Clarification from the agency

Current FCC Employees Only

This position is located in the Office of the Associate Managing Director-Administrative Operations (AMD-AO), Security Operations Center (SOC). The incumbent of this position provides special assistance to the Chief Administrative Officer and Deputy AMD-AO, on security policies and procedures. 

The Supervisory Security Specialist is responsible for (1)  identifying the need for protection and security; (2) developing and maintaining the physical means  which are used for protection and security; (3) developing, implementing, and maintaining procedural and technical methods to enhance physical protection; (4) assessing the reliability, loyalty, suitability, and trustworthiness of those persons who have access to sensitive or classified information, resources, and materials which could adversely affect the national security interest, public welfare or efficiency of the Federal service; and (5) initially assessing the possible damage done to National security when information or material has been compromised or sabotaged (e.g., terrorist attacks). Investigates allegations of security violations to determine whether compromise or unauthorized disclosure took place.

The Supervisory Security Specialist must be knowledgeable and capable of applying the appropriate standards for safeguarding National Security Information as they pertain to the National Defense of the United States and our relations with other nations. Application of physical security standards, as outlined by the appropriate entities, must be understood and observed in the conduct of security surveys, inspections and checks and physical security of the building to include managing the security protective force, the asset protection program and supervising the staff of the Security Operations Center.

The incumbent develops and implements policy, procedures, standards, training and methods of identifying and protecting information, personnel, property, assets and/or material from theft, loss, misuse, fraud, disclosure, espionage or sabotage. Incumbent assures that the employment of personnel in sensitive positions or access by employees and others to secured information and material is clearly consistent with position sensitivity and in the national interest.

The incumbent coordinates the efforts to detect, prepare for, prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from assaults (e.g., terrorist attacks) against the Agency. The Supervisory Security Specialist 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 revisions to the strategy as necessary.

Plans, develops and carries out vital security projects and programs which are central to the mission of the  Agency and typically of national impact.  Works on policy matters by establishing the Agency's position on broad issues. Works with groups/committees to develop security programs of importance to national security policy (e.g., Homeland Security).

Serves as the Liaison Officer  to the FBI, Secret Service, ATF, US Marshals Service, Capitol Police, Federal Protective Service, and the Metropolitan Police Department. Responsible for evaluating and analyzing potential threats to FCC property and personnel (i.e., as it relates to threats to the President and/or Vice President). 

Provides direct supervision to subordinate staff, plans work to be accomplished by subordinates, sets and adjusts short-term priorities, and prepares schedules for completion of work.

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 Security/SCI 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-14 in the Federal service.  For this position, specialized experience includes the following:    

1. Experience overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive security policies, procedures, and operational methods to safeguard personnel, facilities, sensitive materials, and critical resources;
2. Experience analyzing and interpreting federal security laws, directives, and regulations to provide senior leadership with authoritative guidance and recommendations on complex security matters;
3. Experience directing personnel security operations, including reviewing and adjudicating background investigations, determining suitability, and managing security clearance processes in compliance with federal standards;
4. Experience managing physical security programs such as access control, intrusion detection, emergency preparedness, and facility risk assessments to ensure alignment with agency requirements; and
5. Experience supervising and providing leadership to security staff or multidisciplinary teams, including assigning work, evaluating performance, and guiding day‑to‑day program operations.

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 security challenges, assess the accuracy and relevance of diverse information sources, and generate, evaluate, and recommend effective solutions to senior leadership
• Knowledge of advanced security concepts, principles, and practices sufficient to provide authoritative guidance to managers and advise on emerging trends, technologies, and methodologies in the security field
• Ability to evaluate and provide informed recommendations on strategic plans, major command initiatives, and interagency security proposals, ensuring alignment with mission objectives and federal security standards
• Ability to lead, direct, and oversee staff in planning, assigning, and evaluating work; resolving employee issues; administering minor disciplinary actions; identifying training needs; improving work processes; and establishing performance standards

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.