Physical Security Specialist

Full Job Description

This position serves as a vital part of the VA Police Services often serving as the face of the VA and as the first person a Veteran or visitor encounters when entering a VA facility.

The incumbent provides security and assistance to Veterans, patients, employees, contractors, volunteers, affiliates, visitors, and others who frequent VA facilities daily.

The incumbent provides advice and guidance to PS management officials and staff.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 02/11/2026.

You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS 07 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Providing physical security and assistance to groups and individuals entering facility or campus; ensuring compliance with security procedures designed to safeguard personnel and property; applying knowledge of security and protection regulations, policies, procedures, and practices; utilizing various security equipment and devices; making/sharing recommendations to improve security processes.

Performs law enforcement assignment such as, responding to reports of crimes and/or calls for police assistance; securing crime scenes and/or accident sites; takes appropriate actions in emergency situations; conducts investigations; keep abreast of law enforcement rules, regulations and techniques.

OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience.

To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a master's or equivalent graduate degree, or two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, in a field related to physical security that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position.

NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation.

OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level.

You must have an combination of specialized experience and graduate level education (in excess of the first year or 18 semester hours) to meet total experience requirements.

NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Major Duties:

Duties include, but are not limited to: Serves as a uniformed Physical Security Specialist providing services on behalf of the VHA, PCS, including assisting in managing the Security Program for the Medical Center/Health Care System which ensures that individuals requiring access have been vetted.

Provides physical security support for Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, National Cemetery Administration and Veterans Administration Regional Office (VHA/VBA/NCA/VARO).

Assist in evaluating risk and developing procedures and physical security measures designed to safeguard personnel, property, and operations from unauthorized access, espionage, terrorism, sabotage, damage and theft.

Participates with senior-level Physical Security Specialist and provides suggestions to the Chief of Police regarding matters pertaining to security systems and security of other VA/VHA/NCA/VARO assets.

Serves on focused groups regarding physical security policy, doctrine, utility and implementation.

Ensures security requirements, including appropriate safeguards, cameras, panic and intrusion alarms are implemented.

Monitors and evaluates existing present and planned security projects to ensure timely and quality service conforms to statutory, contractual and technical requirements.

Works closely with senior Physical Security Specialist to gain an understanding of requirements of contracting officers to ensure VA and contractor compliance with Federal/VA security protocols during construction.

Identifies conflicts between VHA and OIT Security requirements/regulations during security surveys. Receives training in conducting system audits and evaluates reports of alleged security violations.

Analyzes facts and performs appropriate research and prepares detailed responses.

Meets with key customers and coordinates with officials to assess customer satisfaction, explain organization policy and procedures, and resolve problems that arise.

Attends security meetings and gathers new or changed security program information to provide security personnel and others in attendance.

Ensures that minutes of the meeting are taken; and reviews completed minutes for accuracy of recorded information.

Conducts investigations when solutions cannot be achieved during a normal patrol shift. Conducts full investigations over prolonged periods.

Questions and takes statements from victims, witnesses, and complainants, and clarifies conflicting statements, and interrogates suspects.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: Physical Security Specialist/PD99826SRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized