Diplomatic Security Foreign Service Special Agent (SA) (FP-2501)

Summary

The U.S. Department of State is developing a rank-ordered list of eligible hires for a limited number of Foreign Service Special Agent (SA) vacancies based on the needs of the Department. Learn more about a career in the Foreign Service and about the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. Joining the Foreign Service is more than just salary. Refer to the Benefits section for more information on total compensation. This is a 2501 Foreign Service position equivalent to the 1811 Civil Service series.

Duties

Diplomatic Security (DS) Special Agents (SA) are sworn federal law enforcement officers who are responsible for the security of personnel, property, and sensitive information throughout the world. DS SAs also are responsible for the protection of the Secretary of State, certain foreign dignitaries during their visits to the U.S., and others as designated by the Secretary of State. DS SAs investigate passport, visa, and document fraud, as well as federal crimes in the Special Territorial and Maritime Jurisdiction. Depending upon assignment, DS SAs are responsible for U.S. Department of State security policies, provision of a range of security services, management of security operations, supervision of subordinate staff, and the performance of some, or all, of the following functions: Conducting protective security services for the Secretary of State, other U.S. government officials, and visiting foreign dignitaries. Leading and managing U.S. diplomatic mission security programs at overseas posts to include protection of personnel, facilities, and sensitive information, along with oversight of the U.S. Marine Security Guard and local security guard programs. Conducting investigations, to include administrative investigations, criminal investigations, counterintelligence and counter-terrorism inquiries, and investigative work preparing for court appearances, and testifying in court and other legal proceedings. Conducting or implementing programs involved with safeguarding classified and sensitive information and materials, as derived from Presidential Directives or Executive Orders. Assessing physical security threats against U.S. interests, properties, systems, and other diplomatic installations and personnel abroad, as well as investigating actual or potential hostile intelligence attempts to subvert U.S. personnel and interests overseas. Leading, managing, or implementing security-related aspects of new office building construction; developing and implementing counter-terrorist access controls for existing and new buildings. Conducting, leading, and managing security-related training, and training assistance programs for U.S. foreign affairs agencies' personnel, and police / security officials of designated foreign governments. Responding to emergency situations, which may include the use of firearms, defensive tactics, and medical procedures. Communicating and coordinating with others in Diplomatic Security, the U.S. Department of State, other government agencies, local and foreign security and law enforcement, non-government agencies, and the American public overseas, including cultivating and maintaining contacts. Preparing and reviewing written documents, attending meetings, delivering briefings, making recommendations, answering questions, and participating on committees and task forces. Performing managerial work such as determining staffing requirements, assigning work, monitoring and supervising, evaluating performance, resolving complaints, procuring supplies and services, budgeting, maintaining internal controls, and other administrative tasks. Keeping informed of current events, updating knowledge and skills, and maintaining mental and physical fitness to do the job. Domestic SA duties can entail long hours and extended periods of travel, including overseas travel. Domestic assignments include criminal investigations related primarily to the enforcement of statutes protecting the integrity of U.S. passports and entry visa documents. Throughout their careers, SAs can expect to work substantial overtime, and occasional irregular schedules that require duty on weekends and holidays. When assigned abroad, which is about half a typical career, SAs serve as security program managers at U.S. diplomatic or consular posts. At overseas posts, DS SAs are referred to as Regional Security Officers (RSO) and are responsible for the leadership and management of a broad range of security programs to protect personnel, facilities, operations, and information against foreign intelligence, criminal, and terrorist activities. DS also conducts overseas investigations for the U.S. Department of State and other federal agencies. DS RSOs are assigned regional responsibilities and may serve Foreign Service posts in several countries, which may require frequent travel.

Qualifications

In addition to the bachelor's degree requirement, candidates must possess at the time of application at least one year of work experience or academic achievements that reflect progressively increasing levels of responsibility. Experience must demonstrate basic knowledge of management, such as supervision, initiative, and leadership, and teamwork, English skills, including writing, speaking, and listening, conceptual skills, such as planning and organizing, critical thinking, active learning, and sound judgment, interpersonal skills, including perceptiveness, persuasion, working with others, cultural adaptability, objectivity, and integrity. Knowledge of security principles and procedures and the administration of security programs, such as conducting investigations, threat assessments, service in a law enforcement agency, or service in the U.S., military, is preferred, but not required. Proficiency in a foreign language is preferred but not required. Candidates with 18 credit hours of graduate level study may substitute that academic achievement for a year of work experience. Candidates who do not have a minimum of 18 credit hours of graduate study may substitute the following educational achievements for one year of work experience: 2.75 GPA (or above) for the bachelor's degree and two internships totaling at least four months duration. Candidates are required to qualify with firearms during initial training and maintain that proficiency thereafter. Candidates must be willing to use and carry firearms throughout their career. Candidates must not have been convicted of any felony charge or be prohibited from possessing a firearm. SAs must perform duties in the field that are physically and mentally demanding. SAs must be willing and able to meet these physical demands in high-stress, life-and-death situations. For this reason, SA candidates must satisfy medical, suitability, and physical readiness standards that are more rigorous than for other professions. Candidates must be fit for strenuous physical exertion and pass a Bureau of Diplomatic Security-administered pre-employment physical readiness test. The current physical readiness standards can be found at and the Physical Readiness Guide can be found at https://careers.state.gov/career-paths/foreign-service/foreign-service-specialist/diplomatic-security-special-agent/becoming-a-diplomatic-security-service-special-agent/physical-fitness-and-physical-readiness-test/. Please note that these standards are subject to change. SAs are required to perform protective security assignments with physical demands that may include, but are not limited to, intermittent and prolonged periods of running, walking, standing, sitting, squatting, kneeling, climbing stairs, quickly entering and exiting various vehicles, pushing, pulling, dragging objects or people, wearing heavy body amour and gear, as well as carrying and fully operating a variety of firearms. SAs must also endure long or unusual hours, inclement weather, lack of sleep, rest, or meals, jetlag, extremes of heat and cold, and wet or polluted environments. Candidates must pass a th