Skip to main content
U.S. flag
Back to results

Investigative Protection Officer (Direct Hire Authority)

Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Secret Service
Office of Protective Operations
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Joining the Secret Service as an Investigative Protection Officer allows you to support an integrated protective and investigative mission(s) which plans, directs, coordinates, and implements domestic/international protective and investigative policies, programs and operations.

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) Announcement - Veterans' Preference does not apply.

Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime is additional compensation which may be paid up to 25% of the base salary.

Overview

Help
Job canceled
Open & closing dates
05/30/2025 to 06/07/2025
This job will close when we have received 200 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$53,945 to - $82,108 per year

Listed is the base pay - salary will be adjusted based on the geographic location of the individual(s) selected for this position.

Pay scale & grade
GL 9 - 11
Locations
Few vacancies in the following locations:
Clinton, MD
New York, NY
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
11
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Top Secret
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
TLE-OPO-JJ025-25-DHA
Control number
837818900

This job is open to

Help

Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S., lnteragency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) eligibles, and Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) eligibles.

Duties

Help

The selectee(s) will serve as an Investigative Protection Officer in the Office of Protective Operations. Typical work assignments include:

  • Conducting a range of law enforcement activities which involve sensitive and discreet handling of cases; gathering and analyzing information/evidence collected through various methods; planning logistics and strategies in arranging protective services and transportation for internal and external law enforcement counterparts; and performing and/or conducting protective and investigative functions and collaborating with other law enforcement stakeholders to advance the investigation process to a resolution.
  • Maintaining designated protective security posts; implementing appropriate protective instructions and procedures; inspecting all operational, safety, emergency, and convenience equipment of protective vehicles to ensure peak operating conditions; and monitoring and operating communications and screening equipment.
  • Providing routine advice and guidance and assisting in the preparation of reports and investigations

Apply for this exciting opportunity to impact the Secret Service's security initiatives in support of our protective and investigative missions.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Be at least age 21 at the time of application and less than age 37 at the time of referral (unless currently employed in a law enforcement provision of the FERS/Civil Service Retirement System or previous service in a Federal Civilian Law Enforcement position covered by special civil service retirement provision, including early/mandatory retirement). Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must be less than 40 years of age at the time of referral.
  • Obtain and maintain a Top-Secret Clearance.
  • Possess and maintain a current valid driver's license.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Complete or secure an appropriate waiver for a 12-week Uniformed Police Training Program (UPTP) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) AND a 10-week Mixed Basic Training Course (MBTC) at the Agency's James J. Rowley Training Center (RTC). Click here to review the required Fitness Standards.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • A one-year probationary period may be required.

Qualifications

GL-09: To qualify for the GL-09 grade level, you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GL-07 grade level performing duties such as covering a designated security post; planning logistics in arranging protective services and transportation; and collaborating with other law enforcement stakeholders.

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.

GS-11: To qualify for the GS-11 grade level, you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GL-09 grade level performing such duties as covering and maintaining a designated security post; preparing a strategic plan for a security operations plan, a protective detail or event, and planning logistics in arranging protective services and transportation; performing investigative functions; and collaborating with other law enforcement stakeholders.

OR

Possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in an accredited college or university leading to such a degree or LL.M, 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.

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.

Qualification AND Eligibility Requirements: The qualification and eligibility requirements listed above must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Since the duties of this position are exacting and involve the responsibility for the safety of others under trying conditions, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability. Any condition that would hinder full, efficient performance of the duties of this position or that would cause the individual to be a hazard to himself/herself or to others is disqualifying.

There are also specific medical requirements for this position, and any chronic disease or condition affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, digestive, nervous, endocrine, lymphatic, nervous, genitourinary, and other systems that would impair full performance of the duties of the position may also be disqualifying. Click here for more information.

The Secret Service follows stringent guidelines relating to illegal drug usage. An applicant's history is reviewed and a determination for employment is made according to our guidelines. For more information regarding the U.S. Secret Service drug guidelines please click here to view our Drug Policy.

Additional information

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.

If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

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.

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 CFR § 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.

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.

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

DHS uses E-Verify to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Click here to learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

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.

View common definitions of terms found in this announcement.

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. Agencies may appoint candidates directly to jobs, without regard to the provisions of Title 5 U.S.C.3309 through 3318. Therefore, Veterans' preference does not apply when appointing individuals. For more information on Direct Hire Authority please visit: Direct Hire Authority.

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

Veterans: Although the Direct Hire Authority permits hiring without regard to Veterans Preference, applicants who are eligible for Veterans Preference are encouraged to include that information in their application and submit supporting documentation (See Required Documents section for information on substantiating documents).

Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (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. Individuals in the local commuting area eligible under 5 CFR 330.601 (CTAP) or 5 CFR 330.701 (ICTAP) will receive special selection priority. Well-qualified is defined as applicants who possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all the critical competencies, including all selective placement factors and appropriate quality ranking factors as determined by the job analysis.

Upon review, your resume and/or supporting documents need to support your answer choices to the assessment questionnaire. Your resume must also 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.

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.

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.

To preview questions, please click here https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12742994.

All information that you want us to consider must be in your resume. For additional information on how to build a federal resume, please click here.

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.