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Security Specialist

Department of Energy
National Nuclear Security Administration
Nevada Field Office
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This position is located in the Nevada Field Office, Assistant Manager for Safeguards and Security. Position responsibilities include providing oversight of NNSS Nuclear Material Control and Accountability (NMCA) program. The incumbent is responsible for the oversight of NMCA program through contractual agreements; contract management including development of task plans, performance metrics, fee measures and fee measure evaluation.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open date: 06/25/2026
Closed date: 06/30/2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$108,719 - $167,020 per year
Pay scale & grade
NQ 3
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Q Access Authorization
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Financial disclosure required
Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
26-NA-NV-XE-00634-DEU
Control number
874167000

Duties

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As a Security Specialist, you will:

  • Provides expert program and operational guidance and contractor oversight in Safeguards and Security (S&S) disciplines. Assesses the applicability of a full range of nuclear safeguards and security legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures, to NFO facilities and operations and evaluates contractor compliance and performance in the implementation of those requirements. Provides independent leadership, expert advice, guidance, and technical assistance to NFO and the NNSA complex on the interpretation of requirements and polices and establishment of priorities and schedules, negotiates alternative approaches and significant modifications, and initiates new or corrective actions as required. Provides oversight of contractor S&S program development and execution. Implements NNSA/NFO oversight requirements and guidance to ensure contractors' compliance and acceptable performance. The incumbent will gather information and analyze nuclear safety performance trends to ensure that nuclear facility issues are identified and resolved before resulting in operational problems.
  • Conducts assessments of security programs to identify strengths and weaknesses in contractor performance and compliance with S&S requirements. Evaluates the implementation of S&S programs by validating that line management policies, programs and management systems are being carried out with sufficient accountability, commitment and technical understanding and that management controls and actual program results are effective and in conformance with established policies, orders, rules, and applicable laws.
  • Mastery level knowledge and ability to: apply comprehensive knowledge of security policy requirements to function as a technical authority in assignments requiring the application of new theories and developments to security problems which are not susceptible to treatment by established security methods, technology, or procedures; advise top level managers concerning new developments and advances in security techniques; plan, organize, and direct studies to develop long- range program trends and forecasts; lead the conduct of program reviews; and recommend methods for enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of security programs. Expert knowledge of the major S&S program components, to include physical protective forces; physical security protection systems; security-related transportation of select special nuclear materials; classified/sensitive information protection; personnel security; control/accountability of special nuclear materials/other items; and security program management.
  • Skill in oral presentation and written communication are sufficient to present issues and recommendations for solutions to all levels of NFO management. Ability to interact with NFO management, support organizations, contractors, federal, state, and local regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders to effect resolution of issues in an efficient, timely, and technically competent manner.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a United States Citizen.
  • This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
  • Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements.
  • Compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD-12) governing personal identity which will require that you provide two forms of identification.
  • May be required to successfully complete a one (1) year probationary period. Employees serving on a probationary may be terminated at any time during the probationary for performance, conduct, or business-related reasons in the interest of Federal service
  • Subject to Random Drug Testing.
  • Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
  • Favorable suitability determination required.
  • Financial Disclosure is required.
  • Must be able to obtain/maintain a Q level Security Clearance.
  • Please limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, you will be disqualified.
  • You must be able to obtain certification in the DOE's Technical Qualification Program (TQP) within 18 months of start date. This position is covered by the Technical Qualification Program (TQP), which requires the incumbent to acquire and demonstrate competencies identified in the TQP Functional Area Qualification and Field Office specific standards and requires certification of the competencies by NNSA supervision and TQP qualifying officials. https://ntc.doe.gov/student/stp/techqualprogram
Probationary periods are required for new employees appointed to competitive service positions for the first time; or reinstated employees who return to Federal service after a break in service of 30-days or more and who have not completed a probationary period will need to complete the requirement.

Qualifications

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower NNSA Demonstration Project pay band or GS grade level in the Federal service, i.e., NQ-02 or GS-12. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: Specialized experience for this position is defined as applying security management procedures to oversee, evaluate, and manage nuclear safeguards and security systems. Analyzing findings of security surveys, determining adequacy of security controls or procedures to include providing oversight of contractor S&S programs development and execution. Providing guidance and advice to senior management on nuclear safeguards and security policy on primary or S&S secondary programs.

1. Experience applying security management procedures to oversee, evaluate, and manage nuclear safeguards and physical security systems or programs.

2. Experience analyzing findings of security surveys, determining adequacy of security controls or procedures to include providing oversight of contractor S&S programs development and execution.

3. Experience providing guidance and advice to senior management on nuclear safeguards and security policy on primary or S&S secondary programs.

4. Knowledge of Department of Energy Nuclear Material Control and Accountability.

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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.

CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section. If you are eligible for career transition assistance plans such as ICTAP or CTAP, you must meet the definition of "well qualified" which is defined as having a score of 85 or better.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

  • Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website.
  • If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM ICTAP/CTAP website for more information. In order to be considered under the ICTAP program, your application must score within the pre-established "well qualified" category as stated in the Qualifications section.
  • More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.
  • All positions require successful completion of a background investigation.
  • All males born after December 31,1959 must abide by laws regarding Selective Service registration. To learn more about this law, visit the Selective Service web page, Who Must Register. If you are not registered and don't have an approved exemption, you will not be eligible for employment with the Federal government.
  • A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a highly qualified applicant in accordance with Agency policy and applicable regulations.
  • In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to the four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answers to these questions are not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration.
EEO Policy: Click HERE.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Click HERE.
Veterans Information: Click HERE.
Telework: Click HERE.
Selective Service Registration: Click HERE.

Information about the NNSA Demonstration project can be found by clicking 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 by our application system using the Category Rating procedure.

THE APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS WILL BE IN TWO STAGES:

Minimum Qualifications:
Once the application process is complete, the Human Resources Office will review the first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation to determine whether you meet the minimum job qualifications and eligibility requirements. Additional documentation (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume) may not be considered.

Subject Matter Expert (SME) Review: A quality review will be conducted by SMEs against a crediting plan in which you will receive a score. Your resume should demonstrate that you possess the Competencies listed below. Do not provide a separate narrative written statement. Rather, you must describe in your resume how your work experience demonstrates that you possess the Competencies. Cite specific examples of experience and describe how this experience has prepared you to successfully perform the duties of this position. The quality categories are usually defined as "Best Qualified", "Well Qualified" and "Qualified".

Additional documentation (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume) may not be considered.

A quality review will then be conducted by the HR Office and/or Subject Matter Expert (SME). Your application is rated based on the extent and quality of your experience, education (if applicable to the job), and training described in your online resume/questionnaire as related to the duties of this position. The quality categories are usually defined as "Best Qualified", "Well Qualified" and "Qualified". Veterans Preference eligible candidates will be listed at the top of whichever category your score places you in. CP/CPS veterans are placed at the top of the highest category for all positions except professional and scientific positions at GS-9 and higher.

Your application and resume shall demonstrate that you possess the following Competencies. Do not provide a separate narrative written statement. Rather, you must describe in your application how your past work experience demonstrates that you possess the Competencies identified below. Cite specific examples of employment or experience contained in your resume and describe how this experience has prepared you to successfully perform the duties of this position. DO NOT write "see resume" in your application.

1. Security
2. Technical Competence
3. Problem Solving
4. Oral Communication

If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified'.

To preview the application questionnaire, click the link below.
https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12991342

National Nuclear Security Administration

Would you like to play a key role in a critical mission? If so, then the National Nuclear Security Administration has the perfect employment opportunity for a Security Specialist. In this position you'll play an important role in accomplishing the national security mission of the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration.

Agency contact information

Matthew Archuleta
Phone
505-319-1097
Email
matthew.archuleta@nnsa.doe.gov
Address
Nevada Field Office
24600 20th St SE
Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5507
US

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