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Physical Security Specialist

Department Of State Headquarters

Job Location:

Arlington, TX - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 121785 - 121785

Posted: 6 October 2026 (3 days ago)

Application Deadline: 3 January 2027

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Summary

This position is located in the New Office Building Branch Physical Security Division Office of PhysicalSecurity Programs Countermeasures Directorate Diplomatic Security Service Bureau of Diplomatic Security U.S. Department of State. The Bureaus physical security program provides a physicallysecure environment for all U.S. Government personnel at diplomatic facilities overseas under the jurisdiction ofthe Chief of Mission.

Duties

Ensures that architectural and engineering design drawings and specifications for new overseas office buildings and compounds incorporate required security measures for each phase of construction projects.
Provides expert technical guidance and advice to OBO project managers and construction managers on the implementation of physical procedural and technical security standards and policies for all assigned building projects.
Drafts physical security policies and procedures in response to policy and procedural issues changing design requirements and evolving overseas security conditions.
Drafts physical security policies and procedures in response to policy and procedural issues design requirements and evolving overseas security conditions.
Identifies major security concerns and provides input into the development of priorities for upgrading physical security at posts worldwide.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities visit: must meet all the required qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement.
NOTE: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Time-In-Grade Requirements: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions per 5CFR 300 Subpart F.
Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service which provided the applicant with the particular knowledge skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position.Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
- Experience reviewing architectural and engineering drawings plans or specifications for building construction renovation or modification projects to determine compliance with physical security standards and requirements.
- Experience assessing physical security risks at facilities and recommending or prioritizing physical security measures or upgrades.
- Experience drafting physical security policies or procedures and providing technical advice or guidance to others on physical security requirements or standards.
There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-13 position.
Education
Education requirements do not apply to this vacancy announcement.
Additional information
To request a reasonable accommodation foradditionaltime on thetimed sections of theassessment pleasesubmityour request using the Request a Reasonable Accommodation button within theAssessment Application.
Forall otherreasonable accommodationsat the U.S. Department of State please contact the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations(OAA)at.
OAAis responsible forreviewing andadjudicatingreasonable accommodation(RA)requests for the Assessment Battery being usedfor this following applies to all RA requests:
RA requestscoveradditionaltime on timed sections only.
Applicantssubmittinga RA request MUST attach supporting medical documentation signed by a licensed treatingmedical provider. The documentation should describe the nature severity and expected duration of the conditionidentifythe relevant medical condition or diagnosis and explain the basis for the requested extension.RA requests that do notcontainsupporting medical documentation attachmentsatthetime ofinitialrequest may be subject to further review.
Note:the following documents do not on their own qualify for automatic approval oftheRA request:Schedule A letters VA benefits lettersorSSA letters.
Applicants MUSTsubmittheir application before the vacancy closes even if pending anaccommodationdecision.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully follow instructions related to medical documentation provided in the vacancy announcement prior to beginning the RA process.
Applicants will have 48 hours after their RA request isadjudicatedto complete the assessment generated after the allottedtimeframewill not be admissible and the applicant will not be considered further for the vacancy.
If a different type of RA is needed please contact OAA directly at.
If eligible situational telework agreements may be permitted with supervisory approval.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. If eligible applicants to this announcement may be referred to other similar positions in other Bureaus/Offices in the Department for up to 240 days and may require a higher or lower security clearance. Telework eligibility and security clearance requirements may vary for such similar positions.
Agency & Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP & ICTAP):View OPMs CTAP & ICTAP eligibilitywebsite for more information. You must be rated in the Well-Qualified category and submit supporting documents under the required documents section of this announcement to receive selection priority be considered Well-Qualified applicants must: score an85 or above meet Minimum Qualifications and demonstrateproficiencyin some but notall major aspects of the position.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.