Supervisory Security Protective Specialist

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VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
United States Department of State
An Equal Opportunity Employer
How to Apply

Announcement No: SPS-09-03
Opening Date: September 9, 2009
CLOSED

Position Title: FOREIGN SERVICE SUPERVISORY SECURITY PROTECTIVE SPECIALIST

Grade and Starting Salary Range: FP-03: $65,413 per annum

Additional Benefits: Tax-Free Housing Overseas; Danger Pay; Post Differential; Overtime Compensation; Holiday Pay and Holiday Premium Pay; Night Shift Differential; Accrual of Annual and Sick Leave; Life Insurance; Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan (FEHB); Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS); Separate Maintenance and Educational Allowances; Compensation for Disability or Death. Details available under Benefits.

Number of Vacancies: The Department of State is developing a rank-order register to fill a limited number of Foreign Service Diplomatic Security Protective Specialist (SPS) vacancies. The specific number to be hired will depend on the needs of the Foreign Service. Applications are accepted ONLY during the period specified above.

Area of Consideration: All Sources.

Location: All assignments will be directed by the Department according to the needs of the service. Assignments may be to any high threat Foreign Service post abroad. Initial training and orientation will be held in the Washington, DC area.

SPECIAL NOTICES

  1. Please go to USAJobs for application instructions.
  2. Successful applicants are appointed to the Foreign Service as Limited Non-Career Appointment (LNA) employees with a federal benefits package.
  3. Appointments will be made for an initial 13-month period and may be renewed annually up to a maximum of five years.
  4. Overseas tours are unaccompanied.
  5. There is no conversion mechanism to a career foreign service position. SPSs are encouraged to apply to become a Foreign Service specialist but must meet the applicable qualifications and complete the standard application and assessment process.
  6. Assignments will be determined upon needs of the service.
  7. The appointment may be terminated by the US Government at any time upon at least 30 days notice unless the termination is for cause. In this case, the 30 days notice is not applicable.
  8. The SPS may terminate the appointment by written notification at least 30 days in advance.

Benefits Package

The following are some of the more significant benefits to employment in the Foreign Service:

  1. Danger Pay – based upon post of assignment. Afghanistan - 35% of base pay; Iraq – 35% of base pay; Peshawar, Pakistan - 35% of base pay.
  2. Post Differential – based upon post of assignment. Afghanistan - 35% of base pay; Iraq – 35% of base pay; Peshawar, Pakistan - 30% of base pay.
  3. Overtime – OT may be expected and is paid at the rate of 1.5 times the hourly rate. May request compensatory time off in lieu of overtime pay.
  4. Separate Maintenance Allowance (SMA) – while assigned to unaccompanied posts, SPS employees are eligible for SMA. The SMA is an annual grant determined by the number of dependents and ranges from $6,000 for one child to $20,200 for an adult dependent with 4 or more family members. The SMA is non-taxable.
  5. R&R – Kabul, Peshawar and Baghdad are all under a generous leave/R&R allowance program (usually taken at 60-90 day intervals). Kabul and Baghdad allow 2 R&Rs and 3 Regional Rest Breaks (RRBs) or 3 R&Rs and no RRBs. Peshawar allows 2 R&Rs and 1 RRB. R&Rs provide round-trip transportation to any point in the United States. Time usually allowed is approximately two weeks. In addition to the Annual Leave allowance, posts often permit administrative leave to be used while on R&R.
  6. Annual Leave – federal employees earn Annual Leave (AL) based upon the following formula:
    • If less than 3 years federal service – 4 hours a pay period (26 pay periods in a calendar year);
    • If between 3 and 15 years federal service – 6 hours a pay period;
    • If more than 15 years federal service – 8 hours a pay period. Former military service – time spent in the US military is credited towards the annual leave allowance unless the employee is retired from the military. If retired and receiving retired pay, then form SF-813 (Verification of a Military Retiree’s Service) must be submitted before a determination can be made as to the amount of creditable service for leave accrual purposes.
  7. Sick Leave – all employees receive the same allowance – 4 hours per pay period.
  8. Life Insurance – employees automatically receive basic life insurance unless they waive it. They may also select from a variety of options to include up to a maximum of 5 times base annual salary.
  9. Health Insurance – employees may choose from a variety of options. Employees have 60 days to elect coverage. Coverage begins the pay period after the application forms are received in the DS HR Office.
  10. Retirement Plan – all SPS employees are enrolled in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and contribute to Social Security.
  11. Thrift Savings Plan – employees may contribute up to the IRS limit ($16,500). USG matches up to 5% of employee’s contribution.
  12. Tax-free housing – while SPSs may be assigned to any foreign service post abroad, current requirements exist in Kabul, Afghanistan; Peshawar, Pakistan and Baghdad, Iraq. At all posts overseas, housing is provided at no cost to the employee.

Application for the Special Agent (SA) position

There is no direct transition from the SPS to the SA position.

Selection to become a SA is an entirely separate and distinct process and will require the SPS, as is required of all other Department employees, to meet ALL the basic requirements (to include a bachelor’s level degree from an accredited college or university) and successfully pass ALL phases of the examination and selection process. Service as an SPS, however, could have certain advantages for those who are interested in applying for the Special Agent position.

The SPS must qualify for the identical type and level of security and medical clearance required of Special Agent candidates - specifically, a TS/SCI security clearance and a medical clearance which permits world-wide assignment. Having completed these two clearances is a significant advantage and could substantially reduce processing time for appointment to the Special Agent position, providing that ALL SA-specific assessments/examinations have been successfully completed.

General Description of Duties

FP-03 Level: Supervisory Security Protective Specialists of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) at the FP-03 level serve as Protective Security Shift Leaders with responsibility for managing and directing protective security operations at overseas locations in accordance with Department of State and Bureau of Diplomatic Security established protective security policies, standards, and procedures.

Major Duties:

  • provides supervision to junior SPS personnel;
  • serve as Detail Leader for contractor staffed protective security details;
  • ensures that all posts and detail positions are properly covered and that detail is operating in accordance with schedules and pre-set plans;
  • oversees planning and execution of protective operations that occur during the assigned shift;
  • coordinates personnel and equipment requirements;
  • assigns duties and weapons to SPS shift personnel in accordance with threat level;
  • directs and controls operations through radio and other communications during motorcades and other ground, air and water movements;
  • may serve as lead advance SPS, overseeing preparation of site surveys to assess factors, conditions and circumstances affecting the protective environment at the sites to be visited;
  • plans, assigns, monitors and reviews the work of SPS subordinate personnel;
  • maintains awareness of new protective techniques and procedures through attendance at training programs;
  • maintains requisite level of skills in firearms and other protective equipment and trains other SPS personnel in these skills.

The Security Protective Specialist (SPS) Position

The Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) is seeking highly qualified and motivated men and women with extensive experience in protective security operations to serve in the Foreign Service at certain U.S. embassies, consulates and regional offices abroad.

This workforce will be deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Israel and any other country that is identified in the future to supplement DS Special Agents in the supervision of contractor personnel. As members of a diplomatic team, Security Protective Specialists not only help to accomplish the mission of the Department of State, but also represent the United States to the people of other nations.

DS will create SPS positions initially at the following locations: Embassy Baghdad; Iraq Regional Embassy Offices Erbil, Al Hillah, Tallil and Basra; Embassy Kabul; Consulate Peshawar and Consulate General Jerusalem. SPSs will work in tandem with DS Special Agents to ensure that a DS SPS or SA is always present and involved with every protective motorcade element. The SPS or SA may act as the Detail Leader and may supervise other DS or contractor personnel.

Appointment as a Security Protective Specialist will be in the Limited Non-Career Appointment category. This category is based upon an annually renewable appointment with a 5-year maximum. Extensions beyond five years are not permitted. At the conclusion of the appointment, SPSs may apply for any Department position for which they are qualified, to include the Special Agent position. Federal retirement benefits accrue during time spent as a DS Security Protective Specialist. While SPS will receive annual in-grade salary increases (step increases), there is no promotional potential to the FP-2 level.

All assignments will be at the needs of the service. After the initial tour, SPSs may be transferred to other high threat posts overseas for two consecutive 2-year tours of duty. There is no provision for election of post of assignment.

A limited, non-career appointment to the Foreign Service involves uncommon commitments and occasional hardships along with unique rewards and opportunities. A decision to accept such an appointment must involve unusual motivation and a firm dedication to public service. The overseas posts to which SPSs will be assigned may expose the employee to harsh climates, health hazards, and other discomforts and where American-style amenities may be unavailable. Assignments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Israel are particularly challenging and may result in bodily injury and death. However, a limited appointment to the Foreign Service offers special rewards, including the pride and satisfaction of representing the United States and protecting U. S. interests at home and abroad.

Initial Training Assignments

All Security Protective Specialists must complete approximately 13 weeks of initial training/orientation at the Diplomatic Security Training Center (DSTC), the Foreign Service Institute and/or some other facility in the Washington, DC area. The training program develops and tests proficiency in job-related subjects that include use of firearms, physical fitness, personal defensive tactics, driving skills, emergency medical procedures, and protective security techniques. Proficiency is measured through a series of scored practical exercises as well as written subject matter-specific and comprehensive written examinations. Failure to successfully complete any aspect of the training program is grounds for separation.

Salary and Allowances

Initial salary will generally be at the FP-03, Step 1 ($65,413) and are non-negotiable. In addition to base salary, SPSs will receive all applicable Department overseas allowances. While assigned to Iraq or Afghanistan, SPSs will receive both danger pay and post differential. Currently those allowances total 70% of base salary. While in Iraq, all meals are provided at no cost to the employee. Post allowances in Pakistan and Israel and other high threat posts are computed at different levels (see page two for detail).

SPSs are entitled to all allowances received by other Department employees to include cost-of-living allowance, post differential, danger pay, and/or other allowances specific to posts of assignment. SPSs receive government-provided housing at all overseas locations.

Federal employees without a break in service may be appointed at a salary level above Step 1. Appointments will be made at a step which most closely matches the highest previous federal salary (rounded upwards) up to the FP-3, Step14 level. Security Protective Specialists are eligible for Federal Employees life insurance, health insurance and participation in US Government savings programs.

Basic Qualifications and Requirements

  • At least five years of general experience in domestic or overseas security operations within the last seven years. At least three of the five years must have specialized in conducting protective security operations overseas. One of the three years must have been in supervisory positions. Experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan or Israel is particularly desirable.
  • U.S. citizenship
  • High School diploma or GED
  • At least 20 years of age to apply. Candidates must be at least 21 but must not have reached their 37th birthday at time of appointment (the age restriction does not apply to preference-eligible veterans).
  • Be in compliance with the Selective Service Act (male applicants only).
  • Successfully complete all written and oral selection examinations.
  • Successfully undergo a background investigation and qualify for a TOP SECRET/SENSITIVE COMPARTMENTED INFORMATION (TS/SCI) security clearance and pass a suitability review.
  • Pass a stringent medical examination.
  • Be available for worldwide assignment.
  • Pass physical fitness tests (a timed 1 ½ mile run and gender and age-specific repetitions of push-ups and sit-ups) and be fit for strenuous physical exertion.
  • Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license.
  • Be willing to carry and, if necessary, use firearms. Qualify with firearms throughout the period of appointment.
  • Foreign language ability is desirable but not mandatory.
  • Successfully complete all required training.

Applicants must successfully complete all aspects of the 13-week initial training program for their candidacy and their employment as SPSs to be continued; failure to pass any aspect of the initial training, including physical fitness tests, is grounds for separation.

Applicants for the Security Protective Specialist position must not have been convicted of any felony charge. In accordance with the Lautenberg Amendment to the Gun Control Act, a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence may not possess a firearm. Applicants must be able to certify that they have not been convicted of any such violation and that they are not otherwise prohibited from possessing firearms.

Security Protective Specialists must perform duties in the field that are physically demanding. SPSs must be willing and able to meet these physical demands in high-stress, life and death situations. The SPS’s life and the lives of others may depend upon his/her physical capabilities and conditioning. Candidates must pass a thorough medical examination to include Supplemental Physical Qualification Standards. A qualified candidate may not have a medical condition which, particularly in light of the fact that medical treatment facilities may be lacking or nonexistent in certain overseas environments, would constitute a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others, or would prevent the individual from performing the duties of the job.

Security Protective Specialists are required to perform protective security assignments with physical demands that may include, but are not limited to, intermittent and prolonged periods of running, walking, standing, sitting, squatting, kneeling, climbing stairs, quickly entering and exiting various vehicles, enduring inclement weather which may include excessive heat, as well as carrying and using firearms.

Security Protective Specialists perform other functions that may require jumping, dodging, lying prone, as well as wrestling, restraining and subduing attackers, or detainees. SPSs must be able, if necessary, to conduct security inspections that may require crawling under vehicles and other low clearances or in tight spaces such as attics and crawl spaces.

Sometimes it may be necessary for a SPS to assist with installing or maintaining security countermeasures, which might involve lifting heavy objects and working on ladders or rooftops. SPSs must be skilled at driving and maneuvering a motor vehicle defensively or evasively in a variety of situations and at various speeds.

Security Protective Specialist candidates are expected to already possess many of the skills discussed in previous paragraphs but all will receive identical training to insure consistency. This training will include firearms training, defensive tactics, restraining an attacker and specialized driving techniques. SPS candidates must be able to participate in and complete all aspects of their training.

Candidates must be willing and able to travel extensively throughout the world. Traveling and assignments abroad may involve working in remote areas where traditional comforts and medical facilities are limited. SPSs may be required to travel to locations of civil unrest where conditions are potentially hostile and where performance of duties is conducted under hazardous circumstances.

Educational Requirements

While college level studies are desirable, the minimum educational requirement for a SPS candidate is a high school diploma or GED.

Work Experience Requirements

FP-03 level - At least five years of general experience in domestic or overseas security operations within the last seven years. At least three of the five years must have specialized in conducting protective security operations overseas. One of the three years must have been in supervisory positions. Experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan or Israel is particularly desirable.

Procedures for Applying

  1. We are not currently accepting applications for this position.
  2. Applicants must then submit the following three supplemental documents to the Recruitment Office, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, U.S. Department of State. All required documents must be received by the closing date of the Announcement. Incomplete application packages will not be considered. All application material will be retained by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security.
    • The Minimum Qualifications Check Sheet (pdf).
    • A two page typed (double-spaced) narrative autobiography that discusses your background, personal interests and hobbies, your motivation for joining the Foreign Service and your motivation for becoming a Security Protective Specialist.
    • High school diploma or GED

Applications may be submitted by E-mail or facsimile transmission (FAX) as follows:

The office is located at:
U.S. Department of State
DS Recruitment Office
SA-20, 9th Floor
1801 N. Lynn Street
Washington, D.C 20522-2008

Regular mail is not encouraged.

Upon receipt of the complete application package, it will be assessed to determine if initial qualifications were met. The candidate will be notified if he/she is to be further considered or if the application is not competitive.

Competitive Applicants – Those applicants who have been identified for further consideration will be notified of the next phase of the selection/assessment process. This process will entail appearance before a board of examiners to participate in the oral and written assessment. The board is composed of Special Agents and other employees of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security.

The SPS Assessment is a two-part, structured process which includes the following components:

  1. A Written Essay to examine whether the candidate demonstrates a strong command of English grammar, spelling and punctuation. SPSs will compile surveys and write other reports. Basic writing skills are essential for success in the SPS position.
  2. A structured interview in which the candidate will meet with two examiners who will pose a series of structured questions designed to examine the individual’s background and apparent ability to perform the job.

For additional information, please refer to the Bureau of Diplomatic Security’s web site at www.state.gov/m/ds or www.diplomaticsecurity.state.gov.

Executive Branch agencies are barred by 5 US Code 3303, as amended, from accepting or considering prohibited recommendations and are required to return any prohibited political recommendations to sender. In addition, as mandated by 5 US Code 310, sons and daughters of federal employees cannot be granted preference in competing for these employment opportunities.

THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE IS COMMITTED TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND FAIR AND EQUITABLE TREATMENT FOR ALL WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX, RELIGION, AGE, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, DISABLING CONDITION, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, MARITAL STATUS, OR PRIOR STATUTORY, CONSTITUTIONALLY PROTECTED ACTIVITY. THE DEPARTMENT PROVIDES REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES. APPLICANTS REQUIRING A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY PART OF THE APPLICATION OR HIRING PROCESS SHOULD SO ADVISE THE DEPARTMENT. ALL DECISIONS FOR GRANTING REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS ARE MADE ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS.