Federal

Intelligence Research Specialist

Department of Homeland Security - Agency Wide ยท Department of Homeland Security
๐Ÿ“ Washington, District of Columbia GS-12/13 $98,729 - $163,062/yr
Posted: Jun 15, 2026 Deadline: Dec 14, 2026 (Closes in 164 days)

About This Position

1-year non-reimbursable assignment. The only compensation for this assignment is the federal salary you are already receiving. CBP Office of Intelligence Intelligence Research Specialist Series Requested: 0132, 1801, 1805 Security Clearance: TS/SCI Virtual/Remote: No Only current, full-time federal employees are eligible. Resumes are reviewed every 30 days until selection/closing date. This is a Detail, not a Developmental Rotation. Supervisory approval form must be signed.

Qualifications

Qualifications required: Political, strategic, operational, and tactical operation levels, and how intelligence supports each level for CBP mission success. Critical thinking techniques and structured analysis methods required to mitigate bias; intelligence question validation processes; and critical reading techniques to review intelligence information. IC systems, databases, and message traffic at all levels of security classification used to gather and develop content for analytic products and briefings to provide situational awareness for decision makers and operators.

Research tools, techniques and procedures used to support analysis and production of intelligence products, and establish the trends, patterns and estimates that enhance situational awareness of decision makers and operators. Please read the following important information to ensure we have everything we need to consider your application: It is your responsibility to ensure that you submit appropriate documentation prior to the closing date.

Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant experience as it relates to this Joint Duty assignment opportunity announcement. Be clear and specific when describing your work history since human resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience.

Your application will be rated based on your resume. Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information: Job Title (Include series and grade of Federal Job) Duties (Be specific in describing your duties) Name of Federal agency Supervisor name, email, and phone number Start and end dates including month and year (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)

Major Duties

The Intelligence Research Specialist (IRS) will provide the CBP IE and operational stakeholders with intelligence products that inform and enhance their ability to make strategic, operational, and tactical decisions in support of CBP operations directed at threats to border security.

This position advises, administers, and performs analysis, evaluation, interpretation and dissemination of information and intelligence. This information and intelligence will apply to border security operations in the following areas: counter terrorism; counter narcotics; counter human smuggling or trafficking; counter proliferation; cyber or financial crime interdiction; trade enforcement; counterintelligence; or other emerging border security issues and threats. Position serves as an Intelligence Research Specialist (IRS), and Subject Matter Expert (SME) all source analyst; applying a full range of expert intelligence knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide insights that warn of potential threats and assessments on possible outcomes in regard to national security.

Performs the following (but is not limited to) researching, reviewing, and evaluating a high volume of classified, sensitive, open-source intelligence to identify threats; and provide situational awareness for operations; all source intelligence analysis and intelligence related tasks and prepares incident and situation reports and conducts briefings; preparing a variety of speculative-estimative finished intelligence products based on comprehensive analysis and evaluation of current intelligence information received from multiple sources; designing new or improving existing intelligence products; and developing and modifying training materials, methods or courses to ensure the most current intelligence policies, procedures and philosophies are being emphasized during training sessions.

Education

EDUCATIONAL SUBSTITUTION: There is no educational substitution for this position.

How You Will Be Evaluated

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education, and training will be rated using a job questionnaire based on the competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this Joint Duty Assignment. If you are among the best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview.

After reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, a determination will be made.

You must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.

Additional Information

**DHS does not offer any additional benefits beyond that which the Federal employee is already receiving. If the position requires a security clearance, employees must have a SECRET or TOP SECRET clearance to placement AND must maintain that level of clearance while performing in the position. Selected applicants for a JDA are requested to fulfill the items below during the JDA: Complete the DHS Training Course 15 days prior to the arrival to the JDA.

Complete the DHS Joint Duty Assignment Progress Plan to include: Phase 1: Establish assignment objectives within the first 30 days of the JDA. Phase 2: Complete a self-assessment of the duties performed at the mid-point of the JDA. Phase 3: Complete a final review within the last 30 days of the JDA.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/14/2026 to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account.

Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and other supporting documents, and complete the questionnaire.

Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link, and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application.

Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement.

You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Required Documents

  1. Resume: Do not include any personally identifiable information (PII) i.e., home address, social security number, or date of birth.

Your resume must clearly demonstrate you have experience which meets the requirements of this position as outlined in the "Qualifications" section.

  1. SF-50: Submit a copy of your official SF-50 (no text version) or other official "Notification of Personnel Action" document which shows the following information: Your appointment in the Federal service Tenure Grade and Step Full performance level If your SF-50(s) does not provide the information needed to make a final determination for qualification, you will be found ineligible for the position.
  2. DHS Joint Duty Assignment Application Form signed by your supervisor. Please click on the following link to access the required form DHS Form 250-02.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Intelligence Research Specialist position at Department of Homeland Security - Agency Wide?
The salary range for this position is $98,729 - $163,062/yr. This is a GS-12/13 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Intelligence Research Specialist job located?
This position is located in Washington, District of Columbia. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
EDUCATIONAL SUBSTITUTION: There is no educational substitution for this position.
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 Dec 14, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Top Secret clearance is required.
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.