SECURITY SPECIALIST (SAP/STO) (GS-11/12)

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as Combatant Command headquarters level Special Access Program (SAP) security specialist/ Security Officer providing personnel, operations, automated information systems, information, physical, communications security, and Security Education, Training, and Awareness security program functions.

Duties

DUTY 1: Serves as a Compartmented Program Security Specialist for assigned SAPs in support of N/NC missions. DUTY 2: Serves as a N/NC specialist for compartmented Automated Information Systems (AIS) and serves as Communications Security (COMSEC) Responsible Officer. DUTY 3: Serves as a Special Security Representative (SSR) for multiple Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Facilities (SCIF)/SAP Facility (SAPF) across the command, ensuring physical security is maintained. DUTY 4: Supports Integrated Joint Special Technical Operations (IJSTO)/SAP planning and execution. DUTY 5: Serves as a NORTHCOM J3X Division security manager.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions. GS-11 Level: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes applying expert knowledge of Federal, DoW, OSW, Joint, CJCS, and Air Force directives, policies, regulations, principles, and procedures governing the comprehensive security management of SAPs, and skill in selecting, interpreting, and applying these guidelines to plan, manage, and advise on the control and safeguarding of SAPs across the command; Knowledge of the full range of security disciplines-personnel, physical, information, industrial, information systems, and communications security-sufficient to develop and implement security policies, procedures, standards, and training that protect information, personnel, facilities, operations, and material from unauthorized disclosure, compromise, or loss at a CCMD-level organization. OR EDUCATION: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts. OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in­-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and standard procedures governing SAP security management across the personnel, physical, information, industrial, information systems, and communications security disciplines, sufficient to perform well-precedented security assignments. Skill in communicating factual, procedural, and technical security information clearly, concisely, and accurately, both orally and in writing. Ability to select, interpret, and apply established Federal, DoW, and command security guidelines and precedents to conventional security problems and to recommend solutions from among established alternatives. Ability to analyze security problems and requirements to identify significant factors, gather and evaluate pertinent data, identify deficiencies, and recognize appropriate solutions. Ability to plan and organize assigned security work, manage competing priorities and suspenses, and consult and coordinate effectively with co-workers and mission partners. GS-12 Level: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-11, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes applying expert knowledge of Federal, DoW, OSW, Joint, CJCS, and Air Force directives, policies, regulations, principles, and procedures governing the comprehensive security management of SAPs, and skill in selecting, interpreting, and applying these guidelines to plan, manage, and advise on the control and safeguarding of SAPs across the command; Knowledge of the full range of security disciplines-personnel, physical, information, industrial, information systems, and communications security-sufficient to develop and implement security policies, procedures, standards, and training that protect information, personnel, facilities, operations, and material from unauthorized disclosure, compromise, or loss at a CCMD-level organization. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in­-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of DoW SAP security policy, regulations, and procedures sufficient to interpret and apply a broad body of national-level SAP guidance to complex command security processes. Ability to manage and operate compartmented command and control information systems to ensure authorized processing and communication of SAP information. Skill in applying specialized security methods, principles, and procedures across the personnel, physical, information, industrial, information systems, and communications security disciplines to administer an integrated security program. Skill in reconciling complex and controversial inter-command, inter-service, and inter-agency security and advanced technology support issues to develop workable solutions. Ability to manage and organize multiple compartmented program activities and tasks to meet mission requirements and suspenses. Ability to communicate orally and in writing clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy. Ability to plan, conduct, and document security inspections, reviews, and investigations, and to identify deficiencies and monitor corrective actions. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT CONTINUED...: In the performance of assigned duties, employee uses tact, diplomacy, and professionalism to promote effective working relationships with a variety of offices and agencies. Work may require employee to drive a government motor vehicle due to frequent travel to and from Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station. A valid driver's license is required for this position. CDSE SAP Personnel Security Official Course is required within two months of assuming position. CDSE Introduction to Special Access Programs (SAPs) and Office of the Director of National Intelligence ICD 705 Physical Security Course are required within one year of assuming position. Department of Defense Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC) conferral is required within 2 years of the established employee EOD or initial assignment date to this position in accordance with DOD 3305.13-M, DOD Security Accreditation and Certification and AFI 36-2645, Security Professional Certification and Development. The listed certification requirements may not be deleted or modified without the written approval of the AF Security Functional Authority (SAF/AA) or their delegated security career field representative.

How you will be evaluated

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. BASIS OF RATING: Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable. Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements. Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements. Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements. The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job. Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further. APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.

How to apply

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/26/2026 To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13095048 To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1. Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp. Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here. For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy. Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume. 2. A complete Application Questionnaire 3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name. 4. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here. PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.

Other information

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information. 120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur. Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected, and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist. Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement. Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.