SECURITY SPECIALIST

Department of the Air Force Headquarters (DAF); Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 169,000 - 197,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation reimbursement

Telework eligible

Job summary

The Department of the Air Force Headquarters (DAF) seeks a Senior Program Security Officer to oversee SAP policy, AMCP alignment, and SCG compliance across multiple PAEs/PEOs. This is a high-sensitivity, special-access role requiring SCI eligibility.

Based at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA, the position is GG-15, permanent, with telework eligibility and relocation assistance. Travel is occasional; security clearances and DCIPS governance are essential to protect critical programs.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of SAP information, industrial and personnel security policies, principles and practices.
• DoD, Air Force and Intelligence Community program management knowledge.
• Advanced knowledge of security training concepts and programs.
• Ability to develop, analyze and evaluate security programs for classified missions.
• Experience leading security policy interpretation and guidance.
• Ability to communicate with high-ranking officials in writing and orally.

Responsibilities

• Serves as Senior PSO supporting a major SAP umbrella with multiple PAEs/PEOs.
• Directs administration of the Information Systems Security Program to ensure secure operations.
• Directs the Personnel Security Program and provides policy interpretation for PSOs and CPSOs.
• Directs the Physical Security Program and ensures accreditation of SAP facilities.
• Provides policy oversight to PSOs and CSS in security education and motivation programs.

Skills

SAP information

Industrial security

Personnel security

Program management

Security training

Communication

Job description

Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the Senior Program Security Officer (PSO) ensuring the Special Access Programs (SAP) under a SAP umbrella supporting multiple Portfolio Acquisition Executives (PAE)/Program Executive Officers (PEO) is in full compliance with Special Access Program Policy, country specific Access Management Control Plan (AMCP), and Security Classification Guidance (SCGs).

Location

Pentagon, Arlington, VA

Work site options

• Telework eligible: Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
• Remote job: No
• Relocation expenses reimbursed: Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.

Salary

$169,279 – $197,200 per year

Pay scale & grade

GG 15

Promotion potential

15

Work schedule

Full-time

Travel Required

Occasional travel – You may be expected to travel for this position.

Appointment type

Permanent

Occupational Series

• 0080 Security Administration

Supervisory status

No

Federal service type

This job is in the Excepted Service

Represented by a union

No

Drug test

Yes

Security clearance

Sensitive Compartmented Information

Position sensitivity and risk

Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk

Background check type

• Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure required

No

Announcement number

9L-DCIPS-13104852-555524-IR

Control number

890801700

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

• DUTY 1: Serves as a Senior Program Security Officer supporting a major SAP umbrella with multiple Portfolio Acquisition Executives (PAE)/Program Executive Officers (PEO).
• DUTY 2: Directs the Administration of the Information Systems Security Program to ensure secure accomplishment of the enterprise’s missions, goals and objectives through proactive application of security principles, policies, and practices.
• DUTY 3: Directs the Personnel Security Program. Provides policy interpretation and guidance for the Personnel Security Program for the Program Security Officers, government agencies, and all entities involved in the SAP.
• DUTY 4: Directs the Physical Security Program. Ensures appropriate documentation and accreditors of Special Access Program Facilities (SAPF) are performed across the PAEs/PEOs.
• DUTY 5: Provides policy oversight and interpretation to Program Security Officers (PSO), staff agency security managers, Contractor Program Security Officers (CPSO), and Contract Security Support (CSS) in implementing security education and motivation programs.

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• All new DCIPS employees are required to complete a two-year DCIPS trial period.
• This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
• Must be registered for Selective Service, see Legal and Regulatory Guide
• Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays
• Overtime may be required as workload demands and in some cases with no-notice due to urgency of time-sensitive matters. Periodic shift work may be required if assigned as a watch-standing analyst.
• Employee must maintain current certifications
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit
• Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume
• Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for this position
• Relocation Incentive may be authorized for this positionLeave accrual may be authorized upon request
• Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
• Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
• Professional Staff (Pro-Staff) Suitability Investigations (PSI): The incumbent must undergo an internal background investigation by AFOSI and must be approved for duty by the Commander of AFOSI or the Commander’s designated representative(s).
• Polygraph: Incumbent is subject to psychological screening/polygraph testing as an inherent primary requirement of their position.
• Mobility: Mobility is a condition of employment. The employee must sign an Air Force-wide mobility agreement.
• Travel by regularly scheduled commercial or military conveyance in accordance with Joint Travel regulations may be required in performance of temporary duty.

Qualifications

This is a GG-15 position in the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). The GG-15 duties for the “Professional” work category are at the “Senior” work level and are equivalent to those at the GS-15 level. The selectee’s salary will be set within the 15-grade equivalent to a GS/GG grade based on the selectee’s qualifications in relation to the job.

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions.

Experience required

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Your resume must reflect the quality level of experience which demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies necessary for successful job performance required for this position. Examples of creditable experience include: Applying experimental theories and new developments to problems not susceptible to treatment by accepted methods or makes decisions or recommendations significantly changing, interpreting, or developing important policies and programs. Extensive knowledge of SAP information, industrial, and personnel security policies, concepts, principles and practices to plan and implement security programs in these areas as well as USAF research and technology protection procedures. Comprehensive knowledge of DoD, Air Force, and Intelligence Community program management policies and objectives. Advanced knowledge of required security training concepts, programs, procedures, and practices to assist managers in establishing and operating internal security programs. Demonstrate expertise in developing, analyzing, and evaluating security programs to meet classified mission requirements. Note: Creditable experience may include previous military experience, experience gained in the private sector, or experience gained in another government agency.

Knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs)

1. Extensive knowledge of SAP information, industrial, and personnel security policies, concepts, principles and practices to plan and implement security programs in these areas as well as USAF research and technology protection procedures.
2. Comprehensive knowledge of DoD, Air Force, and Intelligence Community program management policies and objectives.
3. Advanced knowledge of required security training concepts, programs, procedures, and practices to assist managers in establishing and operating internal security programs.
4. Demonstrate expertise in developing, analyzing, and evaluating security programs to meet classified mission requirements.
5. Skill in performing full range of personnel management responsibilities to include technical oversight and coordination of all security training; and other functions as directed; and independently accomplish difficult and complex advisory functions which are characterized by a great depth, breadth, and variety of program applications.
6. Proven ability to establish effective professional working relationships with coworkers, subordinates, high- ranking officials and customers. Contributing to a cooperative working environment and a successful accomplishment of the mission. Demonstrate ability to communicate to high-ranking officials orally and in writing, clearly, concisely, and accurately.

Conditions of Employment Continued

1. Special Sensitive: Position is designated special-sensitive and requires eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or involvement in Top Secret Special Access Programs (SAP) to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. A non-disclosure agreement must be signed.
2. Drug Testing: This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive position presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety.
3. The work requires the employee to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate, valid driver’s license is required for the position.
4. Department of Defense Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC) conferral is required within 2 years of the established employee EOD or initial assignment date to this position in accordance with DOD 3305.13-M, DoD Security Accreditation and Certification and AFI 36-2645, Security Professional Certification and Development. The listed certification requirements may not be deleted or modified without the written approval of the AF Security Functional Authority (SAF/AA) or their delegated security career field representative.
5. Key Position: This position is designated as a key position IAW AFI 36-507. Duties of this position are essential to the accomplishment of wartime/contingency operations. Incumbents of key positions must be removed from their military recall status if alternative for filling of the position during an emergency are not available.

Part-time or unpaid experience

Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

Volunteer work experience

Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

++ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:++

This position is a Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel Systems (DCIPS) position implemented under Section 504, Title V of Public Law 99-569, Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987, as codified in Sec 1601, Chap 83 of Title 10 United States Code which sets forth Air Force policies and procedures for DCIPS. This position is in the Excepted Service.

DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans’ Preference to preference eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans’ preference, as defined by section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you must submit documents verifying your eligibility with your application package.

Additional information

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants.

120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties.

Selectees who physically reside permanently in the U.S., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or Northern Mariana Islands, and the Possessions of the U.S., during the entire recruitment process (application, selection, and acceptance of a formal job offer) and selected for employment in the foreign area are eligible to receive certain foreign area benefits such as: Living Quarters Allowance (LQA) or government quarters, Post Allowance, Home Leave, etc. (subject to approval)

Selectees who physically reside outside the U.S., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or Northern Mariana Islands, and the Possessions of the U.S., during any step of the recruitment process (application, selection, and acceptance of a formal job offer) will have foreign area benefits eligibility be determined on a case by case basis.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

Agency contact information

Total Force Service Center

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Address: IC – Air Force DCIPS
550 C Street W
JBSA Randolph AFB, TX 78150
US

Closing date

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/12/2026