Security Technical Specialist

As a Foreign Service Security Technical Specialist in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security Services (DSS), you will have the opportunity to install, troubleshoot and maintain electronics and electromechanical systems, and develop both professionally and personally.

You will help keep the technical resources that U.S. diplomats use safe and secure, as they work to advance our nation’s interests overseas. By implementing and maintaining the most sophisticated technical security programs, and training the teams who work on them, you will provide the technical expertise to keep our facilities, personnel, and classified data from possible crime, terror, and espionage threats. Every day, you will meet new challenges that broaden your expertise in the face of rapidly evolving technologies. And as you travel abroad and experience new cultures, you’re contributing to clearing a path toward greater peace and prosperity for people worldwide. Now you, too, have an opportunity to impact the future of diplomacy.

In return for your service, you’ll have access to continued training and career development programs; health and medical coverage; federal retirement benefits; and generous paid leave. When serving overseas, you’ll be provided paid housing or an appropriate housing allowance, and paid K-12 education for dependent children.

Conditions of Employment

  • Be a U.S. citizen and available for worldwide service.*
  • Be able to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
  • Be able to meet the appropriate Foreign Service Minimum Medical Qualifications.
  • Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.**
  • Be at least 20 years old to apply; at least 21 years old to be appointed.
  • Be appointed prior to age 60 (preference eligible veterans accepted).***

Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum of two years of specialized experience which demonstrates the ability to troubleshoot and repair electronic, electrical, and/or electro-mechanical systems and equipment, and is supported by work experience in this discipline.
  • Valid U.S. Driver’s license
  • Physical standards include, but not limited to, additional vision and hearing requirements. The standards for the Security Technical Specialist position can be found at http://careers.state.gov/downloads/download-center in documents entitled “DS supplementary physical qualification standards“

Learn more about the duties and find all the requirements for the position and the application process by visiting an archived USAJOBS listing.  This is for informational purposes only.  Candidates must adhere to the requirements listed in the open vacancy announcement at the time of their application.  Sign up to receive a notification when the vacancy is open for application.

*EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION PROGRAM (E-Verify) – Verification of employment eligibility in the United States is required.

U.S. law requires companies to employ only individuals who may legally work in the United States – either U.S. citizens, or foreign citizens who have the necessary authorization. This agency utilizes E-Verify to compare information from the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) records to confirm employment eligibility. If the employee’s information does not match DHS and/or SSA records, the employee is given an opportunity to resolve the problem. If eligibility cannot be verified, employment will be terminated.

**The Department of State Suitability Review Panel and standards are defined in Chapter 3 of the Foreign Affairs Manual. For more information please visit: https://fam.state.gov/.

***For more information about Veteran’s Preference and how it is applied in the selection process, please visit: http://careers.state.gov/faqs/