Intelligence Operations Specialist
About This Position
See QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION for important information about this position. Responsible for complex assignments involving defensive counterintelligence (CI) and information coordination with a broad set of Communities of Interest (COIs) to establish and maintain SSA's defensive CI operations, collaboration and intelligence and information sharing missions which support homeland security. See DUTIES for additional responsibilities of this position.
Qualifications
To qualify for this Intelligence Operations Specialist position, you must demonstrate: (1) at least 52 weeks of Specialized Experience OR (2) Optional Education (GS-09 and GS-11 ONLY) OR (3) Combination of Specialized Experience and Optional Education (GS-09 and GS-11 ONLY) Minimum Qualifications for GS-09: (1) SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE must have been gained in a federal position at or above GS-07 OR (if your position is on another federal pay scale OR outside of federal service) by performing duties at a level of responsibility and difficulty equivalent to GS-07 or above. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is work that primarily consists of conducting defensive counterintelligence research and coordinating information with a range of communities of interest to support intelligence and information sharing missions for homeland security. Specialized Experience can be demonstrated by: (a) conducting basic research and analysis for defensive counterintelligence operations; (b) coordinating and sharing intelligence information with different groups and agencies and/or (c) preparing reports or summaries of findings and responding to requests for information **If you have experience performing this type of work, it must be clearly described in your resume, or it cannot be considered. (2) Optional Education: you must have a master's or equivalent graduate degree OR successful completion of at least 2 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree. (3) Combination: you must have a portion of Specialized Experience (i.e., less than 52 weeks performing qualifying duties as described above) and a portion of qualifying Optional Education as described above that can be combined to meet the full requirement.
Only graduate credits beyond the first year can be used in combination with specialized experience. (HR will determine if your combination of experience and education meets the full requirement.) SEE EDUCATION SECTION BELOW ********* Minimum Qualifications for GS-11 (1) SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE must have been gained in a federal position at or above GS-09 OR (if your position is on another federal pay scale OR outside of federal service) by performing duties at a level of responsibility and difficulty equivalent to GS-09 or above. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is work that primarily consists of managing defensive counterintelligence projects and activities and coordinating information sharing with multiple communities of interest to support homeland security missions. Specialized Experience can be demonstrated by: (a) managing defensive counterintelligence projects or activities within a defined area; (b) evaluating and interpreting intelligence findings to support information sharing and collaboration; (c) preparing parts of complex reports, manuals, or instructions for counterintelligence operations and/or (d) participating in meetings or committees to coordinate intelligence operations with other agencies. **If you have experience performing this type of work, it must be clearly described in your resume, or it cannot be considered. (2) Optional Education: you must have a Ph.D.
OR
equivalent doctoral degree or successful completion of at least 3 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D.
OR
equivalent doctoral degree. (3) Combination: you must have a portion of Specialized Experience (i.e., less than 52 weeks performing qualifying duties as described above) and a portion of qualifying Optional Education as described above that can be combined to meet the full requirement. Only graduate education beyond the second year can be used in combination with specialized experience. (HR will determine if your combination of experience and education meets the full requirement.) SEE EDUCATION SECTION BELOW ********* Minimum Qualifications for GS-12 (1) SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE must have been gained in a federal position at or above GS-11 OR (if your position is on another federal pay scale OR outside of federal service) by performing duties at a level of responsibility and difficulty equivalent to GS-11 or above. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is work that primarily consists of leading complex defensive counterintelligence assignments and developing methods for information coordination and sharing with a broad set of communities of interest to support homeland security.
Specialized Experience can be demonstrated by: (a) leading complex or strategic defensive counterintelligence assignments; (b) developing methods and plans for counterintelligence and information sharing; (c) preparing and reviewing detailed intelligence reports, collection plans and guidance documents and/or (d) advising others and coordinating intelligence operations with multiple agencies. **If you have experience performing this type of work, it must be clearly described in your resume, or it cannot be considered. *Education cannot be used in lieu of or
in addition to Specialized Experience to meet Minimum Qualifications at this grade level. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Specialized Experience and/or Optional Education) must be met by the closing date of this announcement. To be eligible for promotion, applicants with federal status must demonstrate at least 52 weeks at GS-07 (or other federal equivalent) for promotion to GS-09 at least 52 weeks at GS-09 (or other federal equivalent) for promotion to GS-11 at least 52 weeks at GS-11 (or other federal equivalent) for promotion to GS-12 Time in grade requirement must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Major Duties
At the full performance level, develops and executes a program implementation plan, establishes related CI policies and metrics and creates an outreach strategy to engage elements of the Intelligence Community (IC) focused on CI and law enforcement.
Develops and maintains a response protocol for resolving CI information that presents a credible threat to SSA. Develop a CI awareness strategy for use by all agency stakeholders.
Develop training programs and presentations to support SSA’s Defensive CI program. Generates written products and provides oral presentations to senior officials.
In support of agency participation in continuity exercises, conducts CI analysis, provides CI products and develops intelligence-related exercise scenarios as required to drive exercise activity.
Develops recurring CI reports that contain analysis of information, events and trends involving threats with the potential of damaging SSA’s critical assets or impairing its service to the public.
Monitors public sources of information (such as the internet, broadcast media and print media) as well as classified and unclassified government systems for relevant threat information.
The GS-09 and GS-11 levels are developmental / career-ladder positions leading to GS-12. At these levels, assignments are not as broad and/or inclusive as assignments at the full performance level.
The supervisor or higher-graded analysts provide general instructions on new assignments, furnish advice and guidance, answer questions and assist in solving problems that may arise.
Work is reviewed upon completion for adequacy and compliance with policies, guidelines and procedures. The extent of guidance and review gradually decreases as the employee develops.
Consideration for career-ladder promotion is at the manager’s discretion and is based on the existence of higher-level work, your ability to perform that work, administrative requirements and current agency and/or organizational restrictions.
Education
Applicants without the full amount of Specialized Experience can meet Minimum Requirements for GS-09 and GS-11 with Optional Education (see QUALIFICATIONS above).
You must submit transcripts that fully support your claim or your education cannot be considered.
Your transcript(s) must show your name, the name of the school, the program in which you were enrolled and the degree you earned. If you have attended more than one college or university, submit transcripts for all schools attended. TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE LEGIBLE DO NOT SUBMIT A DIPLOMA IN LIEU OF A FULL TRANSCRIPT THAT SHOWS THE REQUIRED INFORMATION.
One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study. If that information cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours should be considered as satisfying the 1 year of full-time study requirement. Unofficial transcripts or screenshots of electronic/web transcripts with the required information will be accepted at the time of application.
CHECK YOUR UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT TO CONFIRM IT SHOWS THE REQUIRED INFORMATION.
You must submit your transcripts according to the application submission details of this announcement. Documents will not be accepted via email or regular mail. Foreign Education: Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the education requirement, but you must also provide documentation that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in a conventional/accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.
If selected, you may be required to provide your official college transcripts prior to the effective date of your appointment.
How You Will Be Evaluated
(1) Eligibility will be based on your claim under the ELIGIBILITY Section at the beginning of the online questionnaire,
in addition to your responses to Assessment Question #1 (Federal Status) and Question #2 (Federal Performance Appraisal). Be sure you claim the correct Eligibility. Only applicants who meet eligibility requirements will be evaluated. (2) If rated 'eligible' you will receive a score based on your responses to the online experience questions.
Preview questions here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12994882 (3) If you are among the highest-ranking applicants based on that score, your resume (and transcript, if applicable) will be reviewed by HR to determine if you demonstrate the required Specialized Experience (and/or Optional Education). RESUME: Describe duties you perform that meet the Specialized Experience required for this position (see QUALIFICATIONS), as well as duties that demonstrate the following as they relate to the Specialized Experience. It must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks.
Duties not clearly described cannot be credited. -- Knowledge of Threat and Defensive Counterintelligence policies and practices (GS-09 - possible 12 points; GS-11 - possible 20 points; GS-12 - possible 24 points) -- Skill in managing multiple assignments and priorities (GS-09 - possible 12 points; GS-11 - possible 20 points; GS-12 - possible 24 points) -- Ability to communicate orally and in writing (GS-09 - possible 12 points; GS-11 - possible 20 points; GS-12 - possible 24 points) -- Skill in research and analysis (GS-09 - possible 12 points; GS-11 - possible 20 points; GS-12 - possible 24 points) Total Possible Points = (GS-09 - possible 48 points; GS-11 - possible 80 points; GS-12 - possible 96 points) It is not sufficient to make claims in the questionnaire that are not supported in your resume Information not specifically stated in your resume cannot be assumed. Information copied or restated from the announcement or rating criteria will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible. (4) The highest-ranked applicants who demonstrate the required Specialized Experience (and/or Optional Education) will be referred to the hiring manager following Priority Selection procedures and applicable documents will be forwarded for further review. (See Priority Selection below).
Your claimed knowledge, skills and abilities are subject to verification by the selecting official.
You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation or to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed experience. PRIORITY SELECTION: Well-Qualified ICTAP/CTAP eligibles will receive the first consideration ONLY IF appropriate supporting documents are provided (see Career Transition Guide AND Required Documents). Eligible veterans may apply under this Merit Promotion announcement, but preference points are not applied and veterans do not receive priority consideration. See Required Documents for information on how to support these claims.
Additional Information
WHO MAY APPLY: (1) ICTAP/CTAP :Career Transition Guide) (2) Current Competitive Service / permanent OR conditional tenure (3) Former Competitive Service -- resigned or retired with (a) permanent tenure (separation at any time) (b) conditional tenure (separation within previous 3 years) OR (c) conditional tenure AND vet preference (separation at any time) (4) Current Excepted Service: (a) agency with competitive service compatibility (Foreign Service, US Postal Service, etc) (b) agency with Interchange Agreement (c) Schedule A -- block 5 of APPOINTMENT action shows Reg 213.3102(u) -- must work in competitive service agency, agency with competitive service compatibility or agency with Interchange Agreement (d) not described above but can demonstrate prior Competitive Service OR vet status (5) Former Excepted Service - must have prior Competitive Service (permanent or conditional tenure) OR vet status (6) Military Spouse -- see USAJOBS Help Center | Military Spouses (7) VEOA -- see USAJOBS Help Center - Veterans -- if you have non-qualifying Excepted Service and are an eligible veteran, you may use VEOA as your eligibility, but still must provide documents demonstrating your Excepted Service status (e.g., current SF-50 / performance appraisal or separation SF-50). Eligibility as VEOA or Military Spouse cannot be used to circumvent other requirements. VEOA and Military Spouse applicants with federal status must provide the documents required for all other current and former federal employees..
If you are a federal contractor, do not identify yourself as a federal employee. OTHER NOTES: See QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION for information on qualifying for this position. See HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for information on applying for this position.
This is a non-bargaining unit position to be filled under the provisions of the Management Officials Promotion Plan. The best-qualified list for this vacancy may be used to fill the same or similar positions in this office. Additional selections may be made within 6 months of the date the best qualified list is issued.
This position is on a full-time, flex-time schedule and may be eligible for an Alternate Work Schedule (AWS); telework may be approved after all conditions for telework have been met.
This position is not authorized to be filled virtually or through outstationing. The Official Duty Station (ODS) for this position is Woodlawn, Maryland. To participate in telework (when authorized), you must reside within a 2-hour commute to this ODS.
Relocation expenses will not be paid; salary will be set in accordance with locality pay provisions. Travel to other federal/state agencies or private sector organizations is required. *You must have (or be able to obtain) and maintain a Top-Secret Security Clearance (TS-SCI) * Successful performance of work in this position and adherence to conditions of this position will be assessed during the 1-year probationary period served that may be served by new appointees (e.g., new to SSA and/or new to this series). This is a special-sensitive / high-risk position.
You may be required to complete SF-86 (Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions) to have the appropriate investigation conducted. Position is assigned to: SSA Headquarters / Woodlawn, Maryland Security and Resiliency Physical Security
How to Apply
(1) Click APPLY to create a USAJobs Account or log into your existing account. (2) Confirm that your USAJobs Biographic Information is correct. (3) Confirm that your application documents show all information required for this vacancy. (4) Follow prompts to complete the questionnaire and upload your application documents. (5) Click Submit My Answers at the end of the process. (6) "View/Print My Answers" to confirm you have answered every question as intended AND (7) print a copy of the announcement for your reference if you are called for an interview (optional) READ "NEXT STEPS" FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Applications must be received by 11:59 pm (EST) July 10, 2026 and must include: (1) Responses to online questionnaire (2) uploaded resume (and transcript, if applicable) (3) uploaded eligibility documents (SF-50s, Performance Appraisal, DD-214, VA Letter, RIF Letter, marriage certificate, spouse's military orders, etc) See QUALIFICATIONS, REQUIRED DOCUMENTS and HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED before you submit your application. The questionnaire takes about 15 minutes.
Answer all questions and follow instructions.
Your score will be based on your responses. Errors or omissions may affect your overall evaluation. We cannot accept documents submitted via email, fax or standard mail, but you may email inquiries about the position or How to Apply PRIOR TO the closing of the announcement.
Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities may use the listed email or 7-1-1 for TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Services to call the listed phone number. Additional Telecommunications Relay Services options are available in each state: https://www.fcc.gov/general/trs-state-and-territories Notice Concerning Materially False, Fictitious or Fraudulent Statements -- Anything you claim in the occupational questionnaire or your resume is subject to verification. By submitting your application, you are certifying that any statements you make are true, complete and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief and are made in good faith.
Materially false, fictitious or fraudulent statements or representations are subject to disciplinary action. If you experience difficulties while applying, use the links on the USAJobs website to seek help. If you're still unable to complete your application, submit a USAJobs Help Desk ticket to resolve the issue.
You must also email [email protected] with the SUBJECT LINE: "T-7 APPLICATION ISSUE 1299 4882" and provide details of the difficulties you're experiencing (with screenshots if applicable). This email must be received before the announcement closes. Technical difficulties reported after the announcement closes cannot be addressed.
Required Documents
Resume -- all applicants See OPM's new resume guidance Transcript - to support Optional Education, if claimed SF-50 - all current and former federal employees - read requirements below Federal Performance Appraisal - all current and former federal employees (see below) ICTAP documents -- if claimed Vet documents - if claimed Military Spouse documents -- if claimed If your federal pay scale is not GS or FWS provide your agency's pay scale for pay-setting upon a job offer. DOCUMENTS PREVIOUSLY UPLOADED TO USAJOBS MAY BE OUTDATED AND CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONSIDERATION. RESUMES are limited to 2 pages and must include: -- your name and contact information -- employer name, full-time or part-time hours worked per week -- full start and stop dates (month/day/year) for each position -- your grade and pay scale (for all federal positions) and -- a clear descriptions of the duties performed that relate to the experience required for this position.
If you no longer hold a position it must show an ending date. Since Specialized Experience has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks. Do not simply list projects on which you worked or list experience in terms of accomplishments or achievements.
You must describe duties you perform that pertain to the requirements for this position. Information copied or restated from the vacancy announcement, rating criteria or KSAs will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible.
See QUALIFICATIONS for information on what your resume must demonstrate. TRANSCRIPTS - required to support Optional Education -- see QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION SF-50 -- required for all current and former federal employees (even if you claim VEOA or Military Spouse eligibility). SF-50s are used to verify grade, time-in-grade, tenure and appointment type.
More than one SF-50 may be required to demonstrate all of the eligibility requirements. Be sure your SF-50(s) reflect what you state on your resume. Former federal employees must submit their separation SF-50 but may have to submit additional SF-50s to document the four required items.
If your qualifying experience was gained in a prior position, submit an additional SF-50 to document the grade of the prior position.
Follow instructions in questionnaire. FEDERAL PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL - required for current federal employees -- must be for a period that ended less than a year ago, must be completed and signed and must indicate a rating of satisfactory or better. Do not submit an un-rated mid-year review or other un-rated 'Performance Discussion.' DO NOT submit a WIGI or award SF-50 in lieu of a full performance appraisal.
If your federal agency does not provide formal performance appraisals, submit an equivalent document with an explanation for why you are not providing a standard federal performance appraisal.
Follow instructions in questionnaire. HR will determine if your document is acceptable for application purposes. FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES -- Submit separation SF-50 showing separation was not for performance or conduct.
ICTAP/CTAP -- Submit separation notice AND final SF-50 documenting official separation date. If your separation notice doesn't include performance appraisal information, submit a copy of your final performance appraisal. (See http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp) VETERANS: submit DD-214 / Member 4 copy showing 3+ years of continuous active duty and honorable discharge. Applicants with federal status must also submit the required SF-50s and Performance Appraisal.
Do not use VEOA status to circumvent requirements for applicants with federal status. For 10-point preference, also submit SF-15 and documents specified on the reverse. Current active-duty military claiming preference under Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act -- submit certification that you will be discharged under honorable conditions within 120 days of the certification date.
Your letter must be signed by or under direction of the appropriate personnel office, unit commander or higher headquarters. Certifications must be on official letterhead from appropriate military branch and must include dates of service, expected discharge date. type of discharge, character of service, rank, and date when terminal leave begins. Since service after Aug 31, 2010 is generally not qualifying for preference, include any qualifying campaign or expeditionary medals you received.
MILITARY SPOUSES -- see USAJOBS Help Center | Military Spouses -- submit marriage certificate and proof that your spouse is still an active-duty member of the military or is 100% disabled and unemployable. If you have federal status you must also submit relevant SF-50(s) and performance appraisal. Do not use Military Spouse status to circumvent requirements for applicants with federal status.