Department of State

Physical Security Specialist

Arlington, Virginia Full time

Physical Security Specialist

Department: Department of State

Location(s): Arlington, Virginia

Salary Range: $121785 - $158322 Per Year

Job Summary: This position is located in the Project Coordination Division, Office of Physical Security Programs, under the Directorate of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Countermeasures, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS/C/PSP/PCD). PCD is responsible for ensuring a safe and secure physical security environment at overseas diplomatic posts and residences for the protection of U.S. government personnel, facilities, and classified information under the authority of the Chief of Mission (COM).

Major Duties:

  • Reviews and prepares responses to all correspondences, waiver/exception requests, and inquiries regarding physical security concerns at posts.
  • Reviews assigned diplomatic construction projects to identify physical security needs to assure the integrity of each controlled access area (CAA) construction project.
  • Reviews and approves requests for residential physical security upgrades of posts in assigned portfolio
  • Researches, evaluates, and recommends adoption of new developments that will enhance efforts to reduce physical security risks at overseas facilities.
  • Assists in providing targeted physical security training and briefings for foreign officials and personnel involved with physical security applications, implementation, and management.

Qualifications: Applicants must meet all the required qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement. [If you are qualifying based on education OR if there are mandatory education requirements listed below, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcript with your application. 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 evaluating project drawings, plans, or documents to ensure compliance with security standards and policies affecting diplomatic facilities. Experience reviewing and approving residential security funding requests. Experience drafting technical reports and memoranda regarding physical security concerns. There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-13 position.

How to Apply: Prepare your application in USAJOBS To start your application, click Apply and we'll walk you through the process to attach a resume and any required documents. During the application process you can review, edit, delete, and update your information. We'll automatically save your progress as you go, so you won't lose any changes. You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement to complete the application process. STEP 1: Select the "Apply" button and follow the instructions to register or sign into USAJOBS. STEP 2: Submit your resume. Please see the Required Documents section for specific information that should be outlined in your resume. STEP 3: Complete the online assessment questions. STEP 4: Submit all required documentation applicable to you, as listed in the Required Documents section. To learn how to view the status of your submitted supporting documentation and application, visit the Application Instructions section of our agency's Civil Service selection process site. Technical assistance with your on-line application is available through the Help Desk at mgshelp@monster.com or by calling (866) 656-6830 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET Alternate Application Procedures If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you may request alternate application procedures to submit your application package. Contact the Human Resources office listed on the announcement between the business hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET at least 2 working days prior to the closing date of this announcement. The application package for alternate application procedures must be submitted and received in the Human Resources office no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement. Paper applications and information sent by mail will not be accepted.

Application Deadline: 2026-05-06