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Law Enforcement Specialist (Rapid Protection Force)

Department of Homeland Security
DHS Headquarters
Federal Protective Service

Summary

Direct Hire Authority: This position will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority. The "Rule of Three", Category Rating and Veterans Preference will not apply to this vacancy.

Overview

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Accepting applications
This job will close when we have received 250 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Location
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$64,469 - $112,140 per year

The actual salary will fall in this range and be based on the grade and location of the individual(s) selected for this position.

Pay scale & grade
GS 9 - 11
Promotion potential
12
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
76% or greater - You may be expected to travel 11 or more nights for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Secret
Position sensitivity and risk
NCS/High Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
DHA-13088705-27-DC
Control number
891129600

Duties

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Federal Protective Service is hiring for law enforcement jobs that have an exciting opportunity! Once onboarded, you may be assigned for up to one year to support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force. The law enforcement component of the D.C. Task Force is a partnership of over 20 federal and local agencies working together to make D.C. the safest city in America. Once the assignment ends, you'll transition back to support the Federal Protective Service. Visit the D.C. Task Force page for more information.

This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Protective Service, Auburn, Washington; Grand Prairie, Texas; Kansas City, Missouri.

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a member of the Federal Protective Service Rapid Protection Force, conducting law enforcement, criminal investigations, facility security assessments, and inspections of federal facilities and contract security operations. The position helps identify and reduce security risks and may deploy to support enhanced security operations or respond to emergencies.

Duties performed:

  • Conduct facility security assessments by evaluating physical, cyber, and technical security systems; identifying risks and vulnerabilities; and recommending countermeasures. At GS-09, independently assess lower-risk facilities and assist with higher-risk assessments. At GS-11, independently assess facilities across risk levels and assist less senior specialists.

  • Perform federal law enforcement duties under 40 U.S.C. § 1315 to protect people and property at federal facilities. Enforce laws and facility rules, preserve the peace, respond to emergencies, and detain or apprehend suspects as authorized.

  • Conduct investigations of suspected criminal violations involving federal facilities and infrastructure. Gather and evaluate information, prepare investigative reports and affidavits, and serve or execute warrants, subpoenas, and other legal documents as authorized.

  • Inspect federal facilities and monitor contract security performance for compliance with security requirements, contracts, and post orders. Identify deficiencies, document findings, and recommend corrective actions.

  • Support Rapid Protection Force operations by participating in enhanced security and emergency response activities, providing security awareness training to facility stakeholders, and coordinating with agency officials and other partners.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
  • You must successfully pass a background investigation. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov/).
  • One-year probationary period may be required.
  • A pre-employment drug test will be required.
  • If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application.
  • DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States.
  • All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
  • License required: Yes. Motor Vehicle License
  • Pre-employment physical required: Yes
  • This is a non-bargaining unit position.
  • Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expenses will not be paid.
  • Promotion Potential: When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval.
  • Random Drug Testing: This position is subject to random drug testing.
  • Essential Personnel: This position is designated as essential personnel. Essential personnel must be able to serve during continuity of operation events without regard to declarations of liberal leave or government closures due to weather, protests, and acts of terrorism or lack of funding. Failure to report for or remain in this position may result in disciplinary or adverse action in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations (5 U.S.C. § 7501-7533 and 5 CFR Part 752, as applicable).
  • Travel: The incumbent of this position will be required to travel frequently.
  • Tour of Duty: Must be available for overtime and shift work.
  • Mobility Agreement: This position may require the incumbent to be reassigned to different geographic locations. Accordingly, the incumbent will be required to sign a mobility agreement, which will remain in effect through the duration of the assignment.

Qualifications

Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the Minimum Qualification/Specialized Experience requirements as noted below.

Minimum Qualifications:

GS-09: Applicant must demonstrate one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-07 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors) performing the following duties:

  1. Providing law enforcement services to protect people and property. Examples include patrolling, enforcing laws or rules, responding to calls or emergencies, and detaining or arresting people when authorized; and
  2. Investigating suspected criminal violations. Examples include gathering information, interviewing witnesses, reviewing records or evidence, and preparing reports about what happened; and
  3. Assessing facilities for security risks. Examples include checking doors, locks, access controls, cameras, alarms, lighting, guard procedures, or emergency plans to identify security weaknesses.
OR Have successfully completed a master's or equivalent graduate degree; or two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree; or L.L.B or J.D., if related, that provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform this work. Note: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted to support your claim.

OR Have a combination of specialized experience (less than one year) and graduate education (beyond one year of graduate education), that when combined equals 100% of the qualification requirement. Note: Only graduate education in excess of one year (generally 18 semester hours) may be used in this calculation. You must submit a copy of your college transcripts (official or unofficial) and your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet the experience to support your claim.

GS-11: Applicant must demonstrate one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-09 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors) performing the following duties:
  1. Independently assessing facility security. Examples include evaluating security systems such as access controls, cameras, alarms, or cybersecurity measures; identifying vulnerabilities; and recommending ways to reduce risks; and
  2. Conducting complex criminal investigations. Examples include investigating cases that require extensive information gathering, reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and preparing detailed investigative reports; and
  3. Analyzing security inspection results. Examples include identifying recurring or significant deficiencies in a facility's security or guard operations and recommending corrective actions.
OR Have successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.M., if related, from an accredited college or university that provided the knowledge skills, and abilities necessary to perform this work. Note: You must submit a copy of your college transcripts (unofficial or official) to support your claim.

OR Have a combination of specialized experience (less than one year) and graduate education (beyond 2 years of graduate education), that when combined equals 100% of the qualification requirement. Note: Only graduate education in excess of two years (generally 36 semester hours) may be used in this calculation. You must submit a copy of your college transcripts (unofficial or official) and your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet the experience to support your claim.

NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Limit your resume to two pages. Only resumes 2 pages in length will be accepted to determine eligibility and qualifications.


All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.

NOTE:
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.

ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Training:
This position will be a Team Member for the FPS Rapid Protection Force. As such, the incumbent of this position will receive advanced training and tactics to meet the challenges of being deployed anywhere in the nation at a moment's notice with or without established infrastructure. The incumbent must meet the established experience, RPF basic training requirements, participate and successfully pass all blocks of instruction during RPFBTP to graduate from the program. And all FPS in service training requirements established for the enforcement of police powers. Must attend and participate in Weekly Training (3 days) dedicated to physical fitness, Quarterly Training (1week), Monthly Training (2days) Annual Training (1 week), Semiannual and annual PT Test.

Incumbent must successfully complete the designated, required training which includes the basic Criminal Investigators Training Program (CITP) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) or the Uniformed Police Training Program (UPTP), the Advanced Individual Training Program (AITP), and the Physical Security Training Program (PSTP). Additionally, the selectee must successfully complete the Field Training and Evaluation other in-service requirements and weapons qualifications for the enforcement of arrest authority as conferred under 1315 authority.

Occupational Safety and Health Requirement: The incumbent will be required to comply with all pertinent Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements including use of all personal protective equipment (PPE) provided, in accordance with training, work instructions, and as required by the task at hand.

Law Enforcement: This position will possess law enforcement authority under Title 40 of the United States Code, Section 1315, exercising such authority to provide investigative and law enforcement services to customer agencies, Federal employees, and members of the general public located and/or conducting business in government-owned or leased properties.

Pre-employment Medical Requirements: Prior to appointment the person selected for this position must be determined physically fit by an authorized government physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties which may include protecting citizens, taking suspects into custody using reasonable physical force in the face of physical resistance and responding to situations requiring physical agility and quick and legally sufficient decision making. Also successfully pass a pre-employment medical examination (which includes, but is not limited to vision, hearing, cardiovascular and mobility of extremities) given by an authorized government physician. This position may be subject to periodic incumbent examinations in the future.

Lautenberg Amendment: This position is covered by the 1996 Lautenberg Amendment to the Gun Control Act of 1968. Person convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime of domestic violence are not eligible for this position.

Firearms Requirements: The incumbent will be required to carry a firearm while performing duties of this position. Maintaining firearm proficiency is also mandatory.

Motor Vehicle Operation: The incumbent must possess a valid automobile driver's license at the time of appointment and be available for frequent travel.

Education

If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. Failure to provide such documentation with your application will result in lost consideration. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires each and every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation for a SECRET clearance as a condition of placement in this NON-CRITICAL SENSITIVE position. This review includes financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.

Pursuant to Executive Order 12654 and DHS policy, DHS is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Headquarters personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing and all applicants tentatively selected for employment at DHS Headquarters are subject to drug testing resulting in a negative test result.

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP/CTAP): This program applies to Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed, or employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet eligibility criteria for CTAP or ICTAP; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position; and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. Well-Qualified includes those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and abilities clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position. For information on eligibility criteria and required documentation, go to: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp

Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov/).

If you are unable to apply online contact staffacq-applicant@opm.gov.

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.

Direct Hire Authority: These positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority. The "Rule of Three", Category Rating and Veterans Preference will not apply to this vacancy. For more information on Direct Hire Authority, please see: OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet.

Veterans: Under the provisions of the Direct-Hire Authority, veterans' preference does not apply. However, applicants who are eligible for Veterans Preference are still encouraged to include that information in their application and submit supporting documentation (i.e. DD-214, or other substantiating documents). For more information on veterans' preference see http://www.fedshirevets.gov/.

You will be evaluated for this position based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Your application package, including your resume, responses to the assessment questionnaire, and any required supporting documentation, will be reviewed to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications and eligibility requirements for the position. Applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications will not receive further consideration.

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.
You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

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


To preview the assessment questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13088705

DHS Headquarters

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws, safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a diverse workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Employee Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more. (Disabled Veteran Leave.)

View Common Definitions of terms found in this announcement.

Agency contact information

Staff Acquisition Applicant Support

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Learn more about what it's like to work at DHS Headquarters, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.dhs.gov/

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