Transportation Security Specialist at Transportation Security Administration

About the role

Securing Travel, Protecting People - At the Transportation Security Administration, you will serve in a high-stakes environment to safeguard the American way of life. In cities across the country, you would secure airports, seaports, railroads, highways, and/or public transit systems, thus protecting America's transportation infrastructure and ensuring freedom of movement for people and commerce. This Transportation Security Specialist position is located in Mission Support (MS),Inspection (INS),Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Duties include but are not limited to: Develops complex covert testing plans, conducts covert testing to evaluate security programs procedures, methods and processes to determine compliance, detect vulnerabilities and recommend improvements. Reports projects and testing results to management and executives' leadership to facilitate understanding and acceptance of findings and recommendations. Assesses and develops written security procedures in compliance with established procedures. Identifies and gathers the results of the covert tests, develops root cause analysis of failings and makes findings of overall implications for security screening program. Leads employees and teams established to perform covert testing at airports. Develops operational plans using strategic, tactical and or/covert protocols targeting specific vulnerabilities, process, procedures and functional programs areas. Conducts reviews of transportation security measures and operations using a full range of covert testing techniques and methodologies. The major duties described above reflect the full performance level of this position. Typically, the lower pay band (H Band) performs the same duties but will receive more guidance and training; and/or projects/work assignments may be less complex. To qualify for the SV-H Pay Band (equivalent to GS-12), you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to SV-G Pay Band or GS-11 Band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector. Specialized experience is defined as experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position to be filled. Specialist experience is defined as: Experience conducting convert testing plans and activities, including following established test procedures/policies and operational requirements; AND Experience in covertly collecting and documenting test results, observations, or findings in accordance with established protocols or reporting requirements; AND Applying covert testing methodologies to identify vulnerabilities in security capabilities, procedures, or operations. To qualify for the SV-I Pay Band (equivalent to GS-13), you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the SV-H or GS-12 Pay Band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector. Specialized experience is defined as experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position to be filled. Specialize experience is defined as: Implementing the full range of covert testing plans and activities, including following established test procedures/policies and operational requirements; AND Experience in covertly collecting and documenting test results, observations, or findings in accordance with established protocols or reporting requirements; AND Applying covert testing methodologies to identify, assess, or quantify vulnerabilities in security capabilities, procedures, or operations; AND Developing written objectives for test planning and conducting covert testing briefings Credit for experience is given based on a 40-hour workweek. Part-time experience is credited on a part-time ratio, i.e., working 20 hours per week for two months equals one month of experience. No additional credit is given for overtime. National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. You must meet the qualification requirements for this position no later than the closing date of the vacancy announcement. You must possess U.S. Citizenship or be a U.S. National. You must have reached the minimum age (18) at the time of application. You must complete a favorable Background Investigation (BI). Selective Service registration is required. Must be able to obtain and maintain Secret Clearance. Must successfully complete pre- and post-employment drug/alcohol testing. Must be available to travel and work any hour of the day or night, occasionally under adverse conditions. Must be physically capable of engaging in considerable walking, climbing stairs, and bending. If you fail to meet the conditions of employment or any other pre-employment requirements, such as missing any of the scheduled appointments, the hiring agency may rescind their tentative offer of employment. Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for TSA to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions. Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.