This one's worth bookmarking. U.S. Secret Service has quietly posted a Supervisory IT Specialist (Artificial Intelligence) opening in Washington, District of Columbia — and at $169,279 to $197,200 per year, the pay is nothing to overlook. Here's the full breakdown and what you need to know to put in a strong application.
Mark your calendar: the deadline is February 27, 2026. Federal applications take time to prepare, so start early.
Position Details at a Glance
Before we dive deeper, here are the essentials:
| Hiring Agency | U.S. Secret Service |
| Department | Department of Homeland Security |
| Job Title | Supervisory IT Specialist (Artificial Intelligence) |
| Duty Station | Washington, District of Columbia |
| Salary Range | $169,279 to $197,200 per year |
| Grade/Level | GS-15 |
| Work Schedule | Full-Time |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Work Setting | On-site |
| Security Clearance | Top Secret |
| Date Posted | February 13, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | February 27, 2026 |
What This Role Involves
Here's the rundown of what this position actually entails on a day-to-day basis:
Joining the Secret Service, Office of the Chief Information Officer will allow you to enhance the Homeland Security mission through the advanced use of Artificial Intelligence and expertise to maintain and modernize the US Secret Service's Information Technology platform to support the agency's protective and investigative mission. For definitions of terms found in this announcement, please click here.
Your Responsibilities
as a Supervisory IT Specialist (Artificial Intelligence) in the Office of the Chief Information Officer. Typical work assignments include: Plans, organizes, and directs the activities of the AI Program, ensuring the AI Program complies with legal and regulatory requirements and meets customer needs. Establishes policies and procedures for accomplishment of the AI Program. Conducts regular reviews of financial and resource allocations to drive cost-efficiency and justify budget enhancements. Designs and implements crisis and emergency management protocols and training for the AI Program staff, while maintaining a readiness posture for such unexpected contingencies. Assigns work to subordinate employees based on organization priorities and consideration of difficulty and requirements of assignments. Apply for this exciting opportunity to provide mission critical support to the Artificial Intelligence Program and sustain emerging technologies supporting the U.S. Secret Service enterprise,...
Qualifications
Here's exactly what they want to see on your application — pay close attention to the specialized experience requirements:
To be considered qualified for this position you must meet the following qualification requirements for the respective grade level in which you are applying. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the Basic Requirements AND Minimum Qualification requirements as listed below: BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Possess information technology related experience demonstrating each of the four required competencies A. Attention to Detail: Ensuring IT programs are in compliance with cybersecurity policies and/or standards B. Customer Service: Interpreting IT security guidelines or policies to meet customer needs C. Oral Communication: Communicating organizational security policies and procedures to stakeholders D. Problem Solving: Providing solutions to cybersecurity issues to meet short and long-term goals. IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS ABOVE, YOU MUST ALSO MEET THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: You qualify for the GS-15 level (starting salary$169,279.00) if you possess one year of...
The Pay Package
The posted range is $169,279 to $197,200 per year (grade GS-15). Here's an insider tip: if you have strong qualifications, you can negotiate your starting step. Don't just accept Step 1 — agencies have the authority to offer Steps 2 through 10 based on superior qualifications or a special hiring need.
The benefits package is where federal employment really shines: health insurance through FEHB with the government covering roughly 75% of premiums, a FERS pension, TSP retirement savings with a 5% employer match, generous leave (13-26 days annual, 13 days sick), and 11 federal holidays. Factor all that in and you're looking at a total package well above the posted salary range.
Submitting Your Application
If this role looks like a fit, here's how to give yourself the best shot:
Start by pulling up the full announcement on USAJobs. Read the specialized experience requirements word by word — then mirror that language in your federal resume where it honestly applies to your background. This is how you get past the initial HR screening.
Make sure every required document is uploaded. Transcripts, SF-50 if you're a current fed, DD-214 for veterans preference — whatever they ask for, include it. Missing documents means an automatic rejection.
Deadline: February 27, 2026. Get it in early — technical issues on the last day are more common than you'd think.
View the full job announcement and apply here →
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the salary range for this role?
The salary range is $169,279 to $197,200 per year. Your actual pay will depend on factors like locality adjustments, your qualifications, and your negotiated step within the grade. Federal employees in higher-cost areas receive additional locality pay that can significantly increase the base figure.
Am I eligible for this position?
Eligibility depends on your experience, education, and whether you fall within the hiring paths listed in the announcement (this position is GS-15). The announcement spells out exactly what they need — check the Qualifications section for details.
When does this position close?
The closing date is February 27, 2026. Don't wait until the final day. Give yourself time to prepare a thorough application and gather all required documents.
Is this a remote position?
This position is based in Washington, District of Columbia and is currently listed as an on-site role. Telework and remote policies can vary, so it's worth asking about during the interview process.
What benefits are included?
The benefits are one of the best parts of federal employment. You get comprehensive health insurance through FEHB, a defined-benefit pension (FERS), TSP with a 5% match, generous leave accrual, and 11 paid holidays. Many people find the total package more valuable than a higher private-sector salary with fewer benefits.
Do I need a security clearance?
Yes, this position requires a Top Secret clearance. You don't need to have one beforehand — the agency will sponsor your investigation after making a conditional offer. The process involves a background check, financial review, and potentially interviews with your references. It can take a few months, so factor that into your timeline.
Who is eligible to apply?
This position is open to: United States Citizens. Check the "Who May Apply" section of the full announcement for specific hiring paths. If you're a veteran, make sure to include your DD-214 and any applicable preference documentation.
Is there promotion potential?
Yes — this position has a promotion potential to 15. That means with satisfactory performance, you can advance to that level without competing for a new position. Career ladder promotions in the federal system are one of the best paths to higher pay.