Security Specialist (International Port)

U.S. Coast Guard; Portsmouth (VA); On-site; USD 97,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Coast Guard in Portsmouth, VA is seeking a Security Specialist (International Port) at GS-0080-13 to serve as an expert on port security governance and to evaluate foreign port security performance.

The role includes conducting foreign port assessments, delivering training, implementing risk mitigation, and preparing detailed reports. You will lead maritime security workshops in foreign ports and draft improvement recommendations to strengthen international partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert on port security governance and evaluate foreign port security performance.
• Conduct foreign port assessments, training, risk mitigation, and report writing.
• Lead maritime security workshops and seminars in foreign ports as exercise leader, instructor, presenter, and facilitator.
• Evaluate international instruments, laws, regulations, procedures, and controls and provide improvement recommendations.
• Collect port security information and consolidate findings to draft reports and surveys.
• Monitor team performance during evaluation and reporting phases.

Job description

Security Specialist (International Port)

• Department: Department of Homeland Security

This vacancy is for a GS-0080-13, Security Specialist (International Port) located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Atlantic Area (LANTAREA), Preparedness Division, International Port Security Branch in Portsmouth, Virginia.

Key Responsibilities

You will serve as a Security Specialist (International Port) and be responsible for being a subject matter expert on port security governance and facility security to evaluate and measure the efficacy of foreign trade partners' maritime supply chain security. Normal tasks include foreign port assessment, training, risk mitigation, technical assistance and report writing. Being a Coast Guard civilian makes you a valuable member of the Coast Guard team.

Typical work assignments include: Serving as an exercise leader, instructor, presenter, and facilitator for maritime and security workshops and seminars, in foreign ports. Offering recommendations on whether adequate anti-terrorism measures and security protocols are in place in a country's ports and prepares reports and surveys to substantiate those recommendations.

Evaluating suitability and effectiveness of international instruments, laws, regulations, procedures, and controls and provides improvement recommendations. Collecting accurate port security information and consolidates findings to draft reports and surveys. Monitoring the performance of team members during evaluation phase and completion of each country's assessment.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application.

Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis.

If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement.

To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. Reasonable Accommodation Information

Requirements & Education

This position does not have a positive education requirement. If you are including education on your resume, report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Required Documents section for detail. Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include flexible work schedules; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers.

DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select \"Benefits.\" Disabled veteran leave will be available to any federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service- connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $108019 – $108019/yr.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Secret security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-17.

How many openings are available?

There are 2 openings for this position.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.