Personnel Security Specialist

About the Role

This position is located in the Credentialing Section of the Emergency and Regulatory Compliance Service (ERCS), Emergency Management Safety and Security Division (EMSSD), Security Branch (SB). The Credentialing Section is responsible for collecting and reviewing all Human Resource Department (HRD) forms for accuracy and for administering the Personal Identity Verification (PIV) request process for USDA MRP employee credentials under Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12).

Key Responsibilities

• Provides information and assistance to USDA organization officials by advising on personnel security policies for the PIV credentialing process.
• Participates in developing internal guidelines, procedures, and other materials for use by operating officials.
• Reviews and evaluates reports of investigations, personnel files, and other records prior to requesting appropriate background investigation and/or security clearance for employees.
• Supports the PIV program and background investigation elements of the PSS, involving research and data collection.
• Manages and enforces standards for controlling work flow and data integrity by ensuring requisite security standards are being followed to protect Agency data.
• Trains employees and student interns in all aspects of the credentialing process to assist and expedite the onboarding process for employees/contractors.
• Works with the Agency Security Officer to ensure that all APHIS personnel obtain the necessary credentials required to access buildings, workstations, etc.

Requirements & Tech Stack

This role is for the GS-07 grade level.

Specialized Experience (GS-07)

• Assist with recommending corrective actions to solve security issues.
• Maintaining electronic security systems.
• Aided with the acquisition of equipment and installation.
• Ensuring compliance of Federal, State, and local regulations regarding life, safety, and fire codes.

Education (GS-07)

• 1 full year of graduate level education leading to a degree in Criminal Justice, Industrial Security Management, Security Engineering, Security Management, Security Systems, or other fields related to the vacancy.

Superior Academic Achievement (GS-07)

• Completed requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution AND
• Class standing in the upper third of the graduating class, OR
• Membership in a national scholastic honor society (excluding Freshman honor societies), OR
• A GPA of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 (official transcripts or computed based on 4 years of education, or courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum), OR
• A GPA of 3.5 or higher out of 4.0 based on the average of required courses in the major field or courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum (GPA rounded to one decimal place).

Transcripts are required.

Combination of Education & Experience (GS-07)

• Applicants may combine successfully completed graduate education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements, with the total percentages equaling at least 100 percent.

General Qualifications

• Must meet all program and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
• To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
• Completed all requirements for an associate's, bachelor's, master's, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two (2) years.
• Individuals who, due to military service obligation, were precluded from applying to the Recent Graduates Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period, shall have a full 2-year period of eligibility upon release or discharge from active duty. This eligibility period cannot extend more than 6 years from the date on which the requirements for the academic course of study were met.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work.