Public Notice - Security Specialist (Direct Hire)

NASA; Mississippi; On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

NASA is seeking a Security Specialist in the Office of Protective Services to apply, interpret, and evaluate security regulations, policies, and directives to strengthen programs and support mission objectives.

Positions are in various organizations and locations, spanning GS-09 through GS-13 levels. A strong emphasis on developing and implementing protective security measures and training initiatives is required.

Qualifications

• GS-09: One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to GS-07 level.
• GS-09: Interpreting, evaluating, and applying security regulations to support objectives.
• GS-09: Completion of a master's or equivalent graduate degree in an appropriate field.
• GS-09: Completion of 2 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education toward a master's or equivalent.
• GS-09: LL.B or J.D, if related.
• GS-09: Equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed above.
• GS-11: One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to GS-09 level.
• GS-11: Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in an appropriate field.
• GS-11: 3 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education toward a Ph.D.
• GS-11: LL.M., if related.
• GS-11: Equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed above.
• GS-12: One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to GS-11 level.
• GS-12: Demonstrated expertise in security and training programs through assessments and program improvements.
• GS-12: Designing, evaluating, and revising training systems with measurable outcomes.
• GS-12: Applying educational principles to improve training effectiveness.
• GS-13: One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to GS-12 level.
• GS-13: Applying advanced law enforcement and security protocols to plan, direct, and evaluate protective operations.

Job description

As a Security Specialist in the Office of Protective Services, you will apply, interpret, and evaluate security regulations, policies, and directives to strengthen organizational programs and achieve mission objectives. Positions advertised are in various organizations and locations. NASA may fill positions in any of the following grade levels listed in this announcement (GS-09/11/12/13 levels). Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.

To qualify for GS-09 level, you must have:

a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level:

• Applying relevant security regulations, policies, or guidelines to support program or organizational objectives.
• Assisting with guidance relating to information/industrial security, personnel security or national security.

OR

b) Completed all requirements for a master's or equivalent graduate degree in an appropriate field

OR

c) Completed 2 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree in an appropriate field

OR

d) LL.B or J.D, if related

OR

e) Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed in a), b), c) and d) above

To qualify for GS-11, you must have:

a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level:

• Interpreting, evaluating, and applying security regulations, policies, and directives to develop, implement, or improve security programs that support organizational objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve security issues, develop program enhancements, or ensure successful execution of protective security requirements.

OR

b) Completed all requirements for a doctoral degree (i.e., Ph.D. or equivalent) in an appropriate field

OR

c) Completed 3 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree in an appropriate field

OR

d) LL.M., if related

OR

e) Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed in a), b), c) and d) above

To qualify for GS-12, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level:

• Demonstrated comprehensive expertise in law-enforcement concepts and security procedures by conducting assessments, enforcing protocols, and reducing operational risks through measurable improvements.
• Designed, evaluated, and revised specialized training systems and materials using structured performance metrics, resulting in increased trainee proficiency and reduced remediation rates.
• Applied educational principles and training methodologies to continuously assess and refine programs and overall training effectiveness.

To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level:

• Apply advanced law enforcement principles and security protocols to plan, direct, and evaluate protective operations, ensuring compliance and measurable risk-reduction.
• Develop, update, and assess training systems and materials using established instructional methodologies, producing quantifiable improvements in workforce proficiency and operational readiness.
• Conduct continuous evaluation and enhancement of training programs by applying educational theory and advanced training methodologies in performance and program effectiveness.

Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job.

Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of artificial intelligent (AI) or AI-assisted tools during the application process.