SECURITY SPECIALIST (OPSEC)

US Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency; Linthicum (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) seeks a highly motivated Security Specialist to support the OPSEC Security Support Element. The incumbent will serve as an OPSEC subject matter expert providing security analysis, assessments, advisory services, education, training and technical assistance to Defense Agencies and Field Activities (DAFAs).

You must have specialized experience and be prepared to perform duties comparable in difficulty to the next lower grade in the Federal

Qualifications

• Specialized OPSEC experience demonstrating knowledge, skills and abilities per OPM 0080 standards.
• Ability to interpret OPSEC policies, procedures and regulations.
• Experience identifying vulnerabilities and providing actionable recommendations.
• Capability to conduct OPSEC assessments and deliver training content.

Responsibilities

• Serve as OPSEC subject matter expert providing security analysis, assessments, advisory services, education, training and technical assistance to DA FAs.
• Develop and deliver OPSEC training content across learning platforms.
• Brief diverse stakeholders with clear, concise communications on security matters.
• Identify vulnerabilities, assess risk, and recommend mitigations in operational and non-operational contexts.

Skills

OPSEC expertise

Security assessments

Training delivery

Advisory services

Oral/written briefing

Job description

The Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) is seeking a highly motivated Security Specialist to support the OPSEC Security Support Element. The incumbent will serve as an OPSEC subject matter expert providing security analysis, assessments, advisory services, education, training and technical assistance to Defense Agencies and Field Activities (DAFAs).

The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the Office of Personnel Management's (OPMs) basic qualifications requirements. See: Security Administration Series - 0080 for OPM qualification standards, competencies and specialized experience needed to perform the duties of the position as described in the MAJOR DUTIES and QUALIFICATIONS sections of this announcement by 09/14/2026 .

Applicant must have directly applicable experience that demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies necessary for immediate success in the position. Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position.

You must have specialized experience sufficient to demonstrate that you have acquired all the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade GS/GG-11 in the Federal service and are prepared to take on greater responsibility.

Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience.

Specialized experience for this position includes:

1. Analytical skills to interpret new and existing OPSEC related policies, procedures and regulations,
2. Experience to identify vulnerabilities and provide actionable recommendations
3. Conduct OPSEC assessments
4. Develop and deliver OPSEC training content in various learning platforms
5. Possess oral/written communication skills to appropriately brief diverse stakeholders.

Specifically you will be evaluated on the following competencies

1. Operations Security: Analyzes unclassified, highly sensitive, and close-hold information to identify sensitive information that could adversely affect mission if revealed to those without a need to know. Advises on the protection of the unclassified, highly sensitive, and close-hold information.
2. Security: Knowledge of the laws, regulations, and guidelines related to securing personnel, facilities, and information, including the requirements for handling, transporting, and protecting classified information and proper reporting of security incidents.
3. Teaching: Helps others learn through formal or informal methods; identifies training needs; provides constructive feedback; coaches others on how to perform tasks; acts as a mentor.
4. Vulnerabilities & Management: Conducts assessments on threats and vulnerabilities, determines the level of risk, and develops and recommends appropriate mitigation countermeasures in operational and nonoperational situations. Conducts assessments in a counterintelligence context to protect against espionage, other intelligence activities, and sabotage conducted for or on behalf of foreign powers, organizations or persons, or international terrorist activities.
5. Writing: Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience