Feral Jundi

Department: Department Of Agriculture

Agency: Office of the Secretary of Agriculture

Sub Agency: Homeland Security Office

Job Announcement Number:

OSEC-08-167A

Security Specialist (Special Agent of Executive Protection Operations)

Salary Range: 58,206.00 – 107,854.00 USD per year

Open Period: Tuesday, June 24, 2008

to Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Series & Grade: GS-0080-11/13

Position Information: Full-Time  Permanent

Promotion Potential: 13

Duty Locations: 0001 vacancies – Washington, DC

Who May Be Considered:

Applications will be accepted from United States citizens and nationals.

Job Summary:

This position is located in the Office of the Secretary, Homeland Security Office (HL), and reports to the Supervisory Protection Specialist (Special Agent-in-Charge) and Senior Protection Specialist (Deputy Special Agent-in-Charge) for Executive Protection Operations.  The incumbent serves as a special agent and participates in coordinating security, communications, transportation, accommodation and logistics requirements for the Secretary of Agriculture as well as for accompanying dignitaries or family, as appropriate, to assure the personal safety of the protectee and his party at all times during any emergencies which may arise, regardless of the physical location of the protectee.

Because of the increased threat of possible violence faced by Cabinet-level Secretaries both within the U.S. and abroad, as well as the impending unforeseen need for continuity of operations following a national emergency, it is necessary to have security support for the Secretary and, at times of heightened need, the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture.  The incumbent is recognized as a specialist in the full range of executive personal security protection polices, practices and requirements attendant to the daily functions and long-term planning of the office.

Major Duties:

As a protective security detail (PSD) special agent, provides executive-level personal security protection of the protectee to and from his/her residence and office, while attending events and meetings of official nature outside his office, while on travel, within the United States and overseas, and during periods of heightened threats or federal government alert that would require continuous protection. Plans, develops, implements, and executes personal protection operations which include, but are not limited to, site advances, motorcade operations, route analysis and close-in protection in low to high-threat environments.

Assists with investigations concerning threats to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Agriculture.  Coordinates and conducts official liaison activities with the United States Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General and other Federal, State and local law enforcement, investigative and intelligence agencies as directed.

Assists the Special Agent-in-Charge and his/her Deputy in planning the full range of programs and functions of personal security, serving as a Department specialist in security and related management support areas to ensure safe and efficient operations during the protectee’s travel, as well as personal and physical security within the office.

Provides comprehensive support to members of the Homeland Security Office in those matters directed by the Secretary, Deputy Secretary and Special Agent-in-Charge of Executive Protection Operations.  Undertakes complex research projects, which require the identification of sources of information, fact-finding research, analysis, report writing, and correspondence preparation for follow-up. 

Qualifications:

GS-11:

Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience performing a range of duties similar to those outlined above.  The experience would have provided the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA’s) to perform successfully the duties of the position and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.  The required specialized experience must be equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service.

GS-12:  Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience performing a range of duties similar to those outlined above.  The experience would have provided the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA’s) to perform successfully the duties of the position and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.  The required specialized experience must be equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service.

GS-13:  Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience performing a range of duties similar to those outlined above.  The experience would have provided the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA’s) to perform successfully the duties of the position and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.  The required specialized experience must be equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service.

You must be a U.S. citizen to qualify for this position.

Security Clearance:  The position requires access to classified material up through the Top Secret level.  Incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a security Top Secret/SCI Clearance.  Appointment will be subject to the applicant’s successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication.  Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. 

The incumbent must qualify to obtain a Special Deputation by the United States Marshals Service; including at minimum: having successfully completed an accredited basic law enforcement training program (civilian or military); having at least one year of previous law enforcement experience; and not having been convicted of a crime of domestic violence as defined in Title 18, USC Section 922 (g) (9) Lautenberg Amendment.   

Must be able to qualify with the use of a firearm and maintain proficiency.

Must be able to obtain and maintain current required certifications in First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

The incumbent must be able to travel frequently (domestic and international) and work irregular shifts.

This position requires the incumbent to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate, valid driver’s license is required for the position.

Work Schedule: This position requires the incumbent to be able to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays and overtime.

Drug Testing: The incumbent must pass a pre-employment Drug Test prior to appointment and will be subject to random drug testing.

This position is designated as emergency essential.

How You Will Be Evaluated:

EVALUATION CRITERIA:   Qualified applicants will be rated on documented experience relating to the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA’s).  On a separate sheet of paper describe and list all your experience, education, training, and related recognition (awards, performance reviews, etc.) that describe your background for EACH of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA’s) listed below.  Each written KSA response will be evaluated separately.  Your KSA responses will be considered as your Supplemental Statement for your application for this position.  Failure to submit separate responses for each of the KSA’s will exclude applicants from further consideration.

Qualified candidates will be assigned a score between 70 and 100, not including points that may be assigned for veterans’ preference.

To be well qualified, a CTAP/ICTAP (please refer to “DID YOU KNOW” for definition) eligible must be rated with a score of at least 85.

KSA’s

1.  Knowledge of security guidelines, laws, policies, regulations, and roles in order to determine and conduct executive-level protection/personal security protection operations.

2. Expertise and experience of techniques, tactics and procedures in planning, coordinating and conducting security protection particularly pertaining to conducting executive-level protection/personal security protection for a high-ranking official.

3. Ability to conduct a myriad of executive-level/personal protection responsibilities to include, but not limited to, site advances and surveys, motorcade operations, travel, personal security vulnerability assessments, and close-in protection of a dignitary.

4.  Ability to communicate orally in order to provide recommendations and assistance to management, senior staff and other personnel; and represent the Agency in order to support security protocols and mission requirements.

5.  Skill in written communication in order to prepare security and/or law enforcement related reports and correspondence.

Benefits:

You may participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, with costs shared with your employer. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#FEHB.

Life insurance coverage is provided. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#life

Long-Term Care Insurance is offered and carries into your retirement. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#ltci

New employees are automatically covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). If you are transferring from another agency and covered by CSRS, you may continue in this program. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#retr

You will earn annual vacation leave. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#VACA

You will earn sick leave. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#SKLV

You will be paid for federal holidays that fall within your regularly scheduled tour of duty. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#HOLI

If you use public transportation, part of your transportation costs may be subsidized. Our human resources office can provide additional information on how this program is run.

You can use Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts for expenses that are tax-deductible, but not reimbursed by any other source, including out-of-pocket expenses and non-covered benefits under their FEHB plans. More Info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#FSA

Other Information:

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Males born after 12/31/59 desiring Federal employment must be registered with the Selective Service System.

Appointments under this announcement include a one-year probationary/trial period requirement.   For supervisory or managerial positions, candidates are subject to a probationary period unless prior supervisory or managerial experience is creditable.

A background security investigation will be required for all new hires. 

The use of Federal Government postage-paid envelopes in filing applications is a violation of federal law and will disqualify you from consideration.

The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program.  (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)   Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s Target Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).  To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER.

How To Apply:

You must submit your application so that it will be received by the closing date of the announcement.

TO BE CONSIDERED, YOU MUST SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING.  FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN NON-CONSIDERATION:

*     A resume, or OF-612 (optional Application for Federal Employment), or any written application.  Be sure to indicate the Vacancy Announcement Number.  Electronic versions of the OF-612 and an on-line resume builder may be accessed at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov.

*     Your SEPARATE written responses for EACH of the KSA’s and SCREEN OUT ELEMENT describing how your experience, education, training, and recognition distinguish you from other applicants.   Your KSA responses are considered your SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENT.  Failure to address any of the KSA’s listed in this announcement will exclude applicants from further consideration.  Failure to address each of the  KSA’s separately will exclude applicants from further consideration.  Non-Competitive applicants are encouraged to respond to the KSA’s since this may support your qualification for this position or a selecting official’s assessment and consideration.

AND

* ALL current Federal employees must provide a copy of their current Performance Appraisal.  It must be dated within 15 months of the opening date of the announcement.

* STATUS applicants/FORMER AND CURRENT Federal employees eligible for reinstatement must provide a copy of their most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action.

* Please be sure to indicate your email address, as further communication with you on the status of your application may be by email.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY C.O.B. (4:30 P.M.) ON THE CLOSING DATE of this announcement.  If you request forms late in the open period, you are still required to have your application received by the closing date. No extensions will be given.

We are sorry for any inconvenience that this may cause; however, due to mail being irradiated, we have no control over when we receive mail.  The Human Resources Services Division staff wants to ensure that your application package is timely and is considered for further processing.

WHERE TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS:                                            

                    USDA-OHCM-ERSD

                    ATTN:  OSEC Support Office

                    ANNOUNCEMENT NO: OSEC-08-167A         

                    STOP 99892, ROOM 17-W, JLW    

                    1400 INDEPENDENCE AVE., SW

                    WASHINGTON, DC 20250-9892

Call Tony Khanna on (202) 720-0412 for additional information.

DID YOU KNOW??

VETERANS:   Preference eligibles or veterans who have been separated under honorable conditions from the Armed Forces after completing 3 or more years of continuous active military service may compete for vacancies advertised under MERIT PROMOTION PROCEDURES. You must submit a DD-214 with your application.

SPECIAL HIRING AUTHORITY  APPOINTMENTS: Applicants who are eligible for a special hiring authority   (e.g., VRA eligibles, severely disabled individuals, former Peace Corps and VISTA Volunteers, etc.) are encouraged to apply and will be considered.  Eligibility documentation should be provided by applicants. Clearly mark this request.  (VRA.click here)

DISPLACED/SURPLUS EMPLOYEES: Individuals who have special priority selection rights under the USDA Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. To be well qualified, you must receive a score or 85 or higher.  CTAP and ICTAP eligibles will be considered well qualified if that applicant meets the qualification standard and eligibility requirements for the position, meets minimum educational and experience requirements, meets all selective factors where applicable and is able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry.

*     A resume, or OF-612 (optional Application for Federal Employment), or any written application.  Be sure to indicate the Vacancy Announcement Number.  Electronic versions of the OF-612 and an on-line resume builder may be accessed at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov.

*     Your separate written responses to the KSA’s describing how your experience, education, training, and recognition distinguish you from other applicants.   Your KSA responses are considered your SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENT.  Failure to address any of the KSA’s listed in this announcement will exclude applicants from further consideration.  Failure to address each of the KSA’s separately will exclude applicants from further consideration.  Non-Competitive applicants are encouraged to respond to the KSA’s since this may support your qualification for this position or a selecting official’s assessment and consideration.

Contact Information:

    Tony Khanna

    Phone: 202-720-0412

    Or write:

    Department Of Agriculture

    1400 Independence Ave SW

    Room 17-W

    Washington, DC 20250

    US 

What To Expect Next:

Once your complete application is received we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified of the outcome.

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.

Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Send Mail to:

Department Of Agriculture

1400 Independence Ave SW

Room 17-W

Washington, DC 20250

US

For questions about this job:

Tony Khanna

Phone: 202-720-0412