← Search all jobs

Protective Service Specialist, GS-1801-12/13 (ST) (GS-12/13)

Department of Education Headquarters

District of Columbia, District of Columbia · $105k–$163k a year · Posted October 16, 2026

See every open role at Department of Education Headquarters

More in District of Columbia job market · Government & Public Sector

About the job

Summary

This position is located in Department of Education, Office of Finance and Operations (OFO), Office of Security, Facilities and Logistics Services (OSFLS), Protective Service Division, in Washington, DC. The incumbent reports to the Special Agent in-Charge via the Assistant Special Agent in-Charge. Incumbent coordinates security, communications, transportation, and logistics requirement for the Secretary of Education.

Duties

APPLICATION LIMIT: This vacancy announcement is limited to the first 200 applications received and will close at 11:59PM Eastern Time on the day that we receive the 200th application, or at 11:59PM Eastern Time on the listed closing date, whichever occurs first. We encourage you to read this entire vacancy announcement prior to submitting your application. As a Protective Service Specialist, GS-1801-12/13 (ST), GS-1801-12, you will be responsible for: This position is located in Department of Education, Office of Finance and Operations (OFO), Office of Security, Facilities and Logistics Services (OSFLS) in Washington, DC. The incumbent reports to the Special Agent in-Charge via the Assistant Special Agent in-Charge. Incumbent coordinates security, communications, transportation, and logistics requirement for the Secretary of Education. Serving as a Personal Protection Specialist and assisting in the development and planning for the protection of the Secretary of Education and when appropriate, the Deputy Secretary of Education. Assisting in investigations concerning threats to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary. Coordinating official liaison activities with the United States Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Capitol Police and other federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies, relating to the personal protective security operations of the Secretary and Deputy Secretary. As a Protective Service Specialist, GS-1801-12/13 (ST), GS-1801-13, you will be responsible for: Incumbent is responsible, during her/his shift for the security of the Secretary, to and from her/his residence and office, while attending events and meetings both official and personal inside and outside her/his office, while on travel within the United States and overseas, and during periods of heightened threats or federal government alert that would require continuous protection. Serving as a Personal Protection Specialist and assisting in the development and planning for the protection of the Secretary of Education and when appropriate, the Deputy Secretary of Education. Assisting in investigations concerning threats to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary. Coordinating official liaison activities with the United States Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Capitol Police and other federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies, relating to the personal protective security operations of the Secretary and Deputy Secretary. Coordinating with appropriate offices/agencies to ensure that all telecommunication systems are in place to include constant secure telephone services and other electronic communication systems with the Department of Education and the White House.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualification Requirements You may meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-12/13, if you possess the following specialized experience. Specialized Experience for the GS-12 One year of experience in either federal or non-federal service that is equivalent to at least a GS-11 performing two (2) out of three (3) of the following duties or work assignments: 1. Experience in providing protective service within the United States, as well as during periods of heightened threats that would require continuous protection. 2. Experience in implementing protective security plans as well as liaison activities with other partners in doing so. 3. Experience performing protective service advance activities within the United States. Specialized Experience for the GS-13 One year of experience in either federal or non-federal service that is equivalent to at least a GS-12 performing two (2) out of three (3) of the following duties or work assignments: 1. Experience in providing protective security of a senior executive department head or equivalent within the United States, as well as during periods of heightened threats that would require continuous protection. 2. Experience in implementing protective security plans for a senior executive department head or equivalent as well as liaison activities with other partners in doing so. 3. Experience performing protective service advance activities, within the United States and overseas, and investigating threats to a senior executive department head or equivalent. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) The quality of your experience will be measured by the extent to which you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). You do not need to provide separate narrative responses to these KSAs, as they will be measured by your responses to the occupational questionnaire (you may preview the occupational questionnaire by clicking the link at the end of the Evaluations section of this vacancy announcement). GS-12 Knowledge of personal protection principles, methods, techniques, and procedures to assess security threats and vulnerabilities, identify potential risks, and implement appropriate protective measures for senior government officials at residences, events, during travel, and under heightened-threat conditions. Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate personal protection operations, including transportation, communications, scheduling, site security, and other logistical requirements, to support the safe and effective movement and activities of senior agency officials. Knowledge of threat reporting, investigative procedures, and security coordination practices to support the assessment and resolution of threats against senior agency officials and facilitate information sharing with appropriate federal, state, and local law enforcement and security organizations. GS-13 Ability to independently analyze complex threat information, evaluate vulnerabilities and changing security conditions, exercise sound judgment in determining protective requirements, and adapt personal protection measures to address emerging risks during routine operations, official travel, public events, and periods of heightened threat. Ability to develop, evaluate, and coordinate comprehensive protective plans involving multiple operational requirements, stakeholders, and security resources; resolve logistical and operational conflicts; and ensure coordination of transportation, communications, site security, and related arrangements for senior agency officials. Ability to coordinate complex threat-related matters and integrate security protocols, information, and operational requirements among law enforcement agencies, intelligence and security organizations, and appropriate Department of Education and White House offices to support a coordinated response to threats against senior agency officials. Other Requirements This position requires the incumbent to operate a motor vehicle. A valid driver's license is required for the position. This position is designated as Emergency Essential and may require the incumbent to work during weather related closures. Must be able to qualify for and maintain a Top Secret/SCI Level Clearance. The incumbent must qualify to obtain a Special Deputation by the United States Marshal Service; including at minimum: having successfully completed an accredited basic law enforcement training program (civilian or military); having at least one year of previous law enforcement experience; and not having been convicted of a felony, and crime of domestic violence as defined in Title 18, USC Section 922(g)(9) Lautenberg Amendment. The incumbent will qualify for the Federal Law Enforcement Retirement System (6C) if on the date of hire the employee is 37 years old or younger, and/or has creditable law enforcement experience. This position requires random drug testing. This position requires the incumbent to work other than the normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends and/or holidays and overtime Domestic and international travel is required.

Requirements

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has interagency agreements (IAAs) with other agencies to ensure efficient delivery of funded programs and activities and move closer to fulfilling the President's promise to return education to the states. Employees may receive detail assignments to these agencies in support of the IAAs. Condition of Employment: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a probationary or trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: - your performance and conduct; - the needs and interests of the agency; - whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and - whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period OR trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this vacancy announcement. If you are a current federal employee, you must meet all time-in-grade and time-after competitive appointment qualifications within 30 days of the closing date of this vacancy announcement. To verify that you meet these requirements, we will review your responses to the core eligibility questions on the occupational questionnaire, as well as your submitted resume and required documents. To make an accurate determination, you will need to include on your resume your federal position title, pay plan, occupational series, grade level, agency, dates for which you held the grade level (stated as MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY, OR MM/YYYY to PRESENT), and total hours worked per week. 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). Key Requirements Relocation expenses will not be paid. Males 18 and over must be registered with the Selective Service. You may be subject to serve a one-year probationary period. Must be a US Citizen. Pre-employment drug testing is required. Must complete a Background Investigation and Fingerprint check.

Education

Education cannot be substituted for experience for this position and grade level.

How you will be evaluated

We use a multi-step process to review and evaluate applicants: 1. Eligibility and Minimum Qualifications Once the vacancy announcement closes, we will review your submitted resume and documents to determine if you meet the eligibility and minimum qualification requirements, including any required education, experience, and/or selective placement factors. You will be rated as ineligible if you are outside of the area of consideration (i.e., who may apply) or your application is missing any required documents. You will be rated as not qualified if you do not possess the minimum qualification requirements. 2. Rating and Ranking If you are found to meet both the eligibility and minimum qualification requirements, we will assess the quality of your experience and the extent to which you possess the required KSAs by comparing your submitted resume and supporting documentation. You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications and competencies listed in this vacancy announcement (if applicable). Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), and the result of the USA Hire Assessment(s) (if applicable) required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): Non-Supervisory: Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Flexibility, Integrity/Honesty, Interpersonal Skills, Learning, Reading Comprehension, Reasoning, Self-Management, Stress Tolerance, and Teamwork Based on the outcome of this evaluation, your application data may be further assessed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) panel. If your qualifications are not substantiated by your submitted resume, you may be eliminated from receiving further consideration. 3. Referral and Selection If you are found to be amongst the most highly qualified applicants, you will be referred to the selecting official. As part of the assessment and selection process, the selecting official may invite you to participate in a structured interview, check your references, and/or request that you submit a writing sample or complete a written assessment or exercise to further evaluate your qualifications for this position.

How to apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: Click the Apply Online button. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. Set aside about two (2) hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused. Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us. To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.

Other information

Veterans' Career Counseling: If you are a veteran interested in receiving tips on preparing a Federal resume and/or how to prepare for an interview, you may email careers@ed.gov to schedule a session with a career counselor ("Veterans Counseling Session" should be placed in the subject line of the email). Student Loan Default: If selected for this position, we will verify that you have not defaulted on any loan funded or guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education. If you are found to be in default, we will contact you to make arrangements for repayment prior to making an official offer of employment. Suitability and Investigation: If selected for this position, you will be required to complete the Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) to determine your suitability for federal employment and successfully complete a pre-appointment investigation/background check. Essential/Non-Essential: This position is considered essential for purposes of reporting to work during federal government closures. Financial Disclosure: This position does not require financial disclosure. Bargaining Unit: This position is not included in the bargaining unit. Selections: Agencies have broad authority under law to hire from any appropriate source of eligibles and may fill a vacancy in the competitive service by any method authorized. We may make additional selections from this vacancy announcement within 90 days from the date the selection certificates are issued, should vacancies occur. We may also share selection certificates amongst program offices across the agency. Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport-usastaffing.opm.gov/hc/en-us/sections/45063131363475-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information)