Security Specialist

Security Specialist

Sometimes known as Physical Security Specialist, Security Specialist are required to know how to protect information, people, buildings, land, waterways, vessels, vehicles and much more. They may be required to perform background investigations utilizing NCIC, NCIS, FBI or other databases to ensure that personnel that are being granted access to an installation or building do not have any overt signs they may be a threat. These specialists need to continuously reference multiple manuals, directives or orders to ensure compliance with current statues or regulations.

“Federal security specialists perform a broad range of tasks associated with the identification and protection of information, personnel, property, facilities, operations, and material from unauthorized disclosure, misuse, theft, fraud, assault, vandalism, espionage, sabotage, or loss. The majority of security specialists in the competitive service are classified in the GS-0080 occupational series. Among the most common careers in this series are physical security specialists and personnel security specialists. Generally speaking, physical security specialists design, install, operate, and monitor devices and systems that are used to protect against fire, theft, vandalism, and illegal entry in order to safeguard personnel, property, and information. These professionals are employed by agencies that include the Secret Service, U.S. Capitol Police, Agricultural Research Service, Federal Protective Service, and U.S. Marshals Service, among others. Agencies such as the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Drug Enforcement Administration, Comptroller of the Currency, Defense Security Service, and Federal Emergency Management Agency employ personnel security specialists to analyze and evaluate the character and background of employees, candidates for employment, federal contractor personnel, and other persons having or proposed to be granted access to classified or other sensitive...