Security Specialist

Full Job Description

This position is in the System Integration and Monitoring Branch (SIM) in the Security Systems Integration Division (SSI), Office of Security Technology (ST), Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS).

Within SSI, the Next Generation Unmanned Systems (NEXUS) Program leads the Department's efforts to advance the safe, lawful, and effective use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in support of the Department's global security and operational mission.

For more information about the Bureau, visit: DS Applicants must meet all the required qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement.

NOTE: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements, by the closing date of this announcement.

Time-In-Grade Requirements: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions, per 5CFR 300, Subpart F.

Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the Federal service which provided the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position.

Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Experience advising on the development of policies, program plans, or training strategies related to Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

Experience overseeing the operational activities and functions of an Unmanned Aerial System Program.

Experience analyzing technical security equipment to recommend mitigation strategies for system vulnerabilities. There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-14 position.

SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: Note: This position has a Selective Placement Factor (SPF). The SPF is applied in addition to minimum qualifications.

Applicants who do not meet the criteria for the SPF are ineligible for further consideration.

To meet the Selective Placement Factor requirement, applicants must possess a valid FAA Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS rating.

Applicants MUST submit the certificate as verification of selective placement factor by the closing date of this announcement.

If you fail to provide the requested information, or the information you submit is insufficient to verify your eligibility, you WILL lose consideration for this position. Major Duties:

• Manages the NEXUS Program, overseeing Department initiatives related to the development, management, and operational integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
• Oversees and certifies UAS pilots, operators, and safety officers, ensuring personnel training and qualifications align with recognized Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department standards.
• Conducts technical, operational, and policy analysis to inform NEXUS strategy and ensure alignment with DS, FAA, and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) UAS integration initiatives.
• Develops and maintains policy and procedural guidance on safe and compliant UAS operations, flight authorization processes, and data management practices.
• Serves as Government Technical Monitor for contracts and agreements supporting UAS system procurement, sustainment, and integration.