Polygraph Examiners apply the principles and methods of physiological detection of deception to Agency employees and affiliates to determine their eligibility for Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) access. These polygraph assessments are conducted by Polygraph Examiners in support of Personnel Security's comprehensive Personnel Security processing program, designed to ensure a trusted workforce.
Summary
Polygraph Examiners apply the principles and methods of physiological detection of deception to Agency employees and affiliates to determine their eligibility for Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) access. These polygraph assessments are conducted by Polygraph Examiners in support of Personnel Security's comprehensive Personnel Security processing program, designed to ensure a trusted workforce.
Security and Counterintelligence is responsible for the protection of NSA/CSS information, people and facilities worldwide. In support of this mission, Polygraph Examiners help ensure that only trustworthy individuals receive access to classified information by using structured polygraph examinations, including interviews and interrogations, to obtain information in making adjudicative decisions.
Polygraph Examiners are required to successfully complete the National Center for Credibility Assessment's Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (PDD) Course. Examiners must be able to travel to Columbia, South Carolina for a 12-week period. After completing training, the responsibilities of a Polygraph Examiner include, but are not limited to:
- Applying principles and methods of physiological response assessment (e.g., polygraph assessment), including test techniques, scoring methods, and regulations
- Applying techniques of interviewing, elicitation, debriefing, and/or interrogation in a systematic manner
- Preparing accurate and complete reports that document processes, outcomes, and findings
- Creating a product based on analysis of security and/or counterintelligence data
- Travel opportunities may be available and required to complete mission needs
- Upon successful completion of the National Center for Credibility Assessment PDD Course and required NSA-specific polygraph training, polygraph examiners are eligible for federal supplement pay, which is a significant increase to base pay.
NOTE:
- Continued assignment to the Polygraph Examiner work role is contingent upon completion of the National Center for Credibility Assessment's PDD Course, as well as any associated requirements (including continuing education needed to maintain certification).
- Candidates hired for this position will be required to complete a four-year commitment to the Polygraph Examiner work role.
All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph.
Qualifications
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
A degree in any field is acceptable.
ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL
Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience.
FULL PERFORMANCE
Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience.
Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: security, law enforcement, behavioral science, investigations, interrogations, polygraph, or a related field. Experience must also include gathering, analyzing, or synthesizing information.
Education
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
A degree in any field is acceptable.
Additional information
Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position.
Salary Range: $59,751 - $137,791 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance)
Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.
Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience.
Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible), with the option to participate in a 5/4/9 work schedule. Travel may be required.
DCIPS Trial Period:
If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
The ideal candidate has a desire for continual learning with excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills who is:
- Able to work as an individual, and in a team and/or classroom environment
- Well-organized and able to handle multiple assignments
- Able to handle and adapt to constructing feedback
- A strong written and oral communicator
- Able to deal with conflict or difficult situations and topics
- Present a mature, professional demeanor and appearance
Knowledge and relevant experience in one or more of the following is desired:
Although any degree is acceptable, a degree in Criminology, Behavioral Science, Law Enforcement, Psychology, or Political Science is preferred.
Candidates must be:
- Able to maintain certification by completing a minimum of 80 hours of continuing education every two years.
- In possession of a 4-year degree or greater from an accredited college or university
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.
The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
