SECURITY SPECIALIST (OPSEC)

Summary

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).

Duties

As a SECURITY SPECIALIST (OPSEC) you will be responsible for the following duties:The incumbent will support the Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) Operation Security Support Element program which provides education, assessment, advisory and program support to Defense Agencies and Field Activities (DAFAs). Directs and/or advice on the integration of personnel, physical, and information security measures into comprehensive OPSEC programs, and ensuring all direction, advice, assistance, and assessment activity is tailored to the unique operational environments and mission requirements of the supported organizations. Collaborates with OPSEC Program Managers (OPMs) to establish and sustain OPSEC programs that address organizational vulnerabilities and align with DoW standards, beginning each engagement with structured pre-visit coordination and preparation. Develops tailored assessment and program-improvement plans based on risk analysis and organizational priorities. Interviews organizational leaders, OPMs, and personnel to assess the effectiveness of OPSEC measures, advise on the integration of personnel, physical, and information security measures, and identify vulnerabilities. Prepares detailed reports summarizing assessment findings, including identified vulnerabilities and recommended corrective and alternative mitigation measures. Delivers OPSEC training courses to DoW personnel, contractors, and other stakeholders using various platforms, including in-person instruction, virtual instructor-led training (VILT), and eLearning. Qualifications

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: Based on their skill and knowledge, the incumbent supports the DCSA, the Security Training (ST) Directorate, and other DCSA security programs in the implementation, oversight, and enhancement of OPSEC requirements across the Department of War (DoW) enterprise. The applicant should have the: Analytical skills to interpret new and existing OPSEC related policies, procedures and regulations, Experience to identify vulnerabilities and provide actionable recommendations Conduct OPSEC assessments Develop and deliver OPSEC training content in various learning platforms Possess oral/written communication skills to appropriately brief diverse stakeholders. Specifically you will be evaluated on the following competencies: 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. 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. 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. 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. 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

Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level. How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the SME Resume Panel review. EXCEPTED SERVICE PILOT REVIEW: Once the application process is complete, a review of your application will be made to ensure you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. All applicants who meet the basic qualification requirements will be forwarded to the Selecting Official for consideration. You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume as that information may be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation. Top ranked candidates will be referred to the selecting official for further review and consideration. A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified'. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. All eligibility and qualifications requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Other Information

VETERANS PREFERENCE/CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL In accordance with DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, veterans preference is not required to be applied when considering candidates with prior Federal competitive or excepted service who have completed a probationary or trial period and have not been separated for cause. Therefore, veterans preference will not be applied to applicants with current federal service, or former federal civilian service meeting the above criteria. Re-employed Annuitant: This position does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf Applicants selected from this announcement may be required to serve a two-year trial period. If selected, Federal employees currently serving in the competitive service must acknowledge that they will voluntarily leave the competitive service by accepting an offer of employment for a DCIPS excepted service positions. If selected, non-DCIPS candidates must acknowledge in writing that the position they have been selected for is in the excepted service and covered by DCIPS. All Defense Intelligence positions under the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) are in the excepted service by specific statue, 10 U.S.C. 1601. This position is in the excepted service and does not confer competitive status. For more information on the DCIPS occupational structure click here. For more information about career advancement in DCIPS click here. This position is subject to an initial drug screening, and random testing thereafter. A negative drug test result must be received by HR within 30 calendar days after the EOD (i.e., start date). The selectee's inability successfully pass; or refusal to conduct the test may result in: 1) the tentative or FJO being withdrawn during the recruitment process; or 2) subsequently being removed from Federal service for failure to meet a condition of employment. You may be required to sign a "Drug Test Statement of Understanding" if you are selected for this position.