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Police Officer

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

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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Accepting applications
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$57,070 - $91,904 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 5 - 7
Promotion potential
7
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
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
NIH-ORS-MP-26-13025401
Control number
879253400

Duties

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The Police Officer position includes, but is not limited to, the following duties:

  • Performs the full range of duties in the investigation/apprehension of suspected offenders, such as: carrying a firearm or other weapon to enforce and maintain law and order.
  • Patrols assigned area on foot or in a patrol vehicle.
  • Investigates suspicious situations and takes appropriate action such as identifying and arresting suspected violators based on probable cause.
  • Officer may be required to take law enforcement action off the property of the agency.
  • Develops and follows leads, takes statements, and gathers bits of information and facts.
  • Searches vehicles, persons, and packages entering the organization for weapons of mass destruction or contraband.
  • Responds to bomb threats which includes searching for locating and differentiating between harmless and suspicious biohazards and chemicals.
  • Works radar equipment and enforces speed limits. Issues citations for speeding, traffic and parking violations.
  • Investigates traffic accidents, noting location of vehicles involved; any skid marks; violation of traffic laws, recording measurements and photographing crime scene, issues violation notices, and prepares documentation for court.

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 a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job-related requirement before or after appointment.
  • Applicants must meet all qualifications requirements within thirty (30) calendar days of the closing date of this announcement, including time in grade.
  • Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • If selected, you must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle license or must be able to obtain a valid driver before a final offer of employment.
  • FLETC must be met at the time of initial employment or within the first year of employment. Candidates will be expected to travel 12 weeks for FLETC. FLETC may be waived for eligible candidates.
  • Candidates must successfully complete a 6 to10 week NIH Division of Police Field Training Program within the first year of their employment.
  • Candidates who are active law enforcement officers, or retired law enforcement within three years of appointment date and in good standing with the prior agency, may have training waived at the discretion of the Chief of Police.
  • If selected for this position, a Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB) test consisting of a Sit and Reach, Bench Press, and Agility run may be required.
  • If selected, you must pass a pre-employment medical examination, provide evidence of immunization, and be free from communicable diseases.
  • 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.
  • This position requires weekend hours, night shifts, regular or rotational shifts, and holiday hours. This position has on-call or call-back requirements.
  • If selected, you must be able to lift and move heavy items weighing 50 lbs. or more. If selected, you may be required to use protective clothing. If selected, you will be required to wear a uniform.
  • If selected, you must be able to work outdoors under all weather conditions. If selected, you will be covered by a bargaining unit (union).
  • You must have reached your 21st birthday prior to an initial Federal Police Officer appointment.

Qualifications

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT CONTINUED:

  • If selected, you must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret background investigation.
  • Candidates may be exposed to Select Agents and Toxins.
  • This is a drug 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.
  • If selected, a criminal history background checks are a requirement for this position.
  • If selected, you will be required to obtain and maintain a CPR and First Aid Certification.
  • Selectees 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.
  • 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.


You qualify at the GS-05 level, if you meet one of the following qualification requirements:

You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-04 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: 1) working as a security guard restricting access; 2) responding to calls or alarms involving crimes in progress or just discovered; 3) performing traffic patrol (i.e., enforcing speed limits, directing traffic, controlling the movement of vehicles and pedestrians, and/or issuing citations; 4) preparing written reports that descried events (traffic conditions. accidents, and theft or damage).

OR

You must have successfully completed a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree in Police Science or a comparable degree program related to the work of the position.

OR

You must have a combination of post high school education and experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.

You qualify at the GS-06 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-05 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: 1) working as an officer on a police force or serving as a military police officer; 2) taking statements from witnesses; 3) performing traffic and crowd control activities; 4) detaining witnesses and suspects; 5) making arrests and performing booking procedures.

You qualify at the GS-07 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-06 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: 1) working as an officer on a police force or serving as a military police officer; 2) performing criminal investigative duties; 3) taking initial charge of a crime or accident scene and restricting access to those persons required on the scene; 4) apprehending persons fleeing a crime scene or attempting to resist arrest; 5) interrogating suspects.

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 or specialized experience from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

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 application questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13025401

Education

If you qualify based on education in lieu of specialized experience, you are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application packages. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Click here for information on Foreign Education.

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
  • A newly appointed or reappointed employee may receive service credit for prior work experience or active duty uniformed service that otherwise would not be creditable for the purpose of determining his or her annual leave accrual rate. All creditable service must be directly related to the duties of the position being filled and decisions to allow for such credit must be finalized prior to the selectee's entrance on duty. Recipients will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on organizational need, specific case justification, and budget limitations.
  • Visit Help Applying for helpful information on the application process.
  • Military Spouses selected from this announcement will remain in their current duty location (i.e., the official duty station of the military service member.
  • 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.
  • Veterans' Preference only applies to Schedule A (disability appointment), HHS Reemployment Priority List (RPL) Eligibles, HHS Priority Reemployment List (PRL) Eligibles, and Veterans Recruitment Appointments (if applicable).

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
  • 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.

Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.

To be considered well qualified for the purposes of the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)and the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), 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/

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