About This Position
This is a National Guard Title 32 Excepted position for a PERSONNEL SECURITY SPECIALIST, Position Description Number D2479000, and is part of the SC J3, South Carolina Army National Guard.
Qualifications
THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION OPEN TO THE FOLLOWING AREA OF CONSIDERATION (AOC): Area of Consideration: This position is open to Area 1 Only. Area 1: Current employees of the South Carolina Army National Guard (Tenure 1 and 2) Area 2: Current members of the South Carolina Army National Guard Area 3: Any individual eligible for membership in the South Carolina Army National Guard *Temporary and Indefinite employees do not meet permanent tenure requirements and are not eligible for Area 1. GENERAL EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: All Series GS-0080 personnel must be certified at the next higher level before being eligible for that level. Each applicant must have the education and validated understanding of the basic principles and concepts of the occupational series and grade for one of the seven organizational program disciplines and its applicable Security Series career level, as cited on page two. Applicants must have the experiences, education, or training that demonstrates the ability to follow directions, to read, understand, and retain a variety of instructions, regulations, and procedures. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Progressively responsible work that demonstrates the candidate's full competency (Knowledge, Skill, Ability, and Behaviors) to perform tasks and responsibilities as described in the pertinent position description. It includes military administration, military security, and/or personnel management experience that prepares the applicant to perform the duties and responsibilities to achieve the required competency levels as defined by the applicable position description. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT & NOTES: - This is an Army National Guard dual status technician position which requires military membership. - Attend the ARNG Security Manager Course within 12 months of hire. - Obtain the Security Professional Certification(s) within 24 months of hire. - This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position. - Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance. - May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours; overtime may be required. -This position is designated as Essential Personnel and may be subject to duty in preparation for, or in response to, a State emergency or disaster declaration. This designation will not exceed 14 calendar days per year unless otherwise approved in advance by TAG - The employee may be required to travel in military and/or commercial vehicles to perform temporary duty assignments.
Major Duties
Dual Status Technician position requiring military membership. This position is located at the State's ARNG Intelligence and Security Office. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Personnel Security Specialist, responsible for assisting in the personnel security clearances process and supporting an Administrator/Adjudicator with suitability adjudications /determinations for the fitness and suitability on individuals for entry and retention in sensitive and non-sensitive positions required by Army. Additional, this position will review personnel security background investigations and other source documents that determine suitability, fitness, for federal employment, and other credentialing decisions. Ensures investigative scoping items are met, personal identifying data and investigative questionnaire information is accurate and complete. The work requirements include practical understanding, specialized skills, and fundamental knowledge of the following Series GS-0080 programs: security police; information security; sensitive compartmental information; special security requirements; force protection; anti-terrorism; information protection; security police training, unit deployment, and physical security. Work involves security policies, guiding principles, training requirements, and certifications. Some work in this occupation require expanded security clearances, an extensive knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations and procedures governing a distinct set of operational duties and responsibilities for performing security functions and handling weapons.
Education
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: Army National Guard Officer: An undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university is mandatory. The college degree work should include completed academic courses in sociology, criminology, police administration, criminal justice, or a related area. A graduate degree from an accredited civilian academic college or from an equivalent professional military education school is optimum. Army National Guard Warrant Officer: Must have a high school diploma or general education development (GED) diploma. An undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university, with completed academic courses in sociology, criminology, police administration, criminal justice, or a related area, is optimum. Army National Guard Enlisted: Must have a high school diploma or general education development (GED) diploma.
How You Will Be Evaluated
Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics): Integrity/Honesty, Security, and Security Program Management
Additional Information
If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).
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. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application. Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes: 1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed (REQUIRED). Resumes that do not sufficiently show the required experience in detail, as well as resumes that list accolades and not relatable experience may not be considered. 2. Optional Form (OF) 306- Declaration for Federal Employment (REQUIRED) 3. Other supporting documents: DD 214's, SF-50's, Transcripts, and other supporting documents are encouraged but not required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the PERSONNEL SECURITY SPECIALIST position at Army National Guard Units?
The salary range for this position is $61,722 - $80,243/yr. This is a GS-9 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the PERSONNEL SECURITY SPECIALIST job located?
This position is located in Columbia, South Carolina. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION OPEN TO THE FOLLOWING AREA OF CONSIDERATION (AOC): Area of Consideration: This position is open to Area 1 Only. Area 1: Current employees of the South Carolina Army National Guard (Tenure 1 and 2) Area 2: Current members of the South Carolina Army National Guard Area 3: Any individual e...
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 26, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Secret clearance is required.
What does GS-9 mean?
GS-9 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.