Public Notice - Security Specialist (Direct Hire)

Summary

As a Security Specialist in the Office of Protective Services, you will apply, interpret, and evaluate security regulations, policies, and directives to strengthen organizational programs and achieve mission objectives. Positions advertised are in various organizations and locations. NASA may fill positions in any of the following grade levels listed in this announcement (GS-09/11/12/13 levels).

Duties

• Duties described below are at the highest grade advertised. Duties assigned at lower grade levels will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity; duties will be commensurate with the grade of selected employee.
• Oversees planning and integration of a comprehensive security program supporting organizational missions.
• Provides expert guidance on security policy, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Leads development and execution of security strategies across personnel, physical, information, and insider threat areas.
• Directs physical security and access control for facilities and critical infrastructure, ensuring protective measures and coordination with authorities.
• Manages information security and classification programs, ensuring compliance and conducting inspections and reviews for effectiveness.
• Provides technical oversight for contracts, monitors performance, validates compliance, and ensures contractor adherence to security requirements.
• Advises leadership on security incidents and threats, develops response strategies, and implements corrective actions to mitigate risks.
• Supports leadership in setting priorities, managing resources, and promoting security awareness through training and outreach.
• Represents the organization in security forums and audits, preparing briefings and recommendations on security posture and compliance.

Qualifications

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. To qualify for GS-09 level, you must have: a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level: Applying relevant security regulations, policies, or guidelines to support program or organizational objectives. Assisting with guidance relating to information/industrial security, personnel security or national security. OR b) Completed all requirements for a master's or equivalent graduate degree in an appropriate field OR c) Completed 2 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree in an appropriate field OR d) LL.B or J.D, if related OR e) Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed in a), b), c) and d) above To qualify for GS-11, you must have: a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level: Interpreting, evaluating, and applying security regulations, policies, and directives to develop, implement, or improve security programs that support organizational objectives. Demonstrated ability to resolve security issues, develop program enhancements, or ensure successful execution of protective security requirements. OR b) Completed all requirements for a doctoral degree (i.e., Ph.D. or equivalent) in an appropriate field OR c) Completed 3 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree in an appropriate field OR d) LL.M., if related OR e) Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed in a), b), c) and d) above To qualify for GS-12, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level: Demonstrated comprehensive expertise in law-enforcement concepts and security procedures by conducting assessments, enforcing protocols, and reducing operational risks through measurable improvements. Designed, evaluated, and revised specialized training systems and materials using structured performance metrics, resulting in increased trainee proficiency and reduced remediation rates. Applied educational principles and training methodologies to continuously assess and refine programs and overall training effectiveness. To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level: Apply advanced law enforcement principles and security protocols to plan, direct, and evaluate protective operations, ensuring compliance and measurable risk-reduction. Develop, update, and assess training systems and materials using established instructional methodologies, producing quantifiable improvements in workforce proficiency and operational readiness. Conduct continuous evaluation and enhancement of training programs by applying educational theory and advanced training methodologies in performance and program effectiveness. Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of artificial intelligent (AI) or AI-assisted tools during the application process.

Education

For GS-9 and GS-11 levels only If you are using education completed in the United States to meet the qualification requirements, your degree must have been awarded from a colleges or university that is accredited by a recognized accrediting organization. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, go to http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs. These education credentials must be deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. All degrees must have been received in the year of, or any year subsequent to the original date of accreditation. How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this position based on how well you meet the qualifications and eligibility requirements outlined in this vacancy announcement. Your resume and supporting documentation will be reviewed in conjunction with your responses to the assessment questionnaire. As part of the assessment, your responses to the Written Interview prompts will be scored and used to place you into one of three quality groups. These scores, along with your qualifications and supporting materials, will determine your referral status. Please ensure your application materials and responses accurately reflect your experience and competencies, as misrepresentation may result in removal from consideration. To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13057287 These competencies will be assessed using technical assessments. They may also be evaluated during a structured interview: Physical Security Public Safety and Security Technical Competence Planning and Evaluating NASA considers 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. Under NASA's category rating process, applicants will be assessed on the position competencies and placed in one of two categories identified and defined below: Best Qualified Category - Applicants who demonstrate a superior level of all evaluation criteria. Qualified Category - Applicants who demonstrate the basic qualifications, with general knowledge, skills, and abilities. Names of all qualified candidates in the Best Qualified category will be sent to the hiring official for employment consideration (unless a sufficient number of qualified veterans are found - in which case only those names will be initially certified ). Candidates within the Best Qualified category who are eligible for veteran preference will receive selection priority over non-veteran preference eligibles. NASA will not ask you to disclose criminal history record information during the application process or before we make a conditional/tentative offer of employment. If you apply for this position and are selected, NASA will conduct a suitability/security background investigation after you accept a tentative job offer. If you feel you are asked to disclose your criminal history before you accept a tentative offer and wish to file a complaint within 30 days, please contact: [email protected]. Other Information

Additional selections may be made for similar positions across NASA within the local commuting area(s) of the location(s) identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) within NASA. CTAP/ICTAP will be cleared for any additional selection from this announcement. If you have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must: - Indicate your eligibility when applying for a position. The questionnaire asks you to identify your ICTAP/CTAP eligibility. - Be well qualified for this position to receive consideration. Candidates rated in the 'Best Qualified' category are considered well-qualified. Please see 'How You Will Be Evaluated' for more information. - Submit proof that you meet the requirements for CTAP/ICTAP as indicated in 'Required Documents.' For additional information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, click here - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/#ictap. Any applicant that received a Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) from the federal government within the last five years based of the closing date of this announcement, if selected, may be required to repay the full amount prior to establishing a start date. For additional information on the VSIP repayment requirement, click here - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/voluntary-separation-incentive-payments/ Per Executive Order 14343, this position is not part of a bargaining unit. Probationary Period You may be required to serve a one-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. If selected, the requirement to serve such period will be determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Other duty locations not specifically listed on this announcement may be considered at management's discretion.