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Technical Security Investigator

Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Secret Service
Office of Technical Operations

Summary

Joining the United States Secret Service (USSS), Office of Technical Operations (TEC), within the Aviation and Airspace Security Division (ASD), Operational Communications and Integration Division (OCI), or Technical Security Division (TSD) allows you to provide specialized technical expertise and operational support, to develop and implement countermeasures against threats to protected individuals and facilities, and contribute to criminal investigations conducted by the USSS.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
04/01/2026 to 04/08/2026
Salary
$76,463 - $99,404 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 12
Locations
Few vacancies in the following locations:
OCI Only
Los Angeles, CA
TSD & OCI
Washington, DC
OCI Only
Miami, FL
OCI Only
Atlanta, GA
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
75% or less - Domestic and Foreign travel may be required.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time - This position requires shift work.
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
13
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Top Secret
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
NCS/High Risk
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
TLE-TEC-TW014-26-INT
Control number
863556700

Duties

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The selectee will serve as a Technical Security Investigator, in the Office of Technical Operations, specializing in one of the following areas: Chemical Biological Countermeasures; Communications; or Command & Control, Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems; Electronics, Enabling Unmanned Aerial Systems; Explosive Ordnance Disposal; Fire, Life-Safety, Hazmat or Technical Surveillance Countermeasures.

The Aviation and Airspace Security Division (ASD) develops, coordinates, and implement airspace security plans for sites visited by the President and Vice President of the United States or other designated USSS protectees. Please note, ASD is only selecting candidates for positions located in Landover, MD.

The Technical Security Division (TSD) provides specialized technical expertise and operational support, develops and implements countermeasures to address threats against protected persons and facilities, and supports criminal investigations conducted by the Secret Service. Please note, TSD is only selecting candidates for positions located in for the Washington, DC.

The Operational Communications and Integration Division (OCI) provides secure, integrated communications for Secret Service, protectees and ensures reliable, interoperable systems with federal, state, and local partners to support protective and investigative missions. Please note, OCI is selecting candidates for positions located in Washington, DC, Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Boston, and Philadelphia offices.

Typical work assignments include:

  • Installing, monitoring, and evaluating the latest known technologies (such as state-of-the-art intrusion detection systems and devices) that may potentially be used by hostile entities, both domestic and abroad, either independently or as groups, to penetrate Agency sites or otherwise harm protectees.
  • Conducting routine security searches to identify, detect, deter, and stop potential or actual threats involving hazardous materials, items, devices, persons, or unsafe environmental conditions.
  • Assisting with implementing protective countermeasures and supporting law enforcement responsive planning duties.
  • Contributing to the development and organization of investigative tactics and techniques to support investigations of suspected criminal violations.

Apply for this exciting opportunity to impact the United States Secret Service's security initiatives in support of our protective and investigative missions. This Technical Security Investigator position starts at a base salary of $76,463 (GS-12, step-1), with a promotion potential $118,204 (GS-13, Step-10).

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • US Citizenship is required.
  • 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. Click here for more information.
  • Be at least age 21 at the time of application and less than age 40 at the time of appointment. 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.

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 1-year 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-12 level, you must possess one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent, performing the duties listed below, for the specialized program:

Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems:
  • Support technical investigations to counter UAS threats using surveillance systems, countermeasures, and legal expertise.
  • Assist protective teams by integrating security measures, coordinating with agencies, and enhancing aerial intrusion prevention.
  • Help manage security programs against drone threats through expertise in device mitigation, TSCM, and RF monitoring.
Electronics:
  • Utilizing tools to troubleshoot and perform systematic problem solving of electronic devices and systems.
  • Testing, maintaining, installing, and evaluating electrical components and systems; and,
  • Troubleshooting, maintaining, and ensuring security of computers and computer network systems.
Enabling Unmanned Aerial Systems:
  • Develop, coordinate, and execute enabling UAS missions in compliance with federal regulations, agency policies, and mission objectives.
  • Provide advanced technical guidance on enabling UAS systems, including maintenance, troubleshooting, and integration with other technologies.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure proper training, risk management, and resource allocation for enabling UAS operations.
Communications:
  • Install, test, maintain, and troubleshoot Land Mobile Radio (LMR) and Radio over IP (RoIP) devices and systems, independently resolving routine issues and escalating complex problems as needed.
  • Install, test, maintain, and troubleshoot Radio over IP (RoIP), independently resolving routine issues and escalating complex problems as needed.
  • Assist in radio spectrum analysis and deconfliction activities, supporting compliance with FCC and NTIA requirements under guidance from senior specialists.
Command & Control
  • Support the application of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) in planning processes; assist in preparing briefings and instructional materials on NIMS.
  • Provide technical support for preparedness and response activities related to natural and man-made disasters; contribute to the development of plans for continuity of essential functions.
  • Install, test, maintain, and troubleshoot situational awareness systems and their connectivity, supporting integration efforts and resolving standard connectivity issues.
Chemical Biological Countermeasures
  • Responding to, mitigating, or investigating known or suspected releases of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) materials, including conducting hazard site surveys, characterization, and sample recovery operations with minimal supervision.
  • Utilizing, repairing, and troubleshooting specialized hazmat and CBRN detection equipment, and recommending improvements to operational procedures.
  • Coordinating and participating in the planning and execution of prevention activities for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) or Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) incidents.
Technical Surveillance Countermeasures
  • Conducting technical surveillance countermeasures inspections, including radio frequency signal adjudication, electrical and physical component detection, and physical inspections, and assisting in identifying and neutralizing technical penetrations and vulnerabilities.
  • Performing technical surveillance countermeasures functions utilizing a wide variety of technical surveillance countermeasures equipment and instrumentation and recommending enhancements to procedures.
  • Applying and interpreting policies and procedures for the use of technical surveillance countermeasures equipment and assisting in the development of new procedures.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal
  • Responding to incident scenes where explosive threats are suspected or determined and providing technical expertise in the identification and mitigation of such threats.
  • Interpreting x-rays of potential explosive devices, and/or other unknown and suspicious devices, and advising others on findings.
  • Identifying and differentiating between commercial, military, and home-made explosives, and providing guidance to less experienced personnel.
Fire, Life-Safety, Hazmat
  • Conducting responses to incidents involving structure fires; hazardous materials (HAZMAT) releases; and/or technical rescue operations and providing technical support during these incidents.
  • Inspecting or investigating various facilities (e.g., warehouses, shops, hospitals, offices, living quarters, etc.) for violations of fire regulations, and for conditions contributing to serious fire hazards, and preparing reports of findings.
  • Developing and implementing fire/life safety surveys for pre-incident analysis and incident response and recommending corrective actions.
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: Under competitive merit promotion procedures, any individual who is currently holding, or who has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under a non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet "time-in-grade" requirements (have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade of the grade for which you are applying). NOTE: All current or former Federal employees must provide a copy of their SF-50, "Notice of Personnel Action" that indicates proof of status and time-in-grade eligibility. The SF-50 must include your position, title, series, grade, step, tenure (1 or 2), and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). You may need to submit more than one SF-50 to comply.

The qualification and eligibility requirements listed above must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Current of Former Political Appointees: 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

DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

Applicant selected for this position will be required to sign a Continued Service Agreement (CSA) before being assigned to an initial training class. The continuing service agreement will commit the applicant to a specified period of employment with the U.S. Secret Service upon the successful completion of training.

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 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.

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.

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.

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).

For definitions of terms found in this announcement, please 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 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:

  • Planning and Evaluating
  • Self-Management
  • Technical Competence


Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the Federal government, you are not CTAP eligible. View information about CTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered eligible under CTAP, you must be deemed qualified based on the structured resume review, as described above. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.

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 Personnel Management guidance and U.S. Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

U.S. Secret Service

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS Components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.

Building on a Tradition of Excellence and Meeting the Challenges of the Future, the Secret Service is a premier law enforcement organization with two critical national security missions: protect our nation's leaders and to conduct criminal investigations. Our team members continue a tradition of excellence - whether investigating financial crime or protecting national and visiting foreign leaders. In the Secret Service, we serve the country with duty, loyalty, justice, integrity and courage. In the Secret Service, we:

  • Protect the President, the Vice President, and other leaders; investigate threats against them; and safeguard their residences and other facilities.
  • Plan and implement security designs for National Special Security Events.
  • Investigate financial crimes including fraud, identity theft and computer-based attacks on banking or telecommunications infrastructure.
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Agency contact information

Terrell White

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http://www.secretservice.gov

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