Technical Security Investigator Job

Vacancy No. TLE-TEC-JJ028-25-DHA Department U.S. Secret Service
Salary $72,254.00 to $109,975.00 Grade 9 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 7/3/2025 Close Date 7/17/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DCCapitol Heights, MDLandover, MD


Summary

Joining the Secret Service, Office of Technical Development and Applied Research, Technical Security Division or Aviation and Airspace Security Division, will allow you to provide specialized technical expertise to develop and implement countermeasures to protected persons and/or facilities and support protective and criminal investigations.

Duties

The selectee will serve as a Technical Security Investigator specializing in one of the following areas: Fire, Life-Safety, Hazmat; Chemical Biological Countermeasures; Electronics; Explosive Ordnance Disposal; Technical Surveillance Countermeasures; IT Network; or Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems/Enabling Unmanned Aerial Systems in the Office of Technical Development and Applied Research, Technical Security Division or Aviation and Airspace Security Division. Typical work assignments include:

  • Installing, monitoring, maintaining, analyzing, and evaluating the latest known technologies (e.g. state of the art intrusion detection systems and devices) that may potentially be used by hostile entities, both domestic and abroad, either independent or as groups to penetrate the Agency sites or otherwise harm protectees;
  • Conducting routine security searches of protective and investigative locations to identify, detect, deter, and stop potential or actual threats involving hazardous materials, items, devices, persons, or unsafe environmental conditions; and advising senior Technical Security Investigators on potential violations and security deficiencies, matters that are not routine.
  • Assisting in protective countermeasures and related law enforcement response planning duties; assisting in planning, organizing investigative tactics and techniques to assist with investigations of suspected criminal violations.
  • Assisting in protective advances and conducting surveys and analyses; adjusting plans and schedules; and assisting in developing alternative strategies in response to delays, sudden and/or major changes in itineraries or the introduction of critical intelligence.
  • Assisting in providing advice and assistance to U.S. Secret Service, White House Officials and representatives from other federal agencies and organizations on issues.

Apply for this exciting opportunity to support the Secret Service's mission by providing a technically secure environment for the President and Vice President at the White House and Vice-Presidential Residence, providing technical security for other protectees, and to provide leading edge technical support to criminal investigations conducted by the agency.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Effective May 7, 2025, all applicants are required to have their REAL ID driver's license.
  • Obtain and maintain a Top-Secret Clearance. For more information visit OPM MythBuster Page.
  • Certify registration or exemption with the Selective Service if you are a male applicant born after 12/31/59.
  • Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment and random drug testing during employment.
  • Submit to a polygraph examination prior to your appointment.
  • Complete a pre-employment and post-employment medical examination and be determined physically fit to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties.
  • Be at least age 21 at the time of application and less than age 37 at the time of referral unless you have previous service in a Federal Civilian Law Enforcement position covered by special civil service retirement provision, including early or mandatory retirement. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must be less than 40 years of age at the time of referral.
  • Carry and use a firearm. Maintaining firearm proficiency is also mandatory. You will be ineligible to occupy this position if at any time you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, unless you received a pardon, or your conviction was expunged or set aside.
  • Possess uncorrected visual acuity of no worse than 20/100 binocular. Possess corrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better in each eye. Lasik, ALK, RK, and PRK corrective eye surgeries are acceptable eye surgeries for applicants, and you will be considered eligible for this position provided specific visual tests are passed. Waiting periods are Lasik-2 months after surgery, PRK-6 months after surgery, and ALK/RK-1 year after surgery.
  • Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 25 decibels (A.S.A. or equivalent I.S.O.) in either ear in the 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz ranges.
  • Successfully complete or secure an appropriate waiver for a 13-week Uniformed Police Training Program (UPTP) and 10-week Mixed Basic Training Course (MBTC) at the Agency's James J. Rowley Training Center (RTC), and a 6-week Protective Advance Coordinator Course in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
  • A one-year probationary period may be required.

Qualifications

You qualify for the GL-09 grade level (starting salary $72,254.00) if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GL-07 level performing duties such as:

  • Supporting the execution of programs by analyzing data and applying technical knowledge of systems and counter measures to detect and address threats;
  • Serving on armed protective operations teams to safeguard assets by deploying surveillance systems and coordinating threat responses with partner agencies; and,
  • Contributing to technical security programs focused on countering threats through support in physical security assessments, surveillance activities, and hazardous device mitigation.
OR Possess a Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in an accredited college or university leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D. if related (such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work), OR a combination of education and experience listed above.

You qualify for the GS-11 level (starting salary $63,163) if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GL-09 level performing duties as identified below:

Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems/Enabling Unmanned Aerial Systems:

  • Supporting technical investigations to identify and mitigate CUAS/EUAS threats by applying advanced knowledge of surveillance systems, countermeasures, and legal frameworks to develop effective investigative strategies;
  • Supporting multidisciplinary protective teams by integrating technical security measures, coordinating with partner agencies, and recommending improvements for detecting and preventing aerial intrusions; and,
  • Assisting with managing specialized security programs targeting drone threats by providing expertise in hazardous device mitigation, TSCM, and RF monitoring to maintain a secure operational environment.

Electronics:

  • Utilizing tools to troubleshoot and perform systematic problem solving of electronic devices and systems;
  • Testing, maintaining, installing, and evaluating electrical components and systems; and,
  • Troubleshooting, maintaining, and ensuring security of computers and computer network systems.

Chemical Biological Countermeasures:

  • Responding to, mitigating, or investigating known or suspected released of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) materials, including hazard site survey, characterization, and sample recovery operations;
  • Utilizing, repairing, and troubleshooting specialized hazmat and CBRN detection equipment; and,
  • Participating in the prevention of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) or Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) incidents.

Technical Surveillance Countermeasures:

  • Participating in technical surveillance countermeasures inspections to include radio frequency signal adjudication, electrical and physical component detection, and physical inspections, identifying, and neutralizing technical penetrations and vulnerabilities that could be used to compromise sensitive and national security information;
  • Performing technical surveillance countermeasures functions utilizing a wide variety of technical surveillance countermeasures equipment and instrumentation; and,
  • Applying policies and procedures for the use of technical surveillance countermeasures equipment.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal:

  • Responding to incident scenes where explosive threats are suspected or determined;
  • Interpreting x-rays of potential explosive devices, and/or other unknown and suspicious devices; and,
  • Identifying and differentiating between commercial, military, and home-made explosives.

Fire, Life-Safety, Hazmat:

  • Responding to incidents involving structure fires; hazardous materials (HAZMAT) releases; and/or technical rescue operations;
  • Inspecting or investigating various facilities (e.g., warehouses, shops, hospitals, offices, living quarters, etc.) for violations of fire regulations, and for conditions contributing to serious fire hazards; and,
  • Identifying criteria and implementing fire/life safety surveys for pre-incident analysis and incident response.
IT Network
  • Conducting surveillance via electron monitoring systems such as audio, video, and motion;
  • Analyzing network traffic, logs, and intrusion detection; and,
  • Collect and monitor network security data to support real-time threat detection
OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M. (such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work), OR a combination of education and 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.

The qualification requirements listed above must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Additional information

This position is covered by Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime.

Applicants selected for this position will be required to sign a Continued Service Agreement (CSA) before being assigned to an initial training class. The CSA will commit the applicant to a specified period of employment with the U.S. Secret Service upon the successful completion of training.

The work performed in protective service is high-paced and may involve a high risk of exposure to potentially dangerous situations and hazardous environments impacting the lives of internal and external stakeholders and properties protected. The work requires long and irregular hours including holidays, weekends and evenings, shift work, physical exertion (lifting heavy objects, crouching/crawling under or in automobiles, self-protection in harm's way and defending internal and external stakeholders against a physical harm and/or attack(s).

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 Equal.Opportunity@usss.dhs.gov.

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR § 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

The Secret Service prohibits employees from having visible body markings (including but not limited to tattoos, body art, and branding) on the head, face, neck, hand and fingers (any area below the wrist bone) (exception: a single conservative and unobtrusive tattoo in the form of a ring is authorized on one finger).

View common definitions of terms found in this announcement.

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan, Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k)); Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays.

Additional selections may be made from this announcement if additional identical vacancies in the same title, series, and grade and unit occur.

Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with other DHS components for similar positions.

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.

This announcement is being filled using the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Direct-Hire Authority. The "Rule of Three", Category Rating and Veterans Preference will not apply to this vacancy. Agencies may appoint candidates directly to jobs, without regard to the provisions of Title 5 U.S.C.3309 through 3318. For more information on Direct Hire Authority, please see: OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet.

Applicants who meet the specialized experience for the position will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration. Veterans' preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply to the announcement.

Upon review, your resume and/or supporting documents need to support your answer choices and reflect the one year of specialized experience requirement, in order to be considered. If the one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the next lower grade level cannot be identified in your resume, you will be considered not qualified. The competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job are:

  • Planning and Evaluating
  • Technical Competence
  • Partnering

An interview may be required for this position. If an interview is required, failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration.

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).

Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

Required Documents

In addition to addressing the vacancy specific questions, you must also submit the following documentation:

  • Resume: In order to receive credit for experience contained in an uploaded resume, your employment history should show work experience in month/year format (MM/YYYY), reflecting starting date and ending date, and include the number of hours worked per week.
  • Veterans: Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or notice form. If a DD-214 is not available, submit certification from the Armed Forces that list the beginning and ending dates of active service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out the SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. Click here for more veterans' information.
  • Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: Submit a copy of your agency notice, copy of your most recent performance appraisal (with at least a satisfactory rating), and your most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.
  • 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 your appointment.

Note: If tentatively selected for this position, the applicant may be required to provide additional documentation (SF-50) to validate eligibility for the position.

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 the application process. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET) by the closing date, to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

  1. To begin your online application, click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to register or sign into USAJOBS,
  2. Complete the online questionnaire and submit the required documents. See Required Documents section for more detail.
To preview the assessment questions, please visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12752401

To update your application, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account. There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USA Jobs account. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides the Announcement Status and a "You applied on" date. This information does not confirm the agency application status. Use the "Track this Application" link for additional information regarding the agency application status, the documentation you submitted, and any correspondence sent related to this application. Please be sure to monitor your 'Spam' or 'Junk' folder as correspondence are auto generated and may be routed into the incorrect email box. The Announcement Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Announcement Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

We strongly encourage you to apply online. If you cannot apply online, you may contact the Law Enforcement Acquisition Division, Technical Law Enforcement Support Branch at tlehrsupport@usss.dhs.gov or by calling (202) 406-6411 between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:30 pm EST (excluding Federal holidays) prior to the closing date of this announcement to receive assistance.

The Secret Service provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities, on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us if you require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process.

Agency contact information

TLE Support Branch
Address
United States Secret Service
Please read entire announcement
Please apply online
Washington, DC 20223
US

Next steps

It is your responsibility to verify, and information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, we will not be able to view it in your application.

Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your eligibility. Best-qualified applicants will be referred for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 45 days of the closing date of this announcement. You may check the status of your application for this position by going to www.usajobs.gov. For more information on applying for Federal employment, please click here.


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


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