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Lead Police Officer

Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health
Division of Police, Office of Emergency Planning, Protection and Response

Summary

Division of Police ensures the safety and security of employees, visitors, patients, and contractors, as well as the protection of NIH's research and knowledge assets through administering, enforcing, and coordinating a comprehensive full-service security, police protection, and law enforcement program for the health care, research, administration, and support facilities and personnel at the NIH campus and off-campus facilities.

Overview

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Posted today · Apply by 07/24/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 24, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$76,381 - $99,291 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 8
Promotion potential
8
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
Yes
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Secret
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate 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
NIH-ORS-IMP-26-13005309
Control number
876465000

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

You must be currently employed by the National Institutes of Health, serving on a permanent appointment in the competitive service.

Duties

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  • Serves as Master Patrol Officer responsible for providing leadership and oversight to other Police Officers with a full performance level of GS-7.
  • Performs in-depth investigations using all available resources without direct supervision.
  • Must be alert for and respond to calls of: grand larceny, assault, rape, armed robbery, burglary, attempted murder, fleeing felons, homicide, and searches for missing persons; and must be prepared to initiate criminal investigations
  • Must be able to interrogate suspects; interview witnesses and detain suspects; and know the rules, regulations, laws, and court decisions that govern such actions.
  • Uses knowledge of police procedures, methods, and rules of evidence to conduct basic investigations of criminal acts and other offenses and incidents; obtains descriptions of stolen items and/or suspects.
  • Seeks, detects, and protects evidence and witnesses at the scene of an incident.
  • Reports to the supervisor on performance, progress and training needs of employees; reports any disciplinary problems.
  • Amends or rejects work not meeting established standards. Refers to the supervisor any matters not covered by standards and problems in meeting performance standards.
  • Assigns tasks to Officers, as necessary, in the absence of supervisory or management personnel.
  • Frequently required to safeguard dignitaries and other high-level officials ensuring their personal safety from various potential threats
  • Frequently required to conduct thorough inspections of vehicles, packages, freight, and people to ensure the safety of personnel, visitors, and property of NIH.
  • Performs traffic patrols and emergency response duties such as enforcing speed limits; assisting at accident scenes; and issuing citations for speeding and parking violations.
  • Prepares testimony and evidence for presentation to the U.S. Attorney’s office for case development and plans to perform arrests and prosecutions.
  • Responds to bomb threats, which include search, location, and differentiation between harmless and suspicious objects, biohazards, and chemicals.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date.
  • Employment is subject to the successful completion of the pre-appointment process (i.e., background investigation, verification of qualifications and job requirements, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, etc.)
  • Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
  • Applicants must meet all qualifications requirements within thirty (30) calendar days of the closing date of this announcement, including time in grade.
  • Candidates must have reached your 21st birthday prior to an initial Federal Police Officer appointment.
  • This position is subject to the Lautenberg Amendment Gun Control Act of 1968, as amended, which prohibits access to firearms by people convicted of crimes involving domestic violence or any felonious act.
  • Candidates must qualify with the authorized issued weapon once per quarter. A minimum qualifying score of 210 must be obtained at each qualification session.
  • Candidates must pass a Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB) test as determine by the Chief of Police which consist of a Sit and Reach, Bench Press, and Agility run may be required.
  • Candidates must obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
  • Candidates must pass a pre-employment medical examination, provide evidence of immunization, be free from communicable diseases, and pass periodic retests as required.
  • Candidates must successfully complete a pre-employment psychological evaluation, including any required psychological testing, and be determined psychologically suitable for appointment prior to their entry on duty (EOD) date.
  • Employees must maintain the emotional and mental stability necessary to safely and effectively perform the essential duties of a Federal Law Enforcement Officer throughout their employment.
  • Candidates must be able to work outdoors under all weather conditions. Candidates must be able to lift and move heavy items weighing 50 lbs. with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Candidates may be required to use protective clothing. Candidates will be required to wear a uniform.
  • Candidates are required to obtain and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
  • Candidates must have successfully completed and have passed a basic police training course at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC)] or at an equivalent federal, state or local law enforcement academy.
  • Candidates have must successfully completed the 6-to-10-week NIH Division of Police Field Training Program.
  • This position has on-call or call-back requirements and nights, rotational shifts, weekends, and holidays hours. Overtime on an emergency basis.
  • Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a CPR and First Aid Certification.
  • Criminal history background checks are a requirement for this position.

Qualifications

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT CONTINUED:

  • This is a Testing Designated Position. Incumbent must submit to and successfully pass a urinalysis drug screening prior to appointment. The Incumbent will also be subject to unannounced random drug testing for the duration of their time in this position.
  • When reasonable evidence indicates that an employee's psychological condition may affect their ability to perform the essential functions of the position or may impact the safety of the employee, coworkers, or the public, the employee may be required to undergo a psychological evaluation, including additional testing when appropriate, to determine continued fitness for duty.
  • Applicants and employees must have the capacity to perform the essential functions of the position without risk to themselves or others. Applicants and employees must possess emotional and mental stability. A psychological examination is required. In most instances, a specific medical condition or impairment will not automatically disqualify an applicant or employee. A medical condition or impairment is disqualifying only if the condition, for good medical reason, precludes assignment to or warrants restriction from the duties of the specific position. For some positions, the loss or impairment of a specific function may be compensated for by the satisfactory use of a prosthesis or mechanical aid. Reasonable accommodation shall also be considered in determining an applicant's ability to perform the duties of a position."
  • This position may involve work in areas where Select Agents and Toxins are present, with potential for incidental contact, and is subject to NIH Biological Surety Program requirements.
  • Candidates are required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE Form 450 to determine if a conflict or an appearance of a conflict exists between your financial interest and your prospective position with the agency.

You qualify at the GS-08 level, if you meet the following qualification requirement:

You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks:
1) conducting investigations of criminal acts and other offenses
2) responding to calls or alarms involving crimes in progress, threats, or suspicious activities
3) interviewing or interrogating victims, suspects, and witnesses; arresting violators suspected of criminal violations
4) conducting vehicle or foot patrols
5) preparing incident and criminal reports, testimony, and evidence
6) serving as a team leader for other police officers

You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay.

Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

To determine your qualifications and referral status, we may review your resume and supporting documentation and compare it against your responses to the vacancy questionnaire. Ensure you support your self-ratings with the information you provide in your application. We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer.

Preview assessment questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13005309

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

  • This position is designated as an "emergency essential" position and the selected candidate will be considered an "emergency essential " employee and will be required to be available, ready, willing, and able to report for duty under all circumstances (e.g., inclement weather, government closings and holidays, lapses in appropriations, non-emergency and emergency situations) for operation 24 hours a day and 365 days per year coverage.
  • This position may be exposed and/or assigned to work with, handle, receive, or store materials designated as Select Agents and Toxins by the Federal Select Agent Program, and is subject to the terms of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Biological Surety Program (BSP). A Bioterrorism Security Risk Assessment: https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/bioterrorism-security-risk-assessment-form
  • Based on your appointment, a one or two-year trial/probationary period may be required. A decision regarding your continued employment with NIH will be made as you near the end of this period.
  • We may make additional selections for similar positions across the National Institutes of Health within the local commuting area(s) identified in this vacancy announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with any interested selecting official(s) at NIH. Clearance of CTAP will be applied for similar positions across NIH.
  • The National Institutes of Health participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.
  • The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus.
  • Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Visit Help Applying for helpful information on the application process.
  • If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: Reasonable Accommodation Information

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.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Decision Making
  • Flexibility
  • Influencing/Negotiating
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork


Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

To be considered well qualified for the purposes of the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP), you must be able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry and substantively exceed the basic qualifications by scoring at least 80 points on the assessment(s) and meet all eligibility, physical, medical, suitability, and all other requirements.

National Institutes of Health

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the largest biomedical research funding organization in the world. NIH is made up of 27 Institutes and Centers, each with a specific research agenda, often focusing on particular diseases or body systems. NIH employs approximately 18,000 employees in varied occupations, all supporting research efforts that improve health and save lives. For more information on NIH's mission and goals, and its 27 Institutes and Centers, visit the NIH website.

Virtually explore the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) Bethesda campus, learn about scientific research, and get to know NIH community members who are working to help people live longer, healthier lives: https://www.nih.gov/virtual-tour/.

This position is located in the Division of Police (DP), Office of Emergency Planning, Protection and Response (OEPPR), Office of Research Services (ORS), Office of the Director (OD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Upon successfully completing training, a probationary period, and all experience requirements, future competitive promotions may be available. Advancements could include other duties, a higher rank or an officer assignment within a specialized area. NIH specialized areas include:

  • K-9 Canine Explosives Detection Team
  • Special Response Team
  • Criminal Investigations
  • Community Police Officers

Agency contact information

NIH HR Service Desk Branch C
Email
OHRCSDBRANCHCSRVDSK@od.nih.gov
Address
National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892
US

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https://hr.nih.gov/working-nih/work-life

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