SECURITY SPECIALIST
Department of the Air Force - Agency Wide
Posted: February 27, 2026 (0 days ago)
This job was posted recently. Fresh listings typically have less competition.
Department of the Air Force - Agency Wide
Department of the Air Force
Location
Salary
$148,275 - $192,764
per year
Type
Full-Time
More Science & Research jobs →Closes
Base salary range: $104,604 - $135,987
Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-13. Senior expert or supervisor.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
This job involves leading research and development to study earthquakes, nuclear explosions, and how their waves travel through the Earth, using data from sensors to improve monitoring techniques.
It requires creating new methods and software to analyze this information for national security purposes.
A good fit would be an experienced scientist with a strong background in geophysics who enjoys fieldwork, coding, and collaborating on complex technical projects.
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.
The primary purpose of this position is to define and conduct original geophysical R&D in the general topic area of nuclear explosion monitoring.
Such work may include both theoretical and empirical investigations of explosion and earthquake source physics, studies of geophysical wave propagation, development of data processing algorithms and software, especially those involving digital signal processing.
This is a GG-14 position in the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS).
The GG-14 duties for the "Professional" work category are at the "Senior" work level and are equivalent to those at the GS-14 level.
The selectee's salary will be set within the grade equivalent to a GS/GG grade based on the selectee's qualifications in relation to the job.
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, Professional and Scientific Positions.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Geophysics Series, 1313 A.
Degree: that included at least 30 semester hours in mathematics (including calculus) and the physical sciences (geophysics, physics, engineering, geology, astronomy, meteorology, electronics, etc.).
OR B. Combination of education and experience -- courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Your resume must reflect the quality level of experience which demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies necessary for successful job performance required for this position.
Examples of creditable experience include: Extensive knowledge of geophysics, especially explosion seismology and seismic data processing.
The incumbent possesses and uses expert knowledge to develop new theories, sensor networks, and or processing algorithms to analyze seismic, hydroacoustic, and infrasonic data.
Incumbent understands and assimilates highly complex technical information relating to explosion seismology and applies this information to compare and evaluate scientific theory versus observed results.
Note: Creditable experience may include previous military experience, experience gained in the private sector, or experience gained in another government agency.
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: 1.
Knowledge of AFTAC, DOD, and AF policies, entities, missions, resources, operations, operations, capabilities, and requirements as related to assigned program(s) and/or project(s). 2.
Professional experience in the general area of geophysical sciences, either in the laboratory or the field, or a combination thereof.
Possible examples include: data-processing algorithms and computer software for the processing of seismic, hydroacoustic, or infrasound data; expertise in software coding with commonly-used high-level languages; design, planning and execution or a geophysical survey or field experiment; Expertise in observational seismology, with the ability to recognize various seismic phases at all distance ranges.
3.
Ability to communicate scientific and technical ideas, as shown by the publication of peer-reviewed articles in open scientific literature, or the presentation of work at scientific conference, symposia, and workshops.
4.
Must have broad awareness of technological developments in the geophysical sciences and a willingness to integrate information from various disciplines which includes an ability to work with teams, international agencies, and national customers to achieve mission goals.
5. Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Must demonstrate and understanding of security procedures and a willingness to protect classified information.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT CONTINUED: 1.
Position is designated special-sensitive and requires eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or involvement in Top Secret Special Access Programs (SAP) to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.
A non-disclosure agreement must be signed. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret Security Clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) 2.
Drug Testing: This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Testing Program.
Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing.
Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety.
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. Major Duties:
Duty 1 - Establishes, develops, and maintains effective working relationships with 16AF, HAF/A2, other DOD organizations, Department of Energy, other US Government agencies, and national and international technical oversight committees.
Duty 2 - Has general responsibility for originating, planning, coordinating, and managing research projects assigned.
Duty 3 - Communicates results of investigations both orally and in written form to audiences at various levels, including Center, Command, Agency, Inter-Agency, and International.
Duty 4 - Provides scientific oversight for existing R&D and O&M contracts, as well as rendering technical judgment and opinion on proposals being considered for funding.
Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes