Joining the U.S. Secret Service, Office of the Director, allows you to serve as a Chief Investigative Protection Officer, performing assignments that support an integrated protective and investigative mission(s) which plans, directs, coordinates, and implements domestic and international protective and investigative policies, programs, and operations of the Secret Service.
Summary
Joining the U.S. Secret Service, Office of the Director, allows you to serve as a Chief Investigative Protection Officer, performing assignments that support an integrated protective and investigative mission(s) which plans, directs, coordinates, and implements domestic and international protective and investigative policies, programs, and operations of the Secret Service.
Current U.S. Secret Service employees in the competitive service on a Career/Career Conditional appointment. Limited to current Investigative Protection Officers, Lead Investigative Protection Officers, and Supervisory Investigative Protection Officers.
The selectee will serve as a Chief Investigative Protection Officer in the Office of the Director. Typical work assignments include:
Planning, organizing, and overseeing efforts and projects that are aimed at achieving and improving the quality, effectiveness, and timeliness of the Investigative Protection program.
Developing and overseeing the implementation of confidential, comprehensive strategic plans for protective operations.
Providing technical and procedural guidance to ensure adherence to protective and investigative protocol.
Providing oversight and guidance on physical security programs managed by field and protective divisions, including conducting vulnerability assessments, and ensuring compliance inspections, and implementing corrective actions.
Providing oversight for complex investigative operations conducted by field and protective division, including surveillance, evidence collection, seizures, execution of warrants, arrests, and undercover activities.
Apply for this exciting opportunity to impact the U.S. Secret Service's security initiatives in support of our protective and investigative missions. This Chief Investigative Protection Officer position starts at a base salary of $107,446.00 (GS-14, Step-1), with potential to $139,684.00 (GS-14, Step-10).
Possess and maintain a current valid driver's license. Must be REAL ID compliant.
Obtain and maintain a Top-Secret Clearance.
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.
Submit to a polygraph examination prior to your appointment.
Complete pre-employment medical examinations and be determined physically fit to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties.
Must be at least 21 years old at the time of application and under 40 at referral. Exceptions may apply for those with current or prior service in federal law enforcement positions covered by special retirement provisions. The Secret Service has determined that age is essential to the performance of this position.
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.
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.
Complete or secure an appropriate waiver for a 13-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. Failure to pass these training programs on the first attempt may result in separation from the U. S. Secret Service.
Lautenberg Amendment:
This position authorizes the incumbent to carry a firearm. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, USC, Section 922(g)(91)).
Qualifications
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
your performance and conduct;
the needs and interests of the agency;
whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
To qualify for the GS-14 grade level you must possess one year of specialized experience at the GS-13 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as:
Planning and coordinating protective or investigative services;
Implementing protective or investigative instructions to ensure compliance;
Providing technical guidance and direction to team members related to protective or investigative law enforcement operations; and
Preparing reports and presentations for leadership, outlining key findings and developments in protective services or investigations.
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.
Time-in-Grade Requirement: Current Federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the GS-13 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal service on a non-temporary appointment. Applicants must provide a copy of their SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), that should include their position, title, series, grade, step, tenure (1 or 2), and type of service (Competitive or Excepted).
Qualification AND Eligibility Requirements Must Be Met: The qualification and eligibility requirements listed above must be met by the closing date of this announcement. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Education
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.
Additional information
If you are deemed minimally qualified 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 entering Phase 1 of the hiring process. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
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 C.F.R § 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.
More than one selection may be made from this announcement if additional identical vacancies in the same title, series, grade and unit occur.
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
The selectee will be required to report to a Secret Service Office or DHS Component Office as their Duty Station.
This position is covered by Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime (AUO) and additional compensation may be paid at the rate of up to 25% of the base salary.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Other benefits may include flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
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.
Your application will be rated on the extent and quality of your experience, education and training relevant to the duties of the position. All answers provided in the online process must be substantiated by your resume. Subject matter experts (SMEs) will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required specialized experience. SMEs will review ONLY two (2) pages of your resume, starting at your work experience. SMEs will not review additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume). Applicants passing the structured resume review will move on to the next phase of the assessment process. The competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job are:
Communication
Leadership
Planning and Evaluating
Security
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.
Due weight will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3).
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.
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.
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.
Other benefits may include flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
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.
In addition to addressing the vacancy specific questions, you must also submit the following documentation:
Resume - Limit your resume to no more than two pages. The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages. To learn how to format and submit a two-page resume, please visit the USAJOBS Help Center. In order to receive credit for experience contained in an uploaded resume, your employment history should show work experience in month/year format (MM/YYYY), reflecting starting date and ending date, and include the number of hours worked per week. If the position is/was in the Federal government, you should provide the position series and grade level. Be specific about the skills you have that directly relate to the position. Support your skills with specific examples such as accomplishments or results from your career or education.
Are you a current U.S. Secret Service Employee? Submit a copy of your SF 50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing your tenure code, position occupied and highest grade and step. PLEASE NOTE: If you are applying for a higher grade than the grade that you currently hold and the SF-50 you submit to support your eligibility claim has an effective date within the past year, it will not clearly show that you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirement. Be sure to provide an additional SF-50 which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within Rate/Grade Increases (WRI/WGI), and appointment/conversion SF-50s with an effective date more than one-year old). In addition, if you have or had service in a Federal Law Enforcement position covered by law enforcement or firefighter retirement provisions, including early or mandatory retirement, the SF-50 must show the retirement code. An award SF-50 does not contain the required information.
Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)? Submit documentation verifying your CTAP eligibility - this includes a copy of your agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.
Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title, Type of appointment (Schedule a, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee) Agency, beginning and ending dates of your appointment.
To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. PLEASE NOTE:Only resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Applicants with resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. :
To begin your online application, click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to register or sign into USAJOBS,
Complete the online questionnaire and submit the required documents. See Required Documents section for more detail.
You must complete the application process and submit any required documents no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on 02/04/2026.
To update your application, excluding External Assessment responses, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account. There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides the Announcement Status and a "You applied on" date. This information does not confirm the agency application status. Use the "Track this Application" link for additional information regarding the agency application status, the documentation you submitted, and any correspondence sent related to this application. The Announcement Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated.
It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application.
We strongly encourage you to apply online. If you cannot apply online, you may contact the TLE Support Branch at TLEhrsupport@usss.dhs.gov OR by calling (202) 406-6420 between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:30 pm EST (excluding Federal holidays) prior to the closing date of this announcement to receive assistance.
The Secret Service 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.
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your eligibility. Best-qualified applicants will be referred for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 45 days of the closing date of this announcement. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. For more information on applying for Federal employment, please click here.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
In addition to addressing the vacancy specific questions, you must also submit the following documentation:
Resume - Limit your resume to no more than two pages. The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages. To learn how to format and submit a two-page resume, please visit the USAJOBS Help Center. In order to receive credit for experience contained in an uploaded resume, your employment history should show work experience in month/year format (MM/YYYY), reflecting starting date and ending date, and include the number of hours worked per week. If the position is/was in the Federal government, you should provide the position series and grade level. Be specific about the skills you have that directly relate to the position. Support your skills with specific examples such as accomplishments or results from your career or education.
Are you a current U.S. Secret Service Employee? Submit a copy of your SF 50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing your tenure code, position occupied and highest grade and step. PLEASE NOTE: If you are applying for a higher grade than the grade that you currently hold and the SF-50 you submit to support your eligibility claim has an effective date within the past year, it will not clearly show that you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirement. Be sure to provide an additional SF-50 which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within Rate/Grade Increases (WRI/WGI), and appointment/conversion SF-50s with an effective date more than one-year old). In addition, if you have or had service in a Federal Law Enforcement position covered by law enforcement or firefighter retirement provisions, including early or mandatory retirement, the SF-50 must show the retirement code. An award SF-50 does not contain the required information.
Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)? Submit documentation verifying your CTAP eligibility - this includes a copy of your agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.
Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title, Type of appointment (Schedule a, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee) Agency, beginning and ending dates of your appointment.
To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. PLEASE NOTE:Only resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Applicants with resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. :
To begin your online application, click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to register or sign into USAJOBS,
Complete the online questionnaire and submit the required documents. See Required Documents section for more detail.
You must complete the application process and submit any required documents no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on 02/04/2026.
To update your application, excluding External Assessment responses, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account. There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides the Announcement Status and a "You applied on" date. This information does not confirm the agency application status. Use the "Track this Application" link for additional information regarding the agency application status, the documentation you submitted, and any correspondence sent related to this application. The Announcement Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated.
It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application.
We strongly encourage you to apply online. If you cannot apply online, you may contact the TLE Support Branch at TLEhrsupport@usss.dhs.gov OR by calling (202) 406-6420 between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:30 pm EST (excluding Federal holidays) prior to the closing date of this announcement to receive assistance.
The Secret Service 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.
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your eligibility. Best-qualified applicants will be referred for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 45 days of the closing date of this announcement. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. For more information on applying for Federal employment, please click here.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
