National Targeting and Security Specialist

Air Force Institute of Technology; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established federal agency is seeking a qualified candidate for a position that demands strong analytical and interpersonal skills. This role involves evaluating reports, conducting interactions with field personnel, and delivering critical guidance in high-pressure situations. The ideal candidate will possess specialized experience and a solid educational background, ready to tackle complex analytical problems. Join a dedicated team that values vigilance, integrity, and service to the country. If you are passionate about contributing to national security and have the required qualifications, this opportunity could be your next career step.

Qualifications

• 1 year of specialized experience at GS12 level or equivalent.
• Ability to conduct evaluations and deliver guidance.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and validate reports and plans.
• Collect and process information to resolve complex issues.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, National Targeting Center (NTC)- Cargo Division in Sterling, VA.

Experience: You qualify for the GS13 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

1. Evaluating, discussing, and validating reports and plans.
2. Conducting intensive interactions with field personnel in stressful situations and delivering guidance to field personnel.
3. Collecting, reviewing, processing and evaluating information using creative methodology to resolve complex issues.
4. Developing data and methods for solving analytical problems.
5. Delivering briefings to managers that may include prepared studies and staff reports.

NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements.

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.

You must:

1. Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and
2. Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 02/17/2025.

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.

Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information, review the following links: Background investigation and the e-QIP process.

Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions:

1. Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
2. A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government
3. Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
4. Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government

Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.