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Active
Hybrid
Washington, District of Columbia
Posted · 29.09.2026
USAJOBS

# Personnel Security Specialist (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

Office of the Secretary of Transportation

This position is in the Office of the Secretary, (OST) Office of Security, Personnel Security. This position is responsible for various personnel security duties with an emphasis on the adjudication of background investigations. Applies practical knowledge of commonly applied security principles, concepts and methodologies and apply judgement to processing applications for investigations.
As a Personnel Security Specialist, you will: Maintain custody and protection of personnel security files for the office. Accurately review, analyze, and prepare detailed written reports of all investigative information, personnel information, and intelligence. Forward investigative cases and summaries to the Supervisory Personnel Security Specialist while adequately summarizing serious derogatory cases. Review completed fitness and national security investigations for public trust and cleared positions for all DOT personnel. Furnish personnel security program advice, guidance, and assistance to all operating administration officials and personnel security coordinators. Coordinate briefings for the safeguarding or classified information. The ideal candidate effectively manages complex personnel security adjudications by applying federal vetting standards to reach accurate, well-supported eligibility decisions. This position serves as a reliable advisor who can clearly communicate policy requirements and security guidance to internal and external partners.
To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Education Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verification, AND (3) meet either the education or experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration. To qualify for the GS-07 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-05 it must include: Experience entering and maintaining personnel security information in electronic systems to support employee onboarding and security investigations; AND Experience processing fingerprints using electronic fingerprinting systems or preparing and issuing employee identification cards, credentials, or other identification media. To qualify for the GS-07 on Education alone You must have at least 1 year of graduate-level education OR superior academic achievement. Superior Academic Achievement is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership. Class standing
• Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses. Grade-point average (G.P.A.)
• Applicants must have a grade-point average of: 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum. You can also qualify based on a combination of graduate level education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application. To qualify for the GS-09 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-07 it must include: Experience reviewing fitness investigations and making determinations regarding an individual's eligibility for employment; AND Experience maintaining, safeguarding, and controlling access to sensitive personnel security records and documents; OR Experience reviewing and analyzing investigative, personnel, and intelligence information to provide personnel security guidance and assistance to officials and program staff. To qualify for the GS-09 on Education alone: You must have 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or have been awarded a master's or equivalent graduate degree. You can also qualify based on a combination of graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application. To qualify for the GS-11 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-09 it must include: Experience advising specialists, managers, and stakeholders on personnel eligibility, suitability, fitness, and security matters. Experience reviewing investigative and personnel documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable requirements. Experience providing guidance on personnel security requirements and recommending improvements to policies, procedures, and processes. To qualify for the GS-11 on Education alone, 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. You can also qualify based on a combination of higher level graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application. 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: Security
• Knowledge of the laws, regulations, and guidelines related to securing personnel, facilities, and information, including the requirements for handling, transporting, and protecting classified information and proper reporting of security incidents. Written Communication
• Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience. Oral Communication
• Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing organ presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. For all types of consideration, 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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4 All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary 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 the 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. SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. DEU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants selected under delegated examining procedures may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). DRUG TEST: This position has been determined to be a critical safety/security position as defined in the Department of Transportation (DOT) Order, DOT 3910.ID entitled "Drug and Alcohol-Free Departmental Workplace." Therefore, is selected for this position you will be required to submit to a pre-employment / pre-appointment drug test. you will also be subject to Random Drug Testing SECURITY CLEARENCE: Employee must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance.

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