The ideal candidate has experience administering physical and personnel security programs, conducting risk assessments and security surveys, and supporting Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) operations. They communicate effectively with managers, employees, law enforcement, and contractors; apply sound judgment; and can support FEMA's emergency management mission, including deployment when needed.
What will I do in this position if hired? In this Security Specialist position, you will you will support and administer personnel, physical, administrative, and operations security programs that protect FEMA personnel, facilities, information, and assets.
You will initiate, coordinate, and monitor background investigation requests to help determine the suitability, reliability, integrity, trustworthiness, and loyalty of FEMA employees, applicants, Federal contractors, and other designated personnel with access to sensitive information, resources, or materials.
Typical assignments include: Administering and coordinating physical, personnel, administrative, and operations security programs in accordance with Federal and DHS/FEMA policies and procedures. Reviewing, processing, and tracking personnel security and background investigation packages; ensuring required documentation is complete and submitted to the appropriate investigative authority.
Developing and delivering security education, training, and awareness activities for the regional workforce. Managing and maintaining the FEMA identity credentialing program in accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), including fingerprinting applicants, contractors, and employees.
Supporting the management and day-to-day security operations of the Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF), including access-control administration, required documentation, inspections, and compliance with applicable security requirements. Conducting or supporting physical security assessments and security surveys; identifying vulnerabilities and recommending measures to mitigate security risks.
Serving as a Collateral Duty Safety Officer and supporting the implementation of workplace safety and hazard-control measures. Supporting FEMA emergency management operations, including potential deployment or recall during disasters and other emergencies. What else do I need to know? At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters, and every employee at FEMA has a role in emergency management.
Every FEMA employee has regular and recurring emergency management responsibilities, though not every position requires routine deployment to disaster sites. All positions are subject to recall around the clock for emergency management operations, which may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the official duty station, and may include duties other than those specified in the employee's official position description.
Travel requirements in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature (weeks to months), with little advance notice, and may require employees to relocate to emergency sites with physically austere and operationally challenging conditions. This announcement is for a position as a CORE (Cadre of On-Call Response/Recovery Employee). CORE employees are full-time employees hired to directly support the response and recovery efforts related to disasters.
Employees are hired under the Robert T. Stafford Act and are excluded from the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing jobs in the competitive service. They can be hired under a streamlined process instead of a competitive process. After three years of continuous service, Stafford Act employees may be granted competitive eligibility to apply for permanent full-time positions at FEMA.
No Educational Substitution: There is no educational substitution for this position, and you must meet the qualifications listed in the "requirements" section of this announcement.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include flexible work schedules; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers.
DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service- connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
Full federal benefits details →
This position is with Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security.
The posted pay range is $100602 – $130786/yr.
This position requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-11-13.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-11-04 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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