Summary
As a Security Specialist in the Office of Protective Services, you will apply, interpret, and evaluate security regulations, policies, and directives to strengthen organizational programs and achieve mission objectives. Positions advertised are in various organizations and locations. NASA may fill positions in any of the following grade levels listed in this announcement (GS-09/11/12/13 levels).
Duties
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- Duties described below are at the highest grade advertised. Duties assigned at lower grade levels will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity; duties will be commensurate with the grade of selected employee.
- Oversees planning and integration of a comprehensive security program supporting organizational missions.
- Provides expert guidance on security policy, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
- Leads development and execution of security strategies across personnel, physical, information, and insider threat areas.
- Directs physical security and access control for facilities and critical infrastructure, ensuring protective measures and coordination with authorities.
- Manages information security and classification programs, ensuring compliance and conducting inspections and reviews for effectiveness.
- Provides technical oversight for contracts, monitors performance, validates compliance, and ensures contractor adherence to security requirements.
- Advises leadership on security incidents and threats, develops response strategies, and implements corrective actions to mitigate risks.
- Supports leadership in setting priorities, managing resources, and promoting security awareness through training and outreach.
- Represents the organization in security forums and audits, preparing briefings and recommendations on security posture and compliance.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
- This position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
- This position may require a one-year probationary period. If selected, the requirement to serve such period will be determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11. **See Additional Information section**
- You must meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
- Position subject to pre-employment background investigation or higher-level clearance. Investigation/Clearance may differ and be required based on the duty location/NASA Center requirements.
- Financial Disclosure, Drug Testing, and/or the Travel Requirements for this position may differ and be required based on the duty location/NASA Center requirements.
- If selected, you must be able meet the standards and training qualifications in strict compliance with 14 CFR, Chapter V, Part 1203b.103, Security Programs Arrest Authority, and Use of Force by NASA Security Force Personnel.
- If selected, you must be able to obtain and maintain the following license/certification: Federal Arrest Authority and Special Agent.
- If selected, you must be able to meet the criteria for use of a firearm in accordance with the Federal Arrest Authority.
- If selected, you must be able to successfully complete a Law Enforcement Exam/Physical.
- "To be considered for employment, you must submit your complete application by 11:59 PM ET on September 15, 2026.
Qualifications
Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.
To qualify for GS-09 level, you must have:
- One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level:
- Applying relevant security regulations, policies, or guidelines to support program or organizational objectives.
- Assisting with guidance relating to information/industrial security, personnel security or national security.
OR
- Completed all requirements for a master's or equivalent graduate degree in an appropriate field
OR
- Completed 2 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree in an appropriate field
OR
OR
- Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed in a), b), c) and d) above
To qualify for GS-11, you must have:
- One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level:
- Interpreting, evaluating, and applying security regulations, policies, and directives to develop, implement, or improve security programs that support organizational objectives.
- Demonstrated ability to resolve security issues, develop program enhancements, or ensure successful execution of protective security requirements.
OR
- Completed all requirements for a doctoral degree (i.e., Ph.D. or equivalent) in an appropriate field
OR
- Completed 3 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree in an appropriate field
OR
OR
- Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed in a), b), c) and d) above
To qualify for GS-12, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level:
- Demonstrated comprehensive expertise in law-enforcement concepts and security procedures by conducting assessments, enforcing protocols, and reducing operational risks through measurable improvements.
- Designed, evaluated, and revised specialized training systems and materials using structured performance metrics, resulting in increased trainee proficiency and reduced remediation rates.
- Applied educational principles and training methodologies to continuously assess and refine programs and overall training effectiveness.
To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level:
- Apply advanced law enforcement principles and security protocols to plan, direct, and evaluate protective operations, ensuring compliance and measurable risk-reduction.
- Develop, update, and assess training systems and materials using established instructional methodologies, producing quantifiable improvements in workforce proficiency and operational readiness.
- Conduct continuous evaluation and enhancement of training programs by applying educational theory and advanced training methodologies in performance and program effectiveness.
Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job.
Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of artificial intelligent (AI) or AI-assisted tools during the application process.
Education
For GS-9 and GS-11 levels only
If you are using education completed in the United States to meet the qualification requirements, your degree must have been awarded from a colleges or university that is accredited by a recognized accrediting organization. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, go to http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs. These education credentials must be deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
All degrees must have been received in the year of, or any year subsequent to the original date of accreditation.
Additional information
Additional selections may be made for similar positions across NASA within the local commuting area(s) of the location(s) identified in this announcement
. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) within NASA. CTAP/ICTAP will be cleared for any additional selection from this announcement.
If you have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must:
- Indicate your eligibility when applying for a position. The questionnaire asks you to identify your ICTAP/CTAP eligibility.
- Be well qualified for this position to receive consideration. Candidates rated in the 'Best Qualified' category are considered well-qualified. Please see 'How You Will Be Evaluated' for more information.
- Submit proof that you meet the requirements for CTAP/ICTAP as indicated in 'Required Documents.'
For additional information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, click here - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/#ictap.
Any applicant that received a Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) from the federal governmentwithin the last five years based of the closing date of this announcement, if selected, may be required to repay the full amount prior to establishing a start date. For additional information on the VSIP repayment requirement, click here - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/voluntary-separation-incentive-payments/
Per Executive Order 14343, this position is not part of a bargaining unit.
Probationary Period
You
may be required to serve a one-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. If selected, the requirement to serve such period will be determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11.
In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Other duty locations not specifically listed on this announcement may be considered at management's discretion.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
