Personnel Security Specialist

Full Job Description

This position is within the Office of Personnel and Information Security, Office of Security and Continuity of Operations, under the Chief Administrative Office for the Bonneville Power Administration.

Ensure the integrity of a trusted workforce!

You will manage the secure credentialing and background investigation process for all personnel, ensuring a trusted workforce and protecting critical infrastructure.

Your expertise will be essential to our security mission.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: GS-09: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) in the Federal service.

Specialized experience for this position is defined as: Experience 1) applying established policies and standards to process background checks or personnel suitability assessments for employment or access to sensitive facilities; and 2) managing a caseload of these reviews, under supervision, which includes verifying information, ensuring all required documentation is collected, and resolving common discrepancies or issues.

You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: Master's or equivalent graduate degree; or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or a LL.B.

or J.D. if related; your education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. -OR- Combination of education and experience as described above.

Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level (i.e., credit hours beyond the first year of full-time study may be credited).

One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours the graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study.

If the graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study is not available, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) is used.

When crediting education that requires specific course work the number of hours of related courses required, as a proportion of the total education, is prorated.

GS-11: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) in the Federal service.

Specialized experience for this position is defined as: Experience 1) analyzing investigative reports and other complex information to make formal determinations or recommendations on an individual's suitability for a position of trust; and 2) interpreting policies and risk-assessment criteria to resolve significant issues or conflicting information discovered during the personnel vetting process.

You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: Ph.D.

or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or a LL.M., if related; your education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.

-OR- Combination of education and experience as described above.

Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level (i.e., credit hours beyond the first two years of full-time study may be credited).

One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours the graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study.

If the graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study is not available, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) is used.

When crediting education that requires specific course work the number of hours of related courses required, as a proportion of the total education, is prorated.

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience.

Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations.

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. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Major Duties:

Step into a Critical Role: Safeguard the Pacific Northwest's Power Grid As an essential member of the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), you are the gatekeeper responsible for ensuring the integrity and trustworthiness of the entire workforce.

Your decisions directly protect the vital energy infrastructure that powers millions of homes and businesses across the Pacific Northwest.

This isn't just a job; it is a mission to maintain the security and reliability of one of the nation's most important resources.

We are looking for a decisive, analytical, and highly organized professional to take on this critical challenge.

Adjudicate Access: Serve as a key decision-maker by reviewing, evaluating, and adjudicating investigation reports to determine whether to grant, deny, or revoke access privileges to government facilities and IT systems.

Implement Security Policy: Facilitate and monitor the agency's implementation of the Department of Energy's Personnel Security Program, ensuring all procedures are followed correctly and consistently.

Safeguard Sensitive Data: Ensure full compliance with government regulations for protecting sensitive information, including collecting identity documents, fingerprints, and background investigation data with proper controls.

Onboard and Guide New Hires: Act as the main customer support contact for new applicants during their onboarding, answering questions and resolving issues to ensure a smooth and secure entry process.

Conduct Security Briefings: Prepare and present essential security awareness training and briefings for all personnel, covering topics from initial onboarding to annual refreshers and termination procedures.

Develop and Refine Procedures: Participate in committees to develop and improve local security plans and instructions, translating high-level objectives into practical, effective daily operations.

Prescreen Security Cases: Scrutinize every personnel security case to ensure all required information is accurate and complete before it is submitted to the Department of Energy, preventing delays and ensuring a timely investigation.

Support Special Security Projects: Assist senior security specialists on projects that respond to new government regulations or technology updates, helping to keep the agency's security posture modern and effective.