Physical Security Specialist

In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards. Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.

Specialized Experience Requirement: GS-13: Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-12. Specialized experience is defined as 3 or more of the following: Conducting physical security assessments of federal facilities using Interagency Security Committee (ISC) standards, Homeland Security Presidential Directives (HSPD), and agency-wide physical security policies to identify vulnerabilities and recommend corrective actions.

Developing, interpreting, or implementing physical security policies, standards, procedures, or agency programs, including risk mitigation strategies for protecting personnel, facilities, and assets. Providing expert guidance on physical security systems such as electronic access control systems (ePACS/PACS), intrusion detection systems, surveillance technologies, perimeter security features, or other protective countermeasures.

Serving as a liaison or subject-matter expert collaborating with internal and external security partners (e.g., DHS, FPS, USDA agencies) on physical security matters or multi-disciplinary security issues. Conducting studies, inspections, or compliance reviews of security programs or facilities, preparing written reports, and briefing leadership on findings, recommendations, and follow-up actions.

Researching physical security best practices or technologies and developing technical documentation, such as statements of work, requirements, or cost estimates for security solutions or procurement. 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.

TIME IN GRADE REQUIREMENT: If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirements of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. This requirement must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Duties listed are at the full performance level.,Conducts nationwide physical security assessments of Forest Service facilities in accordance with Interagency Security Committee (ISC) Standards, Homeland Security Presidential Directives, and USDA regulations.,Leads the development, management, and maintenance of the Forest Service Standard Physical Security Assessment Program.,Prepares policies, guidance, and training materials to ensure consistent agency-wide application of physical security requirements,Serves as the primary liaison for physical security matters between the Forest Service, USDA agencies, and external partners such as the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Protective Service, and other interagency security committees.,Interprets and applies physical security principles to unique and complex environments, including remote facilities and specialized operational settings.,Collaborate with other security disciplines, including personnel security, IT/cybersecurity, emergency preparedness, and COOP operations to develop coordinated, agency-wide security solutions.,Conduct inspections, compliance reviews, and follow-up evaluations to ensure corrective actions are implemented.,Deliver briefings on assessment findings, vulnerabilities, and recommended improvements to senior leadership.