Security Assistant

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 44,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

USDA APHIS is seeking personnel security support to handle background checks and credentialing for agency staff. The role covers PIV processing, database research, and SF-85 handling with Livescan fingerprinting for SAC submissions, ensuring document accuracy and timely follow-ups.

The position starts 09/01/2026 and closes 09/08/2026, offering a salary range of 44,410 to 57,734 USD per year. Candidates should meet education requirements and have Office, tracking, and security process experience.

Qualifications

• Eligible with one of the listed degree paths completed within the previous 2 years.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and data tracking.
• Operate LiveScan fingerprinting for SAC submissions.
• Verify paperwork accuracy per SOPs.

Responsibilities

• Collect and review background forms for accuracy and missing docs.
• Administer PIV request process for employee credentials.
• Research security databases and background investigations.
• Process SF-85 forms as a technical expert.
• Pull and analyze SF-85 reports and follow up as needed.
• Transmit Livescan fingerprints for SAC.
• Prepare correspondence identifying required corrections.
• Facilitate investigation closures upon certificates or clearances.

Skills

Microsoft Office Suite

Tracking spreadsheets

Livescan fingerprinting

Paperwork accuracy checks

Education

Associate, bachelor, master, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree/certificate

Tools

LiveScan fingerprint machine

SF-85 processing knowledge

Job description

Find Your Future With Us at USDA – Animal Plant Health Inspection Service

Job Summary

If selected you would conduct a wide variety of technical support and range of assignments related to the Personnel Security and credentialing process for federal and non-federal personnel employed by the agency.

Qualifications

To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following requirements; Completed all requirements for an associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two (2) years; or Individuals who, due to military service obligation, were precluded from applying to the Recent Graduates Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period described above shall have a full 2-year period of eligibility upon release or discharge from active duty. This eligibility period cannot extend more than 6 years from the date on which the requirements for the academic course of study were met. In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements above, applicants must possess the experience requirements as follows:

• Using Microsoft Office Suite and associated applications.
• Maintaining and updating tracking spreadsheets and files.
• Operating LiveScan Fingerprint machine for submitting fingerprints for Special Agency Check (SAC).
• Verifying accuracy of paperwork and making adjustments and corrections as needed according to standard operating procedures.

Major Duties

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Collect and review all background investigation and security clearance forms for accuracy; contacts employees and/or program officials for missing documentation when necessary.
• Administer the Personal Identity Verification (PIV) request process for employee credentials.
• Research and updates personnel security databases and associated documents on required background investigations.
• Serves as the technical expert in processing SF-85, Non-Sensitive/Low-Risk Background Investigations.
• Pull reports on pending SF-85 requests; analyze the content of the reports and conducts appropriate follow-up (e.g. overdue submissions, delinquent or missing forms, correspondences, etc. )
• Operates the Livescan machine for fingerprinting new employees. Transmits the fingerprint cards or Livescan fingerprints for the Special Agency Check (SAC)
• Prepares and signs correspondence to customers identifying required corrections and/or additions.
• Facilitates the closing of investigations upon receipt of certificates, suitability determinations, or clearances.

Position Start Date

09/01/2026

Position Close Date

09/08/2026

Salary Offered

44410 - 57734 USD Per Year

You can make a difference! The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) needs bright, energetic and committed professionals to facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and to protect the health and care of animals and plants in the United States. We operate in domestic and global markets. Be part of an organization that protects the health and agriculture of the American people. Join our team!To learn more about what it's like to work at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, what the agency does, and the types of careers, please visit the APHIS careers site. APHIS is an emergency response agency. This means that all Agency employees may be asked or assigned to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments to support emergency programs at some time during their careers with APHIS. For details click: APHIS Emergency Response