Federal

Physical Security Specialist

Executive Office for Immigration Review ยท Department of Justice
๐Ÿ“ Phoenix, Arizona GS-13 $121,785 - $158,322/yr
Posted: Jun 12, 2026 Deadline: Jun 26, 2026 (Closes in 14 days)

About This Position

This position is located in the Office of Security (OS), Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), U. S. Department of Justice. The OS administers and oversees security and emergency preparedness programs of EOIR to assure the protection and readiness of its personnel, assets, and information both at headquarters (HQ) and immigration courts nationwide. This is a Competitive Service position; additional positions may be filled from this announcement within 90 days of certificate issuance.

Qualifications

To qualify for the position of Physical Security Specialist, at GS-0080-13, you must meet the basic qualification requirements listed below. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Specialized Experience: Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service performing the following: Conducting review and analysis of physical security plans, inspection, and survey reports for compliance with existing policies and procedures; AND Providing recommendation on revision of procedures to ensure compliance with existing regulations; AND Implementing and administering a wide range of contingency and emergency preparedness planning to ensure the continuance of operations during emergency situations; AND Conducting security briefings to personnel and management.

You MUST meet all qualification requirements, including time-in-grade, by the 06/26/2026 of this announcement.

Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating. For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here. See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.

After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required of you.

You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement 06/26/2026 to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application.

Major Duties

The duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: Develops recommendations for the Security Officer on physical security deficiencies that would affect security posture of locations and/or resources. Conducts briefings and provides recommendations to court officials for all security-related matters. Performs cyclic on-site staff assistance visits, inspections, investigations, physical security program evaluations, and special surveys of operations involved in storage, maintenance, renovation, reconfiguration, disposal of equipment, security intrusion detection systems, lock and key control badge and electronic security.

Implements and administers a wide range of contingency and emergency preparedness planning efforts to ensure the continuance of essential operations during and following emergency situations.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Your USAHIRE assessment results will be kept on record for one year and used toward future positions for which you might apply that require the same assessments. Additionally, we will review your supporting documents and resume to determine if you are in the "Area of Consideration" for this vacancy. Government-Wide Merit Promotion vacancies may only accept applications from a limited audience, pay careful attention to the "Who May Apply" and the "Hiring Paths" information. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

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), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the online assessments required for this position.

You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): Accountability Attention to Detail Customer Service Decision Making Flexibility Influencing/Negotiating Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Reading Comprehension Reasoning Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process.

In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. The assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies.

You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered.

You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment. BASIS OF FINAL RATING: DOJ's Merit Promotion Procedures will be used to evaluate candidates. If you would like to preview the application questionnaire, please see: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12985222.

Additional Information

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. Career Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP): These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service.

To receive selection priority for this position, you must: Meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; Be rated well-qualified for the position [with a score of 85 or above OR rated Highly Qualified] based on the competencies listed above; and Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.

DOJ Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

The DOJ Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/reasonable-accommodation#policy Selective Service: If you were born male, on or after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: www.sss.gov. Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs: The Fair Chance Act prohibits Federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history information before the agency makes a conditional offer of employment.

If you believe a DOJ employee or Federal contractor acting on its behalf has violated your rights under this Act, you may submit a written complaint within 30 days of the date of the alleged non-compliance directly to [email protected].

Note: In accordance with 5 U.S. Code ยง 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R ยง 920.201(b) certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance Act.

This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application questionnaire and submit your supporting documentation.

Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 06/26/2026 to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.

Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on 06/26/2026.

After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment system. This message will be delivered to you via email notification. The email may be routed to your "Spam" or "Junk" folder. If you are asked to take the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning your USA Hire Assessments.

Click here for Computer System Requirements (https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=USA_Hire_System_Requirements) Note, set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found on the Additional Application Information page that can be located in the application record in your USAJOBS account. Need Help?

If you need help with USAJOBs or the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help or Application Manager Online Help websites which includes information on managing your account, creating an application, uploading documents, etc. Reasonable Accommodation: To request reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact EOIR HR at [email protected] for assistance.

Required Documents

Resume - All Applicants: You must submit a resume (a two page or less) containing the following pieces of information for each job entry listed in your employment history: Official position title, Employer name and contact information, Start and end dates (including month and year), Indicate full-time or number of hours worked per week if part-time, and A list of duties performed and accomplishments. If you are a current or former Federal employee: You must submit your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent agency form.

Your SF-50 should list the full position title, series, grade and step, organization, duty location, service computation date, effective date, and your service type and tenure status. Submit a copy of your most recent performance evaluation or appraisal, signed, showing your final rating. If a performance appraisal is not available submit a statement explaining why one is not available.

Note: See USAJOBS Current & Former Employees for more information. Due Weight for Performance: You must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal, and A list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official.

Due weight for performance applies to federal and non-federal work. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please submit a statement as to why it is not available. If you are a Veteran or a qualifying parent or spouse: When claiming a Veteran's Preference, you must submit your last DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) form, specifically the Member #4 Copy, indicating dates and character of service and discharge type.

If you are a Veteran with a service-connected disability rating, you will need to additionally submit the SF-15 (Application for 10-point Veterans Preference) and a copy of your VA Letter stating your disability rating. If you are the qualifying parent or spouse of a disabled, deceased, or deployed Veteran, and are seeking a derived preference eligibility, you must submit appropriate supporting documentation such as the Veterans DD-214, SF-15, VA Letter, and/or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders. See Veteran Family Preference for more information.

For more information see FedsHireVets. If you are applying for consideration under the Military Spouse Appointing Authority: Spouse of a member of the armed forces on active duty: documentation showing 1) your spouse's active-duty status and 2) your marriage to the member of the armed forces (i.e., a marriage certificate or other legal documentation verifying marriage). Spouse of service members who incurred a 100% disability because of the service member's active-duty service: documentation showing 1) the member of the armed forces retired, or was released or discharged from active duty, with a disability rating of 100 percent; and 2) documentation of marriage to the member of the armed forces (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage).

Spouse of service members killed while on active duty: documentation showing a) the member was released or discharged from active duty due to his or her death while on active duty; b) the member of the armed forces was killed while serving on active duty; c) proof of the widow or widower's marriage to the member of the armed forces (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage); and d) a statement certifying that the individual seeking to use the authority is the un-remarried widow or widower of the service member. If you are a person with a disability, claiming eligibility under Schedule A: You must submit "proof of a disability" documentation from your doctor, a licensed medical professional, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any Federal, state, or local agency that issues or provides disability benefits. ("Proof of a disability" is a letter stating that you have an intellectual disability, severe physical disability or psychiatric disability). For more information about Schedule A and verification requirements, please see OPM's Schedule A site.

If you are a displaced Federal employee claiming eligibility under CTAP or ICTAP: You must submit your separation notice or agency RIF letter from your agency OR if you have not yet been separated, you can provide the letter of intent to separate you from the agency because of reduction-in-force. Submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal and SF-50 showing current/former position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location OR Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Physical Security Specialist position at Executive Office for Immigration Review?
The salary range for this position is $121,785 - $158,322/yr. This is a GS-13 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Physical Security Specialist job located?
This position is located in Phoenix, Arizona. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
To qualify for the position of Physical Security Specialist, at GS-0080-13, you must meet the basic qualification requirements listed below. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Specialized Experience: Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service performing the following: Conducting review and analysis of physical security plans, inspection, and survey reports for compliance with existing policies and procedures; AND Providing recommendation on revision of procedures to ensure compliance with existing regulations; AND Implementing and administering a wide range of contingency and emergency preparedness planning to ensure the continuance of operations during emergency situations; AND Conducting security briefings to personnel and management. You MUST meet all qualification requirements, including time-in-grade, by the 06/26/2026 of this announcement. Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating. For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here. See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume. After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required of you. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement 06/26/2026 to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application.
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 Jun 26, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Sensitive Compartmented Information 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.