SECURITY SPECIALIST (OPSEC)

Summary

The Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) is seeking a highly motivated Security Specialist to support the OPSEC Security Support Element. The incumbent will serve as an OPSEC subject matter expert providing security analysis, assessments, advisory services, education, training and technical assistance to Defense Agencies and Field Activities (DAFAs).

Duties

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As a SECURITY SPECIALIST (OPSEC) you will be responsible for the following duties:

• The incumbent will support the Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) Operation Security Support Element program which provides education, assessment, advisory and program support to Defense Agencies and Field Activities (DAFAs).
• Direct and/or advise on the integration of personnel, physical, and information security measures into comprehensive OPSEC programs, and ensuring all direction, advice, assistance, and assessment activity is tailored to the unique operational environments and mission requirements of the supported organizations.
• Collaborate with OPSEC Program Managers (OPMs) to establish and sustain OPSEC programs that address organizational vulnerabilities and align with DoW standards, beginning each engagement with structured pre-visit coordination and preparation.
• Develop tailored assessment and program-improvement plans based on risk analysis and organizational priorities.
• Interview organizational leaders, OPMs, and personnel to assess the effectiveness of OPSEC measures, advise on the integration of personnel, physical, and information security measures, and identify vulnerabilities.
• Prepare detailed reports summarizing assessment findings, including identified vulnerabilities and recommended corrective and alternative mitigation measures.
• Deliver OPSEC training courses to DoW personnel, contractors, and other stakeholders using various platforms, including in-person instruction, virtual instructor-led training (VILT), and eLearning.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• Must be a US citizen
• Selective Service Requirement: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. For more information http://www.sss.gov
• Resume and supporting documents received by 11:59PM EST will be considered
• This is a Drug Testing designated position
• Position is a (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under U.S.C. 1601
• Work Schedule: Full Time
• Overtime: Occasionally
• Tour of Duty: Flexible
• PCS (Permanent Change of Station): Not Authorized
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
• Financial Disclosure: Not Required
• Telework Eligibility: Supervisors may approve situational telework on a case-by-case, temporary basis for limited situations.
• The employee must complete the CDSE Instructor Certification Program during the initial 6 to 24 months after appointment to the position.
• The employee must obtain and maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance. The position requires access to the JWICS system in order to communicate with 4th Estate partners.

Qualifications

The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the Office of Personnel Management's (OPMs) basic qualifications requirements. See: Security Administration Series - 0080 for OPM qualification standards, competencies and specialized experience needed to perform the duties of the position as described in the MAJOR DUTIES and QUALIFICATIONS sections of this announcement by 11/23/2026

Applicant must have directly applicable experience that demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies necessary for immediate success in the position. Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position.

You must have specialized experience sufficient to demonstrate that you have acquired all the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade GS/GG-11 in the Federal service and are prepared to take on greater responsibility.

Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience.

Specialized experience for this position includes:

• Applying new & existing OPSEC policies, principles, procedures and regulations.
• Conducting OPSEC risk, threat, and vulnerability assessments.
• Incorporating operational assessment trends and emerging threats into OPSEC training and curriculum development.
• Evaluating OPSEC training effectiveness and refining instructional content based on findings.
• Developing & delivering OPSEC training content in various learning platforms.
• Collaborating with curriculum managers and other security stakeholders using excellent oral/written communication skills.

Specifically you will be evaluated on the following competencies:

1. Operations Security - Analyzes unclassified, highly sensitive, and close-hold information to identify sensitive information that could adversely affect mission if revealed to those without a need to know. Advises on the protection of the unclassified, highly sensitive, and close-hold information.
2. Security - Knowledge of the laws, regulations, and guidelines related to securing personnel, facilities, and information, including the requirements for handling, transporting, and protecting classified information and proper reporting of security incidents.
3. Teaching Others - Helps others learn through formal or informal methods; identifies training needs; provides constructive feedback; coaches others on how to perform tasks; acts as a mentor.
4. Vulnerabilities Assessment & Management - Conducts assessments on threats and vulnerabilities, determines the level of risk, and develops and recommends appropriate mitigation countermeasures in operational and nonoperational situations. Conducts assessments in a counterintelligence context to protect against espionage, other intelligence activities, and sabotage conducted for or on behalf of foreign powers, organizations or persons, or international terrorist activities.
5. Writing - Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.

Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.

Additional information

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.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

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.