Personnel Security Specialist

Summary

This position located in the Credentialing Section of the Emergency and Regulatory Compliance Service (ERCS), Emergency Management Safety and Security Division (EMSSD), Security Branch (SB). The Credentialing Section is responsible for collecting and reviewing all Human Resource Department (HRD) forms for accuracy and for administering the Personal Identity Verification (PIV) request process for USDA MRP employee credentials under Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12).

Duties

• •The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to:
• •Incumbent provides information and assistance to USDA organization officials by advising on personnel security policies for the PIV credentialing process.
• •Participates in developing internal guidelines, procedures, and other materials for use by operating officials.
• •Responsible for reviewing and evaluating reports of investigations, personnel files, and other records prior to requesting appropriate background investigation and/or security clearance for employees.
• •The incumbent supports the PIV program and background investigation elements of the PSS. This involves research and data collection on a regular basis.
• •The incumbent manages and enforces standards for controlling work flow and the integrity of data by ensuring requisite security standards are being followed to protect Agency data.
• •Trains employees and student interns in all aspects of the credentialing process to assist and expedite onboarding process for employees/contractors.
• •Works with the Agency Security Officer to ensure that all APHIS personnel obtain the necessary credentials required to access buildings, workstations, etc.

Qualifications

To qualify, you MUST meet all program and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following requirements; Completed all requirements for an associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two (2) years. OR Individuals who, due to military service obligation, were precluded from applying to the Recent Graduates Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period described above shall have a full 2-year period of eligibility upon release or discharge from active duty. This eligibility period cannot extend more than 6 years from the date on which the requirements for the academic course of study were met. IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE: Applicants must meet the following specialized experience and/or education requirements listed below: FOR THE GS-07 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to the next lower level in the Federal Service (GS-05). This experience may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors: Assist with recommending corrective actions to solve security issues. Maintaining electronic security systems. Aided with the acquisition of equipment and installation. Ensuring compliance of Federal, State, and local regulations regarding life, safety, and fire codes. OR 1 full year of graduate level education leading to a degree in Criminal Justice, Industrial Security Management, Security Engineering, Security Management, Security Systems, or other fields related to the vacancy. OR Superior Academic Achievement: To qualify based on superior academic achievement, you must have completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution AND 1) have a class standing in the upper third of the graduating class, 2) membership in a national scholastic honor society (excluding Freshman honor societies), or 3) must meet certain GPA requirements. GPA requirements: 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on official transcripts or as computed based on 4 years of education, or courses completed during the final 2 year of the curriculum; OR 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required course completed in the major field or courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum (GPA will be rounded to one decimal place, e.g., 2.95 rounds to 3.0 and 2.94 rounds to 2.9). TRANSCRIPTS are required. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-07 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that grade level. Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed graduate education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that grade level. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

This position does not have an education qualification requirement. Transcripts including the date your degree was conferred are required. Applications will not be considered without this documentation.