Clarification from the agency

Current FCC Employees Only

This position is located in the Office of the Managing Director (OMD), Administrative Operations (AO), Security Operations Center (SOC). OMD/AO manages/administers the Commission's physical, personnel and information security programs.

The Security Operations Center has responsibility for: (1)administering physical security programs to ensure that FCC facilities and employees, at both headquarters and field offices, are protected from potentially disorderly or destructive individuals, theft of government and personal property, and civil emergencies; (2) reviewing and processing security clearances for all newly hired employees entering on duty with the Commission, as required in OPM Regulations 5 CFR 731-732; (3) providing employees and the public with appropriate FCC Identification Badges and Building passes; (4) maintaining and providing building office keys to employees as approved/requested by management; (5) ensuring classified information is processed, stored, and destroyed appropriately; and, (6) serving as the central liaison office with Government security agencies.

As a Security Specialist, the incumbent is directly involved in the development of policy, monitoring, administering and overseeing security programs. He/she initiates, develops, and coordinates the implementation of policies and procedures pertaining to FCC security programs. Initiates, develops and  coordinates the implementation of broad overall policies and procedures pertaining to FCC security programs, which includes exercising program responsibility and rendering assistance and interpretive advice to managers on security programs.

The incumbent works with executive departments and agencies, state and local governments, and private entities to ensure the adequacy of the national strategy for detecting, preparing for, preventing, protecting against, responding to, and recovering from threats or attacks and will periodically review and coordinate review and revisions to the strategy.

Develops and implements policies and procedures for the armed Special Police Officers regarding changes in standard operating procedures, and provides guidance/direction to over 40 contract armed Special Police Officers daily.

Coordinates with senior operating personnel to ascertain security requirements and/or problems; makes recommendations to supervisor on measures needed to enhance security; and in coordination with the manager of the Administrative Service Center (ASC) arranges repairs or replacement of defective evoking devices which impair security.

Conditions of employment

• FCC Employees Only.
• Suitable for employment as determined by a background investigation.
• Current FCC employees must provide SF-50 verifying grade & status.
• Resume must not exceed two pages and must meet resume format criteria.
• Drug Testing Required.
• Must be able to obtain/maintain Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance.

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must:

-Currently be employed in the Federal Communications Commission in positions serving under career or career conditional appointments.

ALL FCC EMPLOYEES MUST provide a legible Personnel Action, SF-50, that verifies your status and highest permanently held grade.  If an SF-50 is not submitted, the application will be rated as ineligible. To request a copy of your SF-50 please send an email to PersonnelRecordsRequest@fcc.gov

Qualifications

Interested candidates should be passionate about the ideals of our American republic, committed to upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution, and committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government. Hiring decisions will not be based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

Applicants must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.  Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement.  

Specialized Experience:  Applicants must have a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 in the Federal service.  For this position, specialized experience includes the following:    

1. Experience developing, maintaining, and implementing policies, procedures, and methods used for safeguarding physical information, personnel, or other sensitive materials, resources, and equipment;
2. Experience interpreting a variety of security program laws, directives, and regulations to assist managers with recommendations and guidance on complex security issues;
3. Experience administering personnel security programs, including suitability determinations, background investigations, adjudications, and security clearance processes in accordance with federal requirements; and
4. Experience supervising or leading a team or subordinate staff.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: 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.

How you will be evaluated

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

Optional Four Essay Questions

At the time of application, applicants have the option of answering the following four short, free-response essay questions.

1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.
2. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes.
3. In this role, you will be expected to professionally and efficiently implement executive direction. Provide an example where you implemented leadership direction on a strategy or policy decision that differed from your own recommendation.
4. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.

Applicants will be required to certify that they are using their own words, and did not use a consultant or AI (such as a large language model [LLM]). The responses to each question cannot exceed 200 words per question.

All applicants will be rated on the extent and quality of experience and education relevant to the duties of the position.  An automated score is administered based on the on-line application process used.  Eligible applicants will receive a numerical rating based on their responses to the job specific questions for this position.

There are several parts to the application process that affect the overall evaluation of your application including:

1. the core questions
2. the vacancy questions
3. supplemental documentation (e.g., DD-214, SF-50, SF-15, transcripts), if applicable; and
4. your resume.

Applicants will be rated ineligible, if they do not respond to job specific questions provide supplemental documents and submit resume.  For more information, please click on Rating Process

Subject matter experts will review your application to determine if you meet the following required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's):

• Ability to identify problems, determine accuracy and relevance of information in order to generate and evaluate alternatives and recommend solutions.
• Knowledge of security concepts, principles and practices to advise managers on new developments and advances in security techniques.
• Knowledge of numerous security program and policy requirements to establish and provide policy oversight, and serve as a technical authority.
• Ability to evaluate and make recommendations concerning overall plans and proposals for major command and interagency security projects.

If you are deemed to be qualified by the Subject Matter Experts, your application will be referred to the hiring manager for hiring consideration. Alternatively, if your application is not deemed as qualified by the Subject Matter Experts, your application will not be referred to the hiring manager for hiring consideration.