Program Specialist

U.S.-Citizenship-and-Immigration-Services; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

USCIS is seeking a Program Specialist to oversee off-site biometric collection and identity information management within immigration systems, supporting national security and integrity of lawful immigration. The role focuses on compliance with regulatory requirements, coordinating logistics for off-site assignments, and reporting observed issues to supervisors.

Qualifications escalate from GS-07 through GS-11 levels, with options for graduate education, advanced degrees, or professional

Job description

Protect your homeland and defend your culture. Join USCIS, America's frontline defense against illegal foreign infiltration and fraud.

As a Program Specialist, you will be responsible for federal oversight of off-site biometric collection and identity information management in immigration systems to support national security, public safety, and the integrity of lawful immigration.

The qualifications for this position must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 10/09/2026.

Time in Grade does not apply to Delegated Examining Announcements, any reference to Time in Grade in the questionnaire will not apply to the rating and ranking of applicants.

GS-07:

You qualify at the GS-07 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the federal government, that equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the majority of the following duties:

• Providing guidance and oversight to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, such as approved disability accommodations during home visits;
• Assisting in gathering and reconciling identifying information and documentation, referring discrepancies to supervisors;
• Compiling routine findings and reporting observed issues to supervisors;
• Performing administrative tasks such as completing travel vouchers, logistics coordination, and supply management for off-site assignments.

OR

• You may substitute successful completion of one year of fulltime graduate education for the experience required at the GS-07 level. This education must have been obtained from an accredited college or university and demonstrate the skills necessary to do the work of the position. Check with your school to determine how many credit hours comprise a year of graduate education. If that information is not available, use 18 semester or 27 quarter hours.

OR

• You may also substitute superior academic achievement for the experience required at the GS-07 level. You must have completed the requirements for a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with either: (1) class standing in the upper third of a graduating class or major subdivision; or, (2) a grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale based on four (4) years of education or the final two (2) years; or, (3) a grade point average of 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final two (2) years of the curriculum; or, (4) membership in a national scholastic honor society.

GS-09:

You qualify at the GS-09 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the federal government, that equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the majority of the following duties:

• Conducting and/or overseeing off-site biometric collection operations, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and quality standards;
• Serving as a point of contact for contractors and internal stakeholders, providing guidance and resolving routine and moderately complex identity issues;
• Identifying and documenting potential fraud or discrepancies, initiating referral procedures and preparing supporting materials in accordance with internal policies;
• Coordinating and managing logistics for off-site assignments such as travel arrangements, supply management, and completion of administrative documentation.

OR

• You may substitute a Master's degree or two (2) full years of graduate education leading to such a degree in any field, or a J.D. or L.L.B. degree for experience required at the GS-09 grade level. Such education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. Check with your school to determine how many credit hours comprise two years of graduate education. If that information is not available, use 36 semester or 54 quarter hours.

GS-11:

You qualify at the GS-11 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the federal government, that equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the majority of the following duties:

• Leading and overseeing off-site biometric collection operations, providing expert guidance to staff to ensure procedural compliance;
• Conducting comprehensive quality assurance reviews, developing improved procedures and guidelines for biometric collection;
• Advising and mentoring staff in fraud detection referral, and supporting leadership on complex and sensitive cases;
• Participating in planning sessions and process improvement initiatives to enhance program effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance.

OR

• You may substitute a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent degree) or three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in any field, or L.L.M. if related for experience at the GS-11 grade level or such education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. Check with your school to determine how many credit hours comprise three years of graduate study. If that information is not available, use 54 semester or 81 quarter hours.