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. NASA may fill positions in any of the following grade levels listed in this announcement (GS-09/11/12/13/14 levels) (all NASA Centers).
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 guidance on security policy, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
- 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.
- 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.
- Perform a full range of supervisory duties which includes assigning and evaluating work; recommending personnel actions; taking disciplinary actions; and identifying training needs and developing employees.
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 may be required to obtain and maintain the following license/certification: Federal Arrest Authority and Special Agent.
- If selected, you may be required 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 October 14, 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.
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;
- Resolving security issues, developing program enhancements, or ensuring 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:
- Conducting assessments, enforcing protocols, and/or reducing operational risks through measurable improvements;
- Supporting security operations and incident response activities such as assisting with coordination involving law enforcement and interagency partners, helping conduct investigations or inquiries, and assisting in the implementation of corrective actions to protect personnel, facilities, and sensitive assets;
- Evaluating security issues, assisting in the interpretation and application of policy, and/or developing recommendations that inform program activities and contribute to resource and organizational risk management considerations.
To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level:
- Administering a comprehensive institutional security program to protect employees, property, and information;
- Applying security guidelines, policies and regulations;
- Applying multi-disciplined security principles, concepts, and methodology.
To qualify for GS-14, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level:
- Implementing and managing programs designed to prevent information, personnel, property, facilities or operations from unauthorized disclosure, misuse, theft, sabotage or loss;
- Developing security policy guidance to ensure organizational requirements are achieved;
- Planning, coordinating, and executing multi-disciplinary security programs (physical, personnel, investigations, and operations); implementing risk-based mitigation strategies; and ensuring compliance with federal and agency security policies.
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.
Promotion Potential: The full performance level (FPL) will vary based on the position in which the selectee is placed and does not default to the highest grade advertised.
Education
For GS-9 and GS-11 Levels Only
Basic Requirement:
If you are using education completed in the United States to meet the qualification requirements, your degree must have been awarded from a college 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.
For purposes of Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) selection priority, well-qualified is defined as possessing knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or competencies which clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position, as determined through SME review of the resume/application. If you have special priority selection rights under ICTAP, you must:
- Indicate your eligibility when applying for a position.
- Exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position.
- Submit proof that you meet the requirements for 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.
Supervisory probationary periods are not subject to the above process, although, if a standard probationary period is required. You are subject to the conditions of both a standard probationary period and the supervisory probationary period.
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.
