, application material, and assessment results to be shared. There is no guarantee of further consideration, and you can continue to explore other job opportunity announcements.

1. Your resume (click the link for information on what to include). If you are a current or former Federal employee, your resume must indicate the GS or pay band level for each position held. Limit your resume to no more than two pages. The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages.
2. Your responses to the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12948183
3. Are you a current or former federal employee? Submit your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action that demonstrates your eligibility for consideration, e.g., length of time you have been in your current grade; your highest grade held; your current promotion potential and proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an interchange agreement. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, within-grade increases and accessions.
4. Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) from an accredited institution listing the college/university, degree confirmation date(s) and applicable courses. Once selected and prior to appointment, applicants must provide an official college transcript. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. For example, specific courses accepted for college-level credit by an accredited U.S. college or university, or foreign education evaluated by an organization recognized for accreditation by the Department of Education as education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. college or university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.
5. Are you a veteran? You must provide acceptable documentation of your preference or appointment eligibility. The member 4 copy of your DD214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," is preferable. If claiming 10 point preference, you will need to submit a Standard Form (SF-15), "Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference." If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. View more veterans' information.
6. Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP/ICTAP)? Submit the following:
   • A copy of your agency notice,
   • A copy of your most recent performance rating, and
   • A copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.
7. Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
   • Position title,
   • Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee),
   • Agency,
   • Beginning and ending dates of appointment.
8. Are you applying under special hiring authorities as a military spouse? Provide a copy of your:
   • Marriage certificate, and
   • Your spouse's PCS orders or a completed SF-15 with supporting documentation.
9. Are you applying under Schedule A hiring authority for persons with severe disabilities? Provide evidence of your intellectual disability, severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability obtained from a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional certified by a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory to practice medicine); a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., state or private); or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefit. Information on documentation can be found here.
10. If you are referred, you may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal and/or incentive awards.

Next steps