Position is located in the Office of Management, Office of Human Resources, Human Resources Operations Division (HROD). Incumbent assists the USDA, FSIS Security Manager with overall administration and implementation of the Personnel Security Program to include all actions pertaining to and concerning U.S public trust and security clearances in accordance with USDA policy.
Management may select at any grade:
Pay Range
GS-9: $57,447 to $74,680
GS-11: $69,505 to $90,362
GS-12: $83,309 to $108,306
Summary
Position is located in the Office of Management, Office of Human Resources, Human Resources Operations Division (HROD). Incumbent assists the USDA, FSIS Security Manager with overall administration and implementation of the Personnel Security Program to include all actions pertaining to and concerning U.S public trust and security clearances in accordance with USDA policy.
Management may select at any grade:
Pay Range
GS-9: $57,447 to $74,680
GS-11: $69,505 to $90,362
GS-12: $83,309 to $108,306
Current permanent Federal employees with competitive status, Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP and VEOA/VRA eligibles, Farm Service Agency permanent county employees; reinstatement eligibles; Individuals with disabilities; certain military spouses; 30% or more disabled veterans; former Peace Corps or VISTA volunteers and those eligible for other Special Hiring Authorities.
Accessing and reviewing Government databases, such as OPM, PIPS, CVS, and EQIP.
Reviewing and processing security documents for completeness, consistency, and compliance.
Analyzing personnel security information and making suitability determinations or adjudicating background investigations.
Performing a wide variety of security administration functions which include maintaining, preparing and reporting a wide variety of security documentation, reports and systems.
Contributing recommendations regarding internal systems and procedures that best balance security efficiency with security effectiveness.
If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before appointment with the agency.
The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request of the agency a legally required exception from this requirement.
Due to COVID-19, the agency is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area.
Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement no earlier than 45 days.
At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework one or more days a pay period depending upon the terms of the agency's telework policy.
May be subject to satisfactory completion of one year probationary or trial period.
If you are selected, you may need to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) prior to being appointed to determine suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation.
False statements or responses on a resume or application can jeopardize employment and may be grounds for disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service.
Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.
If you are newly hired, the documentation you present for purposes of completing the Department Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 on your entry-on-duty date will be verified through the DHS "E-VERIFY" system.
Federal law requires the use of E-VERIFY to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. Under this system, the new hire is required to resolve any identified discrepancies as a condition of continued employment.
Selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a top security clearance. Failure to successfully meet these requirements could lead to adverse action proceedings including possible termination.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
Time in grade:
Applicants must meet one year at the next lower grade to be considered for the next higher grade (e.g. one year at the GS-11 grade level for consideration for the GS-12 grade level).
For the GS-9 level:
Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 level) that demonstrates at least 2 of the skills below:
- Experience using security databases, such as: Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (eQIP), Personnel Investigation Processing System (PIPS), Central Verification System (CVS), Defense Information System for Security (DISS), and/or Security Entry Tracking System (SETS).
- Interpreting personnel security policies or procedures.
- Reviewing and evaluating reports of investigations or other documents to determine if individuals meet suitability or security standards.
- Assisting with the development of personnel security education and training materials.
For the GS-11 level:
Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 level) that demonstrates at least 3 of the skills below:
- Resolving complex issues reported during background investigations.
- Interpreting laws, regulations, and Executive Orders related to personnel security programs.
- Experience using security databases, such as: Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (eQIP), Personnel Investigation Processing System (PIPS), Central Verification System (CVS), Defense Information System for Security (DISS), and/or Security Entry Tracking System (SETS).
- Analyzing personnel security information to make pre and post suitability determinations.
- Reviewing and processing security documents for completeness, consistency, and compliance.
- Contributing recommendations regarding internal systems and procedures that best balance security efficiency with security effectiveness.
For the GS-12 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that demonstrates at least 4 of the skills below:
- Resolving complex issues reported during background investigations.
- Experience using security databases, such as: Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (eQIP), Personnel Investigation Processing System (PIPS), Central Verification System (CVS), Defense Information System for Security (DISS) and/or Security Entry Tracking System (SETS).
- Analyzing personnel security information to make pre and post suitability determinations.
- Reviewing and processing security documents for completeness, consistency, and compliance.
- Independently adjudicating security clearance requests.
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.
Education
For the GS-9 level:
A master's (or equivalent graduate degree such as a L.L.B/J.D.) or 2 academic years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree.
OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of successfully completed post-high school education and experience. This will be calculated using your resume and unofficial transcripts or a list of courses/course hours submitted with your application.
For the GS-11 level:
A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree such as LL.M or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree.
OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of successfully completed post-high school education and experience. This will be calculated using your resume and unofficial transcripts or a list of courses/course hours submitted with your application.
Additional information
- This position is eligible for up to 4 days telework per week and other flexible work arrangements. Employee participation is at the discretion of the supervisor.
-This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
- Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployed Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applications must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
- If you are newly hired, the documentation you present for purposes of completing the Department Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 on your entry-on-duty date will be verified through the DHS "E-VERIFY" system. Federal law requires the use of E-VERIFY to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. Under this system, the new hire is required to resolve any identified discrepancies as a condition of continued employment.
- If you are selected, you may need to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) prior to being appointed to determine suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. False statements or responses on a resume or application can jeopardize employment and may be grounds for disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service.
- Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc) should contact: USDAs TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).
- It is the policy of the Government not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or has had financial difficulties that have arisen through no fault of the individual. To see more information visit CHCO Council.
- More information on applying under special hiring authorities such as the Veteran's Recruitment Act (VRA), 30 percent disabled veterans, certain military spouses and Schedule A Disabled may be found on the USAJOBS website.
- Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) provides current or former temporary or term employees of federal land management agencies opportunity to compete for permanent competitive service positions. Individuals must have more than 24 months of service without a break between appointments of two or more years. Service must be in the competitive service and have been at a successful level of performance or better.
Promotion Potential: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed.
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.
You will be evaluated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the education, experience, and training you described in your application package, as well as the responses to the occupational questionnaire to determine the degree to which you possess the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies listed below:
Oral Communication
Written Communication
Analytical Skills
Knowledge of Personnel Security
Research Ability
Attention to Detail
Your application, including the online Assessment Questionnaire, will be reviewed to determine if you meet (a) minimum qualification requirements and (b) the resume supports the answers provided to the job-specific questions.
Your resume must clearly support your responses to all the questions addressing experience and education relevant to this position. Applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements and are determined to be among the best qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. Non-Competitive candidates and applicants under some special hiring authorities need to meet minimum qualifications to be referred.
Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your rating may be lowered to more accurately reflect the submitted documentation. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.
Clicking the link below will present a preview of the online questionnaire. The application form link below will only provide a preview and does not initiate the application process. To initiate the online application process, click the "Apply" button to the right.
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.
- Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) supervisor's phone number and whether or not the supervisor may be contacted for a reference check; 5) other qualifications. If you need assistance in creating a federal resume see this click here.
- College Transcripts: If education is required or you are using education to meet qualification requirement, you must submit a legible copy of your college transcripts. The transcript must include your name, the name of the college, and the date a degree was awarded. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
You must submit the documents below if you claim any of the following:
- Current and Former Federal Employees:
1. Most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing that you are/were in the competitive service, highest grade (or promotion potential) held on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade AND
2. Most recently completed performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Do not submit a performance plan. For more information click Competitive Hiring. - Current Permanent FSA County Employees: Most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50/equivalent) showing highest grade or promotion potential held on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade AND most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) per above.
- Veteran Hiring Authorities: VEOA, VRA and 30% Disabled Veterans: DD-214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty showing dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. Disabled veterans must include VA letter & SF-15 if claiming 10 pt. preference. Current active duty members must submit certification that they are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after date the certification is submitted. Veterans Preference Information.
- Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act:
a. Copies of Notification of Personnel Action(s) (SF-50s) showing the employee has served in appropriate appointment(s) for a period/periods that total more than 24 months without a break between appointments of two or more years. (Include initial hire actions, extensions, conversions and separation SF-50s for each period of work).
b. Documentation of Acceptable Performance for Service Time:
1. Performance rating(s) showing an acceptable level of performance for period(s) of employment counted towards their eligibility, signed by supervisor(s); or
2. If documentation of rating does not exist for one or more periods, a statement from the employee's supervisor(s) or other individual in the chain of command indicating an acceptable level of performance for the period(s) of employment counted towards their eligibility; or
3. Applicants who do not provide a performance appraisal or other performance documentation for any period that they are using for eligibility under the LMWFA, shall provide:
a. A stated reason as to why the appraisal/documentation is not available; and
b. A statement that their performance for all periods was at an acceptable level, their most recent separation was for reasons other than misconduct or performance, and they were never notified that they were not eligible for rehire based on performance. This shall be in lieu of providing copies of the performance appraisals.
- Schedule A, Persons with Disabilities Appointment: Sch A letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u). See eCFR Part 213.
- Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP Priority: Proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.
- Peace Corps Volunteers/Personnel: Documentation of no less than 36 months of continuous service without a break of 3 days or more and separated within the last 3 years.
- Other Special Hiring Authorities: If claiming eligibility under a Special Hiring Authority not listed above submit appropriate supporting documentation. See Hiring Authorities.
Please read the entire announcement and the instructions before you begin. The following instructions outline our application process.
To apply for this position, you must complete this application process and electronically submit the documentation specified in required documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date to receive consideration. We are available to assist you during normal business hours, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Applying online is highly encouraged. If applying online poses a hardship, please contact our office for an alternate method. All electronic and hardship application packages with supporting documents must be complete to be considered.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us if you require this for any part of the application and hiring process.
To begin, click "Apply Online" and follow the instructions to complete the Assessment Questionnaire and attach your resume and all required documents.
Step 1: Create a USAJOBS account (if you do not already have one) at www.usajobs.gov. It is recommended that as part of your profile you set up automatic email notification to be informed when the status of your application changes. If you choose not to set up this automatic notification, then you will have to log into your USAJOBS account to check on the status of your application.
Step 2: In your USAJOBS account, you will have the opportunity to select your stored USAJOBS resume, create a new resume or upload a resume, and upload other relevant documents. All uploaded documents must be less than 3MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, or Word (DOC or DOCX). See "Required Documents" for details. Select the document you want to submit.
Step 3: Click "Apply Online," answer all required questions, verify the documents you selected from USAJOBS transferred into the Agency's staffing system, and attach any additional documents that may not have transferred or be required. If qualifying based on education, you must submit a legible copy of your college transcript(s), with your application package, showing your conferred degree (if any) and/or applicable coursework as proof that you qualify based on education. If you have not yet graduated, submit your current transcript.
NOTE: It is an applicant's responsibility to submit updated information. You can update your application or documents anytime while the announcement is open. Simply log into your USAJOBS account and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application" to continue. If you do not have access to the Internet, you are strongly encouraged to visit your library, state employment office, or another establishment that provides internet service to complete the online application and the assessment questionnaire.
Alternative Methods for Applying: If you are unable to apply using the internet, please fax your request for an application package along with your name and mailing address to: 1-833-840-9219.
Food Safety and Inspection Service
1400 Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC 20250
US
Next steps
Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log into your USAJOBS account to check your application status. We expect to make a final job offer approximately 40 days after the deadline for applications.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) supervisor's phone number and whether or not the supervisor may be contacted for a reference check; 5) other qualifications. If you need assistance in creating a federal resume see this click here.
- College Transcripts: If education is required or you are using education to meet qualification requirement, you must submit a legible copy of your college transcripts. The transcript must include your name, the name of the college, and the date a degree was awarded. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
You must submit the documents below if you claim any of the following:
- Current and Former Federal Employees:
1. Most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing that you are/were in the competitive service, highest grade (or promotion potential) held on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade AND
2. Most recently completed performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Do not submit a performance plan. For more information click Competitive Hiring. - Current Permanent FSA County Employees: Most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50/equivalent) showing highest grade or promotion potential held on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade AND most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) per above.
- Veteran Hiring Authorities: VEOA, VRA and 30% Disabled Veterans: DD-214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty showing dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. Disabled veterans must include VA letter & SF-15 if claiming 10 pt. preference. Current active duty members must submit certification that they are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after date the certification is submitted. Veterans Preference Information.
- Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act:
a. Copies of Notification of Personnel Action(s) (SF-50s) showing the employee has served in appropriate appointment(s) for a period/periods that total more than 24 months without a break between appointments of two or more years. (Include initial hire actions, extensions, conversions and separation SF-50s for each period of work).
b. Documentation of Acceptable Performance for Service Time:
1. Performance rating(s) showing an acceptable level of performance for period(s) of employment counted towards their eligibility, signed by supervisor(s); or
2. If documentation of rating does not exist for one or more periods, a statement from the employee's supervisor(s) or other individual in the chain of command indicating an acceptable level of performance for the period(s) of employment counted towards their eligibility; or
3. Applicants who do not provide a performance appraisal or other performance documentation for any period that they are using for eligibility under the LMWFA, shall provide:
a. A stated reason as to why the appraisal/documentation is not available; and
b. A statement that their performance for all periods was at an acceptable level, their most recent separation was for reasons other than misconduct or performance, and they were never notified that they were not eligible for rehire based on performance. This shall be in lieu of providing copies of the performance appraisals.
- Schedule A, Persons with Disabilities Appointment: Sch A letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u). See eCFR Part 213.
- Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP Priority: Proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.
- Peace Corps Volunteers/Personnel: Documentation of no less than 36 months of continuous service without a break of 3 days or more and separated within the last 3 years.
- Other Special Hiring Authorities: If claiming eligibility under a Special Hiring Authority not listed above submit appropriate supporting documentation. See Hiring Authorities.
Please read the entire announcement and the instructions before you begin. The following instructions outline our application process.
To apply for this position, you must complete this application process and electronically submit the documentation specified in required documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date to receive consideration. We are available to assist you during normal business hours, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Applying online is highly encouraged. If applying online poses a hardship, please contact our office for an alternate method. All electronic and hardship application packages with supporting documents must be complete to be considered.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us if you require this for any part of the application and hiring process.
To begin, click "Apply Online" and follow the instructions to complete the Assessment Questionnaire and attach your resume and all required documents.
Step 1: Create a USAJOBS account (if you do not already have one) at www.usajobs.gov. It is recommended that as part of your profile you set up automatic email notification to be informed when the status of your application changes. If you choose not to set up this automatic notification, then you will have to log into your USAJOBS account to check on the status of your application.
Step 2: In your USAJOBS account, you will have the opportunity to select your stored USAJOBS resume, create a new resume or upload a resume, and upload other relevant documents. All uploaded documents must be less than 3MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, or Word (DOC or DOCX). See "Required Documents" for details. Select the document you want to submit.
Step 3: Click "Apply Online," answer all required questions, verify the documents you selected from USAJOBS transferred into the Agency's staffing system, and attach any additional documents that may not have transferred or be required. If qualifying based on education, you must submit a legible copy of your college transcript(s), with your application package, showing your conferred degree (if any) and/or applicable coursework as proof that you qualify based on education. If you have not yet graduated, submit your current transcript.
NOTE: It is an applicant's responsibility to submit updated information. You can update your application or documents anytime while the announcement is open. Simply log into your USAJOBS account and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application" to continue. If you do not have access to the Internet, you are strongly encouraged to visit your library, state employment office, or another establishment that provides internet service to complete the online application and the assessment questionnaire.
Alternative Methods for Applying: If you are unable to apply using the internet, please fax your request for an application package along with your name and mailing address to: 1-833-840-9219.
Food Safety and Inspection Service
1400 Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC 20250
US
Next steps
Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log into your USAJOBS account to check your application status. We expect to make a final job offer approximately 40 days after the deadline for applications.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.