Federal

Physical Security Specialist (Senior)

Office of the Inspector General ยท Department of Justice
๐Ÿ“ Washington, District of Columbia GS-14 $143,913 - $187,093/yr
Posted: Jul 8, 2026 Deadline: Jul 14, 2026 (Closes in 6 days)

About This Position

The Office of the Inspector General is one of the best places to work in the Department of Justice and is one of the premier inspector general offices in federal government. We offer excellent work-life flexibilities. The Management and Planning Division (M&P) advises and supports the OIG in the following areas: administrative and fiscal policy, executive resources, training, finance, quality assurance, procurement, facilities, human resources, security, and records management.

Qualifications

Probationary Information: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: - Your performance and conduct. - The needs and interests of the agency; - Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and - Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period OR trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Specialized Experience: To qualify for this position at the GS-14 grade level, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level obtained in the public or private sector. (Specialized experience is paid or unpaid experience which has equipped you with the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.) Examples of specialized experience include such duties as: Conducting physical security risk, vulnerability, and facility security assessments to identify deficiencies and develop protective measures supporting personnel, facilities, and critical assets. Providing technical oversight of emergency preparedness and life-safety readiness requirements, including accountability procedures, emergency communications capabilities, relocation readiness, and emergency signature programs. Planning, designing, and integrating physical and electronic security requirements into new construction, renovations, lease acquisitions, and modernization projects to ensure compliance with Federal regulations, agency policy, and industry standards.

Developing and administering complex security acquisitions and contracts, including Statements of Work (SOWs), Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs), Requests for Information (RFls), Requests for Quotations (RFQs), technical evaluations, contractor oversight, and project acceptance. Providing senior technical guidance and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to resolve complex physical security issues, evaluate emerging technologies, and implement enterprise security solutions. Managing multiple complex physical security projects and programs involving planning, budgeting, scheduling, performance monitoring, and technical oversight from project initiation through completion.

Major Duties

If you are selected as a Physical Security Specialist (Senior), your responsibilities would include, but would not be limited to: Conducting physical security inspections, risk and vulnerability assessments, and developing mitigation strategies. Reviewing security requirements for new construction, renovations, and lease acquisitions. Serving as COR for one of the largest IDIQ contracts within the agency.

Developing requisition packages consisting of Statements of Work (SOW), Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCE), and technical requirements supporting Requests for Information (RFI), Requests for Quotes (RFQ), and contract modifications. Developing, implementing, and evaluating physical security, Continuity of Operations (COOP), and Occupant Emergency Program (OEP) planning supporting headquarters and geographically dispersed facilities. Designing keyway structures for new construction and renovation projects.

Evaluating locking hardware requirements and ensures compliance with ASTM and BHMA/ANSI A156.30 standards. Providing oversight of emergency preparedness and life-safety readiness requirements, including accountability procedures, emergency communications capabilities, relocation readiness, and emergency signage programs. Developing corrective action plans, tracks recommendations to completion, and evaluates program effectiveness to ensure compliance with Federal directives and agency requirements.

Collaborating with internal OIG divisions and program offices to support assessments, readiness reviews, and compliance initiatives impacting operational security and emergency management requirements. Coordinating with DOJ Justice Management Division (JMD) personnel to support compliance reviews, security inspections, and policy implementation activities. Planning, conducting, and evaluating emergency preparedness and continuity exercises, develops After-Action Reports, and tracks corrective actions to completion to enhance organizational readiness and operational resilience.

Education

There is no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

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), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire and a review of your application by a panel of subject matter experts.

You will be assessed on the following competencies: Physical Security Project Management Compliance Customer Service Planning & Evaluating Technical Credibility Planning & Evaluating USAHire Assessment: Applicants will be required to complete a USAHire Assessment. This assessment is online and measures competencies required to perform in the position.

You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score of 70 or fail to complete the USAHire assessment. Additional information can be found under "How to Apply". Subject Matter Expert (SME) Resume Review: In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. A subject matter expert, or SME, is a person with bona fide expert knowledge about what it takes to successfully perform in a particular job. The SME(s) will measure potential applicants for the critical competencies.

Your resume will be reviewed to determine your technical qualifications, as well as any required certification(s) applicable to the position. Applicants found to meet the requirements will be eligible to move forward for additional hiring consideration. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.

To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12992975 If you are found to be among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for further employment consideration.

Additional Information

DOJ EEO Statement/Policy: http://www.justice.gov/jmd/eeos/08-eeo-policy.pdfAs the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application.

Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.

You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born 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.

How to Apply

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 07/14/2026 to receive consideration. Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section above.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement 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 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.

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 reuse the URL sent to you via email and also found in your USAJOBS account under the "Track my application" link for the corresponding application. To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account (https://usajobs.gov).

There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account at https://www.usajobs.gov.

On the Home page, scroll down and locate your job application. Once the job has been located, click the "Track this application" link on the right under the application date. The page will refresh to display the Agency's Application Information page where you can scroll down and review any notifications the agency has sent you.

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

Resume 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.

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, and 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. SF-50 documentation (if applicable) Must show (most recent Promotion, Within Rate Increase, or Appointment/Conversion SF-50 or Notification of Personnel Action if you are applying as a current or former Federal Employee) you have acquired competitive status, and the highest grade or promotion potential you held. Award SF-50's are not acceptable alone as they do not show your grade and step.

CTAP/ICTAP documentation (if applicable) Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and (for scored examining) score 85 or better on established ranking criteria OR (for category rating criteria) rate equivalent to the Highly Qualified or better category using established category rating criteria.

You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.

The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP): provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and (for scored examining) score 85 or better on established ranking criteria OR (for category rating criteria) rate equivalent to the Highly Qualified or better category using established category rating criteria.

You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp. Veterans' Preference documentation (if applicable) If you are a veteran and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility.

If you are a veteran and you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. For more information on veterans' preference click here. Schedule A documentation (if applicable) Schedule A: DOJ welcomes and encourages applications from persons with disabilities and is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department.

DOJ also encourages eligible Schedule A applicants to submit their resumes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Physical Security Specialist (Senior) position at Office of the Inspector General?
The salary range for this position is $143,913 - $187,093/yr. This is a GS-14 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Physical Security Specialist (Senior) job located?
This position is located in Washington, District of Columbia. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
There is no substitution of education for experience is permitted.
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 Jul 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.