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Physical Security Specialist

Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health
Office of Research Services (ORS), Division of Physical Security Management (DPSM)
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Are you experienced in physical security risk management practices, performing threat and vulnerability assessments, and managing security system projects designed to mitigate risks and protect the people, property, and scientific research at the largest biomedical research organization in the world? If so, consider joining our dynamic team and help us support the incredible mission of the National Institutes of Health.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
12/03/2024 to 12/09/2024
Salary
$68,405 to - $128,956 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 9 - 12
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Montgomery County, MD
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
12
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
Yes
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
NIH-ORS-DE-25-12599726
Control number
821651600

Duties

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If selected for this position as a Physical Security Specialist, GS-0080-09/11/12 your duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Ensures all NIH-owned or -leased facilities are compliant with federally mandated physical security requirements with approved security systems that mitigate risks.
  • Reviews construction, renovation, repair, and major installation designs to ensure projects are in compliance with all federal physical security related policies.
  • Conducts Facility Security Assessments (FSAs), develops Facility Security Plans (FSP) to ensure adequacy and compliance of physical security measures, identify physical security vulnerabilities, and provide recommended solutions to improve physical security.
  • Supports senior specialists in the management of the life cycle of various NIH security systems - including design, development, installation, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and decommissioning activities to safeguard personnel, property, and scientific research.
  • Assists with contract management services during all phases of the acquisition process as it relates to physical security systems.
  • Assists with managing security systems to include physical access control systems.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date.
  • Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job-related requirement before or after appointment.
  • Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
  • Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
  • You must be able to lift and move heavy items weighing 70 lbs. with or without a reasonable accommodation.
  • Pre-employment and/or random drug and alcohol testing is required for this position.
  • The selectee must possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle license.

Qualifications

To qualify for a Physical Security Specialist position at the GS-0080-09 level, you must:
Demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: 1) conducting site-walks/inspections of facilities to observe and document physical security vulnerabilities; 2) interviewing key stakeholders and program managers to determine physical security risks of facilities; 3) ensuring facility compliance with physical security regulations or guidelines; and 4) collaborating with others on physical security issues.
OR
Completed a Master's or equivalent graduate degree, or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or an LL.B. or J.D., if related.
OR
Have a combination of post baccalaureate education and experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.

To qualify for a Physical Security Specialist position at the GS-0080-11 level, you must:
Demonstrate in your resume 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: 1) performing work concerned with the physical protection of personnel, equipment, facilities, materials, and documents to protect against espionage, sabotage, damage, and theft; 2) performing physical security inspections on facilities to analyze problem areas or situations identified and develop appropriate corrective actions; and 3) performing field checks and testing of newly installed security systems.
OR
Completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or an LL.M., if related.
OR
Have a combination of post baccalaureate education and experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.

To qualify for a Physical Security Specialist position at the GS-0080-12 level, you must:
Demonstrate in your resume 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks:1) planning and leading physical security assessments to include identifying and analyzing threats and vulnerabilities in order to determine appropriate countermeasures; 2) delivering reports and presentations to stakeholders with cost-saving strategies to mitigate identified physical security risks and advising management officials of vulnerabilities and deficiencies; and 3) providing guidance and instruction on security policies and procedures.

You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay.

Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

To determine your qualifications and referral status, we may review your resume and supporting documentation and compare it against your responses to the vacancy questionnaire. Ensure you support your self-ratings with the information you provide in your application. We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer.

Preview assessment questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12599726

Education

If you qualify based on education in lieu of specialized experience, you are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application packages. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Click here for information on Foreign Education.

Additional information

  • A one-year probationary period may be required upon selection/placement.
  • We may make additional selections for similar positions within the commuting area(s) of the locations listed through this vacancy announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with any interested selecting official(s). Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions.
  • At the supervisor's discretion, this position may offer work schedule flexibilities: [telework (work from home on a regular basis or ad hoc basis but reports to the office at least once a week/two days a pay period), compressed schedules, flexible schedules].
  • If selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE Form 450 to determine if a conflict or an appearance of a conflict exists between your financial interest and your prospective position with the agency. This information is required annually. For information, visit the NIH Ethics website: https://ethics.od.nih.gov/topics/fd.html.
  • If selected, must be able to successfully complete the Physical Security Specialist Training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC).
  • If selected, must be able to successfully complete the DPSM Physical Security Specialist Field Training Program.
  • This position is designated as a "non-emergency/teleworker" position and the selected candidate will be considered a "non-emergency/teleworker" employee. In the event of a closure, you must be available to telework or request leave.
  • The National Institutes of Health participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.
  • The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus.
  • Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Visit our Applicant FAQs page for helpful information on the application process.
  • Visit our Total Compensation page and this sample for a detailed look into the benefits, awards, leave, retirement, and other incentives employees may receive as part of a rewarding work environment.
  • A newly appointed or reappointed employee may receive service credit for prior work experience or active duty uniformed service that otherwise would not be creditable for the purpose of determining his or her annual leave accrual rate. All creditable service must be directly related to the duties of the position being filled and decisions to allow for such credit must be finalized prior to the selectee's entrance on duty. Recipients will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on organizational need, specific case justification, and budget limitations.
  • If selected, you may be eligible to receive a salary above the minimum based on superior qualifications and/or a special need of the Government for your services. This applies to employees paid under the General Schedule (GS) and Federal Wage System (FWS) pay systems and is at the discretion of the hiring manager. A salary above the minimum must be approved before the appointment.

How you will be evaluated

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

You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

  • 1. Knowledge of physical security program activities, functions, and operations.
  • 2. Skill in conducting physical security assessments, surveys, and inspections.
  • 3. Knowledge of lifecycle management for various security systems.
  • 4. Ability to communicate physical security information and guidance to management, customers, peers, and officials.


If you meet the minimum qualifications for this position, your application and responses to the online questionnaire will be evaluated under Category Rating and selection procedures for placement in one of the following categories:
  • Best Qualified - for those who are superior in the evaluation criteria
  • Well Qualified - for those who excel in the evaluation criteria
  • Qualified - for those who only meet the minimum qualification requirements
The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Applicants determined to be Best Qualified will be referred for further consideration. Preference eligibles in the Best Qualified category are referred before all other applicants.

To be considered well qualified for the purposes of the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must be able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry and substantively exceed the basic qualifications by scoring at least an 85 on the assessment and meet all eligibility, physical, medical, suitability, and all other requirements.

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