Supervisory Physical Security Specialist

Smithsonian Institution; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Smithsonian Institution's Office of Protection Services (OPS) seeks a highly experienced professional to oversee security and risk management across Smithsonian facilities. The role requires coordinating multiple divisions to ensure regulatory compliance, readiness, and enterprise risk mitigation on a 24/7 basis.

Candidates should have demonstrated leadership in physical security programs and the ability to manage complex operations in a federal environment.

Qualifications

• Experience overseeing physical security and risk management programs.
• Ability to supervise multiple operational divisions and programs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee physical security and risk management programs.
• Supervise key operational divisions including Project Management, Deferred Maintenance, Safety, and credentialing programs.
• Deliver mission-critical services such as regulatory compliance, operational readiness, and enterprise risk mitigation.

Skills

Physical security

Risk management

Leadership

Project management

Job description

The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Smithsonian Office of Protection Services (OPS) which is responsible for the protection and security of all Smithsonian Institution facilities. OPS integrates and manages the work of all OPS security units across the Smithsonian, approximately 1200 staff and contractors, in a 24/7 operation.

Experience:

GS-15: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as

1. overseeing physical security and risk management programs;
2. supervising key operational divisions, including Project Management, Deferred Maintenance, Safety, and identification and credentialing programs; and
3. delivering mission-critical services such as regulatory compliance, operational readiness, and enterprise risk mitigation.

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.

Time‑in‑Grade Requirements: Under competitive merit promotion procedures, anyindividual who is currently holding, or who has held within the previous 52 weeks, a GeneralSchedule position under a non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet "time-in-grade" requirements (have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade of the grade for which you are applying).