Security Specialist

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

USDA APHIS in Fort Collins seeks a Security Specialist in the ERCS Division of DASAT to oversee laboratory security controls under 7 CFR Part 331 and 9 CFR Part 121. You will provide technical assistance and enforce security practices across staff and partners.

You will also develop security guidance, analyze incident data, and disseminate findings to support policy and operational decisions in emergency response contexts.

Qualifications

• GS-12 level requires one year of specialized experience with security program responsibilities.
• Experience includes reviewing security and incident response plans for laboratories or facilities.
• Experience providing security consultation to stakeholders and analyzing security data.

Responsibilities

• Serve as subject matter expert on security for laboratories under select agent regulations.
• Communicate and promote technical assistance to internal and external partners.
• Enforce laboratory security practices and disseminate security standards to staff.
• Develop recommendations to enhance physical security and emergency preparedness.
• Disseminate results through reports, SOPs, guidance, and publications.
• Maintain relationships with officials and regulated entities; communicate complex info clearly.
• Use automated systems to document, track, and analyze security information and evaluations.

Skills

On-site security inspections

Security plans review

Data analysis

Security guidance creation

Stakeholder communication

Emergency preparedness

Job description

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

This position is located in Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Emergency and Regulatory Compliance Services, (ERCS) Division of Agricultural Select Agents and Toxins (DASAT). The incumbent serves as a Security Specialist in the Technical Branch.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates experience: Conducts on-site security inspections, and reviews security and incident response plan of laboratories or facilities to assess that physical, personnel, cyber, and inventory controls are consistent with select agent regulations. Provides security consultation to internal and external stakeholders on registered entity security issues. Analyzes security, inspection and/or incident data to identify risks and recommend corrective actions. Develops and reviews security guidance materials, procedures, policies, technical documents, and/or training materials. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

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:

• Serves as a subject matter expert on security by applying comprehensive knowledge of laboratory security controls as required under 7 CFR Part 331 and 9 CFR Part 121, ensuring these measures are effectively implemented.
• Communicates and promotes the division providing technical assistance to internal and external partners as needed.
• Practices and enforces laboratory security practices; follow established security guidelines and disseminate standards to all staff.
• Develops recommendations for enhancing physical security measures, facility safety, and emergency preparedness for entities.
• Disseminates results of a wide range of venues including the development of both operational and policy decisions, inspection reports, SOPs, guidance materials, FAQ's, government publications, and special reports.
• Promotes APHIS policies, maintains effective working relationships with officials from all levels of government and interest groups, and communicates highly technical information in a variety of persuasive and informational situations.
• Communicates to the regulated community specific compliance-related requirements.
• Uses automated systems to document, track, and analyze select agent security information and conducts periodic evaluations to assess policy effectiveness and identify long-term security improvements.

Position Start Date

09/23/2026

Position Close Date

09/29/2026

Salary Offered

89508-116362 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