Security Specialist (Direct Hire)

Summary

Serves as a security specialist responsible for administering physical security, access management, and credentialing programs for a multi-tenant federal installation. Oversees personnel vetting, badging, and access control processes; supports law enforcement and investigative activities; maintains firearms proficiency; and ensures the protection of personnel, facilities, and critical assets through the implementation of security policies and procedures.

Duties



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• Duties described below are at the highest grade advertised. Duties assigned at lower grade levels will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity; duties will be commensurate with the grade of selected employee.
• Serves as the Center’s lead representative for credentialing and access management, overseeing the vetting, badging, and access authorization processes for domestic and foreign employees, contractors, tenants, and visitors.
• Serves as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), providing oversight of contractor performance, evaluating proposals, administering contract modifications, and ensuring compliance with contractual requirements, federal regulations.
• Maintains comprehensive knowledge of multiple customer and tenant missions to effectively facilitate site access while ensuring compliance with security requirements and operational needs.
• Establishes, develops, and sustains strong working relationships with resident tenant organizations, fostering collaboration and supporting mission success across the Center.
• Contributes to the development, review, implementation, and continuous improvement of security policies, procedures, plans, and technical documentation to ensure compliance with agency and federal security standards.
• Delivers security briefings, orientation sessions, and awareness training to newly hired personnel, ensuring understanding of security responsibilities, access requirements, and organizational policies.
• Serves as a NASA Special Law Enforcement Agent, coordinating internal investigative activities and collaborating with federal, state, and local law enforcement and security partners.
• Demonstrates and maintains proficiency in the safe handling and use of firearms through successful completion of semiannual weapons qualifications and marksmanship standards.
  
  

Requirements



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Conditions of employment

• This position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
• This position may require a one-year probationary period. If selected, the requirement to serve such period will be determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11. **See Additional Information section**
• You must meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• Position subject to pre-employment background investigation or higher-level clearance.
• This position requires the selectee have the following current License and/or Certification: Completion of NASA Protective Services Academy within 12 months of assignment to position.
• Selectee is required to meet the criteria for use of a firearm in accordance with the Federal Arrest Authority.
• Selectee must meet the standard and training qualifications in strict compliance with 14 CFR, Chapter V, Part 1203b.103, Security Programs Arrest Authority, and Use of Force by NASA Security Force Personnel.
  
  

Qualifications

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.

To qualify for GS-12, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level:

• Planning, implementing, and/or administering a comprehensive access management and credentialing program;
• Providing oversight of various teams' performance; AND
• Managing physical security operations for a facility with security policies, procedures, and access control measures
  
  

To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level:

• Planning, implementing, and/or administering a comprehensive access management and credentialing program;
• Providing oversight of various teams' performance, and making recommendations and/or improvements to enhance team performance; AND
• Overseeing security operations and incident response activities and/or implementing corrective actions to protect personnel, facilities, and sensitive assets.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job.

NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Additional selections may be made for similar positions across NASA within the local commuting area(s) of the location(s) identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) within NASA. CTAP/ICTAP will be cleared for any additional selection from this announcement.

If you have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must:

• Indicate your eligibility when applying for a position. The questionnaire asks you to identify your ICTAP/CTAP eligibility.
• Meet the minimum qualifications requirements for the position
• Submit proof that you meet the requirements for CTAP/ICTAP as indicated in 'Required Documents'
  
  

For additional information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, click here - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/#ictap.

Any applicant that received a Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) from the federal governmentwithin the last five years based of the closing date of this announcement, if selected, may be required to repay the full amount prior to establishing a start date. For additional information on the VSIP repayment requirement, click here - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/voluntary-separation-incentive-payments/.

Per Executive Order 14343, this position is not part of a bargaining unit.

Probationary Period

You may be required to serve a one-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. If selected, the requirement to serve such period will be determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11.

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 your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.



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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.