Duties

At the entry level of this position, you will:

• Lead and participate as a technical expert in interagency study groups for resolving problems in existing security systems and programs requiring innovative solutions. Draw conclusions and make recommendations to improve the program effectiveness and offers suggestions, as well as, identifying errors, omissions, and deficiencies.
• Develop guidance on purchase, installation, and use of security equipment used to security programs. Review, analyze, coordinate, plan, and prepare budget projections for proposed security systems or system upgrades
• Provide expert advice and assistance to the Branch Chief and Branch members regarding the development and implementation of procedures to achieve effective management control. Determine the need for written policies and procedures, oversees the development of policies and procedures, and reviews and recommends approval upon completion
• Perform in-depth background research on specific security subject areas based on own experience and at the discretion of senior professionals, and prepare reports that outline findings and recommendations to correct vulnerabilities and address areas of improvement.

When entering a Federal job at a grade level lower than the highest promotion potential level, you may be promoted to more complex duties and work more independently, as your career progresses. NOTE: Career ladder promotions are not automatic, and all eligibility and qualifications requirements must be met in order to progress to the next grade level.

One or more positions may be filled (in the organization advertised and/or in other organizations).

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Pre-employment drug testing is required and random testing thereafter.
• You must submit a resume and required documents--see How to Apply section.
• You must be a U.S. citizen.

As required by Executive Order 14043, if you are selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by 11/22/21, or before onboarding with the agency if after 11/22/21, except in limited circumstances. For information about COVID-19 workplace safety at EPA, as well as resources and health and safety guidance, visit COVID-19 Safe Federal Workplace .

If you are selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure form within 30 days of your first day of employment and annually thereafter.

If you are selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary period.

This position is designated as High Risk and requires a background investigation. Unless an appropriate background investigation is already on record with the Office of Personnel Management, you must undergo a background investigation. All conditions of the pre-employment security process must be met before an official letter of employment can be issued with a report for duty date.

You will be required to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance.

You must meet time in grade requirements no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement.

Qualifications

We are looking for at least one year of specialized experience related to this position as described below:

To qualify for the GS-12 level, you need to have at least one year of full time experience equivalent to the GS-11 level defined as reviewing security policies and standards; managing physical security programs and systems (including emergency preparedness, identification media, intrusion detection and/or alarm systems); providing technical assistance to managers, employees and/or coworkers to ensure security measures are met and to resolve security issues; preparing written reports of findings from risk assessments, compliance security reviews and site surveys; and providing advice and guidance on budgetary requirements for security equipment and systems.

To qualify for the GS-13 level, you need to have at least one year of full time experience equivalent to the GS-12 level defined as reviewing local and national security policies and standards, distributing and implementing security policy standards and procedures; overseeing and providing technical expertise on comprehensive physical security programs and systems (including emergency preparedness, identification media, intrusion detection and alarm systems, locks, keys, etc.); providing expert technical assistance to lower graded specialists and managers to ensure security measures are met and to resolve security issues; preparing written reports of findings from risk assessments, compliance security reviews and/or site surveys; reviewing reports from lower graded specialists; and providing authoritative advice and guidance on budgetary requirements for security equipment and systems.

Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:

• Skill in identification and resolution of major security problems
• Ability to serve on inter-agency or interorganizational committees and groups to help identify and resolve security issues.
• Knowledge of the federal security programs related to security guards, identification badges, physical and communication security systems, and emergency operations.
• Knowledge of the federal budget program and program management
• Ability to evaluate program vulnerabilities related to security programs such as electronic security systems, compares to written guidance, and determines solutions
• Knowledge of security policy requirements to function as technical authorities in assignments
• Skill in analyzing and evaluating existing processes for the identification and resolution of security problems.
• Ability to serve on inter-agency or interorganizational committees and groups to help identify and resolve security issues.
• Skill in written communication.
• Ability to evaluate program vulnerabilities related to security programs such as electronic security systems.
• Ability to choose, interpret, or adapt available guidelines to specific security-related issues or subjects.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

If you have part-time work experience, read this: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures .

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Are you a Displaced Federal Employee? If so, please read the Required Documents section and visit the EPA website for additional information: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at EPA. Our excellence can only be fully realized by staff who share our commitment to these values. Successful candidates are committed to advancing equity and inclusion in the Agency's workplace and mission. We encourage applications from candidates with a variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and circumstance. At EPA, diversity is a vital element in bringing a balance of perspectives to bear on every challenge we face. We are committed to creating a diverse workforce because we know that the individual strengths and abilities of our employees make us a stronger organization. The more inclusive our employee base is, the greater the variety of ideas that are generated, and the more representative we are of the nation we serve. To learn more about how EPA values and supports our diverse workforce, visit Equal Opportunity Employment at EPA .

EPA participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. For additional information: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures .

Although the Service Type indicated above is Competitive, you may be appointed as Excepted Service based on your eligibility to be hired under certain appointing authorities.

This position is not in the bargaining unit.

If you are selected, travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid by EPA. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting to work in this position will be your responsibility.

Except in special circumstances, those new to the federal government will be hired at the starting salary (step 1) of the applicable grade range listed above.