Federal
INTELLIGENCE OPERATIONS SPECIALIST (TSCM)
Defense Threat Reduction Agency · Department of Defense
About This Position
This position is part of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. The incumbent will be responsible for providing expertise in technical surveillance countermeasure (TSCM) controls and verification.
Qualifications
The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the Office of Personnel Management's (OPMs) basic qualifications requirements. See: i.e. for positions with no IOR: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0100/intelligence-series-0132/ 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 02/16/2026 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. Such experience is typically in or directly related to the work of the position to be filled. You may qualify at the GG -09 , if you fulfill the following qualifications: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GG/GS-07 grade level in the Federal service as listed below: Assisting in researching Federal & International laws, theories, concepts, principles, policies and procedures governing security protection. Assisting with operations of a TSCM program, AND/OR Appling limited knowledge with National, DoD and agency TSCM, TEMPEST and digital forensics policy & procedures. , OR B. A master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related, OR C. You have some specialized experience as described in A, but less than one year; and you have more than one year but less than two years of education as described in B. You have computed the percentage of the requirements that you meet, and the total is at least 100%. (To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education beyond the first year by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.) You may qualify at the GG -11 , if you fulfill the following qualifications: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GG/GS-09 grade level in the Federal service as listed below: Researching and understanding of Federal & International laws, theories, concepts, principles, policies and procedures governing security protection in assigned areas of responsibilities under close supervision. Assisting with operations of a TSCM program, AND/OR Appling limited knowledge or experience with National, DoD and agency TSCM, TEMPEST and digital forensics policy & procedures. , OR B. A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related, OR C. You have some specialized experience as described in A, but less than one year; and you have more than one year but less than two years of education as described in B. You have computed the percentage of the requirements that you meet, and the total is at least 100%. (To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education beyond the first year by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.) You may qualify at the GG -12 , if you fulfill the following qualifications: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GG/GS-11 grade level in the Federal service as listed below: Researching and understanding of Federal & International laws, theories, concepts, principles, policies and procedures governing security protection in assigned areas of responsibilities under little supervision. Working in operations of a TSCM program under close supervision. Assisting others in using TSCM, Tempest, Cyber and Physical Security equipment and their uses under close supervision. Appling moderate familiarity in the application of National, DoD and agency TSCM, TEMPEST and digital forensics policy & procedures under close supervision; AND/OR, Conducting TSCM survey and technical security evaluation & inspection activities under close supervision. You may qualify at the GG -13 , if you fulfill the following qualifications: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GG/GS-12 grade level in the Federal service as listed below: Utilizing Federal & International laws, theories, concepts, principles, policies and procedures governing security protection in TSCM. Managing operations of a TSCM program with little to no supervision. Using TSCM, Tempest, Cyber and Physical Security equipment with little to no supervision. Applying the application of National, DoD and agency TSCM, TEMPEST and digital forensics policies & procedures with little to no supervision; AND/OR, Conducting TSCM survey and technical security evaluation & inspection activities with little to no supervision. 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.
Major Duties
As a INTELLIGENCE OPERATIONS SPECIALIST (TSCM) at the GG-0132-9/11/12/13 some of your typical work assignments may include: Use knowledge of Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) procedures and techniques to coordinate and conduct inspections, and technical security surveys or support services in accordance with national policies, procedures and applicable laws. Use knowledge of TSCM tactics, techniques and procedures to perform duties to assess vulnerabilities, hazards, identifications of threats, resolve anomalies and implementing countermeasures in operational physical, and electronic security to ensure the security of sensitive or classified information. Provide a broad range of support to the Government's Technical Security Program. Plan, organize, coordinate TSCM activities; provide recommendations to assist with the inspection processes, maintaining legal limits and regulatory guidelines to determine the best course of action to conduct agency and program operations. Research and test a variety of state-of-the-art technical equipment and configured systems for applicability and appropriateness. Will prioritize, upgrade, replace, or recommend purchase of new systems by controlling, maintaining, and tracking all property assigned. Will support establishment and maintain procedures to quickly repair or replace equipment to ensure mission essential equipment is up-to-date with current technology and mission ready. Represent DTRA on inter-agency and intra-agency planning, working groups, task groups, meetings, and conferences. Will liaise with counterpart operational, analytical, and production elements at the national and theater level. Conduct the full spectrum of Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) operations in accordance with national level, DoD, and DTRA Issuances. Will conduct complex technical assignments that require the application of techniques and principals designed to detect, deter, neutralize, or exploit unauthorized electromagnetic, acoustic, and mechanical propagation of information emanating from protected spaces. Will conduct research and analysis on a wide range of complex and sensitive subjects in order to identify the threat and vulnerabilities to DTRA operations, programs, systems, or devices and national level facilities. Will brief TSCM operations findings to on-site security managers. Upon identification of potential technical threats, make appropriate recommendations to mitigate hazards. Will develop operational and intelligence reports, and ensure reports are distributed through authorized DoD reporting channels in support of community-wide databases. Will provide briefings, training, and guidance to DTRA personnel regarding foreign intelligence and security technical threats. Will produce a variety of written documents to include memorandums, equipment evaluations, and TSCM reports for DTRA leadership, agency customers and the TSCM community. Researches and develops new ways to counter the emerging technical threats utilized by Foreign Intelligence Security Services (FISS) or Insider Threat to penetrate DoD facilities. Will assist in the establishment of agency-wide TSCM education and awareness programs to improve technical threat awareness among all agency assigned personnel. Develop briefings, curricula, training aides, and appropriate training materials.
Education
For the GG-09: If substituting education for experience, you must possess a masters or equivalent degree OR 2 full years of progressively higher graduate education leading to such a degree, OR LL.B. or J.D., if related. For the GG-11: If substituting education for experience, A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related, For the GG-12 & GG-13: Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience. Superior Academic Achievement does not apply to DCIPS positions. ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement. GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours that your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study. FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show 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 an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents) and the responses you provide on the application questionnaire. TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT: Your complete application package (resume/supporting documentation and online technical questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are basically qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the online questionnaire. If you are found to be among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration. Competencies: Collection Resources Management Customer Service Oral Communication Teamwork Tools and Methods You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume as that information may be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation. Top ranked candidates will be referred to the selecting official for further review and consideration. A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified'. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. All eligibility and qualifications requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Additional Information
Other Notes: All Defense Intelligence positions under the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) are in the excepted service by specific statue, 10 U.S.C. 1601. This position is in the excepted service and does not confer competitive status. Applicants selected from this announcement may be required to serve a two-year trial period. If selected, Federal employees currently serving in the competitive service must acknowledge that they will voluntarily leave the competitive service by accepting an offer of employment for a DCIPS excepted service positions. If selected, non-DCIPS candidates must acknowledge in writing that the position they have been selected for is in the excepted service and covered by DCIPS. For more information on the DCIPS occupational structure click here. For more information about career advancement in DCIPS click here. The applicant shall meet the minimum DoD TSCM physical standards: Hearing acuity tests results per audiometer test not to exceed 30 decibels (A.S.A. or equivalent I.S.O.) in either ear in the 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz ranges. Applicants must be able to hear the whispered voice at 15 feet with each ear without the use of a hearing aid. Vision must be a minimum of 20/30 in one eye and 20/20 in the other eye, distant and near, through normal vision or corrective measures. Color perception test results, employing the pseudo-isochromatic plates for testing color perception, not to exceed four incorrect identifications out of fourteen test plates. Free from any physical problems which materially hinder manual dexterity. Applicant must have normal range of motion in all extremities. A complete medical examination showing no medical reason for the applicant to be unable to complete rigorous training and performance of duties to include the following: Ability to lift forty pounds overhead, using both arms. Ability to carry forty pounds in a manner similar to carrying a suitcase. Ability to climb a six-foot ladder. Ability to crawl beneath a three-foot barrier. RE-EMPLOYED ANNUITANT: This position DOES/DOES NOT meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf VETERANS PREFERENCE/CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL In accordance with DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, veterans preference is not required to be applied when considering candidates with prior Federal competitive or excepted service who have completed a probationary or trial period and have not been separated for cause. Therefore, veterans preference will not be applied to applicants with current federal service, or former federal civilian service meeting the above criteria. All applicants must meet qualifications and eligibility criteria by the closing date of the announcement. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see Who Needs to Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov))
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account. You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application. NOTE: Resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://www.usajobs.gov, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To preview the questionnaire, please go to https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12876132 Please review the General Application Information and Definitions at: https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DoDGenAppInfo%2012-1-2020.pdf?ver=ECNbdsHtGilTd3OENN4A0Q%3d%3d
Required Documents
The documents you are required to submit vary based on the authority you are using to apply (i.e., applying as a veteran, applying as a current permanent Federal employee, applying as a reinstatement, etc.). Your complete application includes your COMPLETE resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further. The following documents are REQUIRED 1. Your resume: IMPORTANT UPDATE: Your resume must not exceed two (2) pages. If your resume exceeds the two-page limit, you will be removed from consideration for this announcement. The resume and required supporting documentation should provide the minimum qualifications and relevant experience for the announced position. Must include the work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment, and duties performed. If multiple resumes are submitted by an applicant, only the last resume submitted will be reviewed for qualifications and referred for selection consideration, if eligible. The resume must not be more than 5MB and should be saved and uploaded as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. We also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, PDF, ODT or Word (DOC or DOCX). We do not accept PDF portfolio files. Page margins should be 0.5 inches, and font styles must be legible. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text. We recommend using a font like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans. Additional guidance on writing a federal resume can be found at: USAJOBS Help Center - How do I write a resume for a federal job? The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started. 2. Transcripts: College transcript (s), required if qualifying based on education. We accept unofficial transcripts, as long as they contain your name, the name of the school, the date and degree that was awarded, and the list of classes and credits earned. 3. SF50 All current and former civilian Federal employees must submit a copy of your MOST RECENT SF50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your tenure, grade and step, salary, and type of position occupied (i.e., Excepted or Competitive); or similar Notification of Personnel Action documentation, i.e., Transcript of Service, Form 1150, etc. This is also a requirement to verify your Time in Grade (TIG). 4. Veteran's Documents: If applying using veteran's preference or under a Veteran's hiring authority you must submit the following documents: DD214 showing character of service, SF-15 Form and VA letter showing final percentage, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty. NOTE: Active duty military members are not eligible for appointment unless currently on terminal leave. 5. Priority Placement Program (PPP) DoD Retained Grade Preference (RGP): In order to receive this preference, you must choose to apply using the "Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference (RGP)" eligibility. If you are claiming RGP and are determined to be Well Qualified for the position, you will be referred to the hiring manager as a priority applicant. Information and required documentation for claiming MSP may be found at the General Applicant Information and Definitions link below. To be eligible as a RGP, you must submit the following supporting documents with your application package: a signed Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 (whs.mil)); a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) effecting the placement in retained grade status; or a copy of the notification letter you received regarding the RIF or classification downgrade. PLEASE REVIEW THE BELOW LINK FOR OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS needed for proof of eligibility: https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DODCustomersRequiredSupportingDocumentation.pdf?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the INTELLIGENCE OPERATIONS SPECIALIST (TSCM) position at Defense Threat Reduction Agency?
The salary range for this position is $121,785 - $158,322/yr. This is a GG-9/13 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the INTELLIGENCE OPERATIONS SPECIALIST (TSCM) job located?
This position is located in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the Office of Personnel Management's (OPMs) basic qualifications requirements. See: i.e. for positions with no IOR: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0100/intelligence-series-0132/ for OPM qua...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Feb 16, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance is required.
What does GG-9/13 mean?
GG-9/13 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.