Security Guard

US Smithsonian Institution; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Smithsonian Institution, Office of Protection Services, is seeking qualified candidates for security-related positions. The selected applicant will participate in guarding and protecting museum properties and personnel, following established procedures and reporting incidents as required.

Applicants should meet specialized experience requirements and be prepared for character investigations, medical screenings, and adherence to security protocols within a federal environment.

Qualifications

• 1) Following written and oral instructions of security officer rules, procedures, and methods to perform security duties.
• 2) Preventing theft, vandalism and crimes against persons and/or property.
• 3) Gathering statements and facts to prepare reports regarding offenses and incidents.

Job description

The Smithsonian Institution is a diverse museum and research complex dedicated to the increase and diffusion of knowledge.This position is located in Smithsonian Institution, Office of Protection Services. The Office of Protection Services (OPS) is responsible for overseeing, a large museum/complex law enforcement and security program, and leading and providing protection throughout the Smithsonian Institution.

Basic Qualifications:

Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 and above): Experience such as work with a Federal, State, municipal, local, or private protective organization that involved the protection of property against such hazards as fire, theft, damage, accident, or trespass; or maintaining order and protecting life. Such experience must have provided a knowledge of protective systems and techniques. Acceptable experience includes service in the Armed Services or Coast Guard that involved the performance of guard duties on a regular or intermittent basis. For Security Guard positions in a hospital setting, experience as a psychiatric nursing assistant or a similar position safeguarding patients is qualifying.

In addition to the basic qualification requirement listed above, you must also meet the specialized experience requirement below:

GS-05: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-04 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as:

• 1) Following written and oral instructions of security officer rules, procedures, and methods to perform security duties;
• 2) Preventing theft, vandalism and crimes against persons and/or property;
• and/or
• 3) Gathering statements and facts to prepare reports regarding offenses and incidents.

GS-06: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as:

• 1) Following written and oral instructions of security officer rules, procedures, and methods to perform security duties;
• 2) Preventing theft, vandalism and crimes against persons and/or property;
• 3) Gathering statements and facts to prepare reports regarding offenses and incidents;
• 4) Answering inquiries from visitors and aides persons in distress;
• and/or
• 5) Denying admission to undesirable or unauthorized persons.

Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience.

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.

Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.

Investigation of Fitness

A character investigation may be conducted on applicants selected for employment. The purpose of such an investigation is to secure evidence of the candidate's honesty, integrity, general character, and loyalty to the U.S. Government. Such investigations will be conducted under the security requirements of the hiring agency.

Medical Requirements

The duties of these positions require moderate to arduous physical exertion and/or duties of a hazardous nature. The following medical requirements apply to all applicants: good near and distant vision, ability to distinguish basic colors, and ability to hear the conversational voice. Agencies may establish additional, job‑related physical or medical requirements provided that the specific position(s) involves the arduous or hazardous duties to which the requirements relate.

Applicants and employees must have the capacity to perform the essential functions of the position without risk to themselves or others. In most instances, a specific medical condition or impairment will not automatically disqualify an applicant or employee. A medical condition or impairment is disqualifying only if the condition, for good medical reason, precludes assignment to or warrants restriction from the duties of the specific position. For some positions, the loss or impairment of a specific function may be compensated for by the satisfactory use of a prosthesis or mechanical aid. Reasonable accommodation shall also be considered in determining an applicant's ability to perform the duties of a position. Reasonable accommodation may include, but is not limited to the use of assistive devices, job modification or restructuring, provision of readers and interpreters, or adjusted work schedules.