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SECURITY SPECIALIST

Department of the Air Force
Air Force Elements, U.S. Special Operations Command

Summary


The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as a HQ USSOCOM Security Specialist and security advisor, in a developmental capacity, providing programmatic and technical oversight and management of multiple security disciplines (information, personnel, industrial, physical, computer, operations and communications security) for the USSOCOM Special Access Program Central Office (SAPCO) in support of special access programs (SAPs).

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
01/30/2026 to 02/06/2026
Salary
$74,678 to - $138,370 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 11 - 13
Location
FEW vacancies in the following location:
MacDill AFB, FL
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. The employee may be required to travel in military and/or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
13
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
Yes
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
5I-AFPC-12876088-092373-RSE
Control number
856045100

Duties

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DUTY 1: I
n a developmental capacity implements and administers the SAP information security program. Serves as a security professional for the development, testing, fielding, and protection of advanced and special access program technologies.

DUTY 2:
In a developmental capacity implements and administers the SAP personnel security program. Establishes and implements USSOCOM procedures for processing requests for security accesses for military, civilian, and contractor personnel into USSOCOM SAP facilities.

DUTY 3:
In a developmental capacity implements and administers SAP industrial security program. Implements and administers the Industrial Security Program for Special Access Program-related actions through the use of Joint Staff, DoDI, DoD, and USSOCOM directives and procedures.

DUTY 4:
In a developmental capacity implements and administers the SAP physical security program. Implements Joint Staff, DoDI, DOD, Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and USSOCOM policies and directives for the construction, protection, and operation of all advanced programs facilities to include sensitive compartmented information facilities (SCIFs).

DUTY 5:
Incumbent is responsible to ensure the core classified national information protection security disciplines of information are fully covered from a policy and programmic viewpoint to ensure overall information protection requirements meet mission requirements

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required.
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov. This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • The employee is required to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance with access to SCI and SAPs.
  • If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
  • Shift work and emergency overtime may be required. Employee must maintain current certifications
  • Employee will submit to random counter-intelligence polygraph when requested and submit to background checks as a condition of employment and/or continued access to the SAP.
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
  • This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing. Illegal drug use (cont'd...)
  • by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety.
  • Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
  • Recruitment and Relocation incentives ARE authorized.
  • This position is a designated national security position.
  • Department of Defense Security Fundamentals Professional Certification, Special Program Security Certification and Security Asset Protection Professional Certification conferrals are required within 2 years of the established employee (cont'd...)
  • EOD or initial assignment date to this position in accordance with DoD 3305.13-M, DoD Security Accreditation and Certification and AFI 36-2645, Security Professional Certification and Development. The listed certification requirements (cont'd...)
  • may not be deleted or modified without the written approval of the AF Security Functional Authority (SAF/AA) or their delegated security career field representative.
  • Employee must file any required financial disclosure statement(s)

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:

GS-11 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade of GS-09, or equivalent in the Federal service which includes knowledge of a wide range of security concepts, principles, and practices to review, independently analyze, and resolve difficult and complex security problems. Apply policy direction to contractors and government/military officials, and develop guidance for applying security policy, procedures, techniques, equipment, and methods to a variety of work situations and various levels or degrees of security controls. Knowledge of a broad range of security program relationships, and proficiency in information, personnel, and industrial security to effectively implement and administer applicable security programs and/or coordinate with other specialized security programs. Knowledge of security classification methods, concepts, and eligibility for access to classified or sensitive information to review plans for proposed or new projects, organizations, and/or missions to assure the presence of adequate planning for information security and other controls.

OR
Education:
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. NOTE: You must submit a copy of transcripts.

OR

LL.M., if related. NOTE: You must submit a copy of transcripts.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience:
A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit a copy of transcripts.

GS-12 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade of GS-11 or equivalent in the Federal service which includes comprehensive knowledge of a wide range of security concepts, principles, and practices to review, independently analyze, and resolve difficult and complex security problems. Apply policy direction to contractors and government/military officials, and develop guidance for applying security policy, procedures, techniques, equipment, and methods to a variety of work situations and various levels or degrees of security controls. Comprehensive knowledge of a broad range of security program relationships, and proficiency in information, personnel, and industrial security to effectively implement and administer applicable security programs and/or coordinate with other specialized security programs. Comprehensive knowledge of security classification methods, concepts, and eligibility for access to classified or sensitive information to review plans for proposed or new projects, organizations, and/or missions to assure the presence of adequate planning for information security and other controls.

GS-13 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service which includes mastery of special access program security management and administration, disciplines, concepts, principles and requirements applicable to the SAP program to include information security, industrial security, physical security and personnel security in order to perform the full range of complex SAP security management responsibilities. Mastery of knowledge of SAP Information, Personnel, Industrial, Automated Information Systems, Physical and Treaty security to function as SAP technical authority. Expert knowledge of SAP security policy and an understanding of SOF-unique operations to advise the Commander, Deputy Commander, and staff on decisions affecting enhanced security activities.

GS 11 FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in­-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.

GS 12 FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in­-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.

GS 13 FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in­-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-12 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

GS-11: 1. Knowledge of a wide range of security concepts, principles, and practices to review, independently analyze, and resolve difficult and complex security problems; apply policy direction to contractors and government/military officials, and develop guidance for applying security policy, procedures, techniques, equipment, and methods to a variety of work situations and various levels or degrees of security controls.

2. Knowledge of a broad range of security program relationships, and proficiency in information, personnel, and industrial security to effectively implement and administer applicable security programs and/or coordinate with other specialized security programs.

3. Knowledge of security classification methods, concepts, and eligibility for access to classified or sensitive information to review plans for proposed or new projects, organizations, and/or missions to assure the presence of adequate planning for information security and other controls.

4. Knowledge of required Security Special Access program (SAP) and sensitive compartmented information (SCI) security procedures.

5. Skill in planning, developing, analyzing, and evaluating security programs to meet mission requirements and improve the security program.
Ability to plan, organize work, and meet deadlines and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

GS-12/13 KSA's continued in Education.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

GS-12/13 KSA's continued:

1. Knowledge of information, industrial, and personnel SAP security concepts, principles, and practices to plan and implement SAP security programs in these areas.
2. Knowledge of required SAP security training concepts, programs, procedures, and practices to assist managers in establishing and operating internal SAP security programs.
3. Knowledge of the organization, structure, mission, and programs of USSOCOM, the Services, Joint Staff, OSD, and intelligence agencies.
4. Skill in developing, analyzing, and evaluating SAP security programs to meet mission requirements to improve the security program for USSOCOM, and applying complex security concepts and principles to meet mission requirements and improve security of special access programs.
5. Ability to establish effective working relationships with co-workers and professionally interact with officials at all levels toward to facilitate mission accomplishment.
6. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD-Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD-Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following.

  • Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member
  • Branch of Armed Forces
  • Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s)
  • Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty
  • Terminal leave start date (if applicable)
  • Expected character of service/discharge and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement)
  • Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge
  • Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form-214 must be submitted upon receipt.

Additional information


Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

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.

How you will be evaluated

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

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

BASIS OF RATING:
Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable.

Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements
Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements.
Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements.

The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here.

APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

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