Law Enforcement Specialist - Infrastructure Protection Program Management

Veterans Health Administration • Harlingen, TX

12d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Security and Preparedness (OSP), Field Operations Division, VA Police Service. The VA Police Service provides law enforcement, protective, and investigative services to Veterans, federal employees, affiliates, contractors, visitors, and others who receive services, work, or visit VA facilities nationwide.

The role evaluates security risks and develops physical security procedures and measures to protect people, property, and operations. It coordinates physical security programs, audits and surveys facilities and police services, supports security systems and safeguards, and helps develop and implement security policies and improvement initiatives. The position also prepares compliance reports and related documents, maintains survey follow-up tracking, collaborates with internal and external offices and agencies, and may appear at hearings or testify at trials.

The work schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. The incumbent may be designated essential personnel and must be available for frequent travel. The role has law enforcement authority under Title 38 U.S.C. §§ 901 and 902, requires carrying a firearm and maintaining proficiency, and includes required VA Police Officer Standardized Training, physical security and infrastructure training, field training, and weapons qualifications. A valid driver's license, medical fitness, and successful completion of required medical and background screening are required. Work includes office duties and on-site work in varying climates and potentially hazardous conditions, with moderate to arduous physical exertion.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• For GS-11 qualification through experience: one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-9, including physical security program expertise; knowledge of security administration criteria, equipment, and techniques; knowledge of the interrelationships among personnel, information, industrial, automation, counterterrorism, and VIP visit security programs; detailed knowledge and application of State and Federal laws; knowledge of building construction blueprints and contracts for physical security input on projects involving security engineering and electronic security systems; and time-management skills to track and complete assignments.
• Alternatively, qualify through a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a related LL.M.; transcripts are required.
• Alternatively, qualify through a combination of specialized experience and education beyond a master's degree; transcripts are required.
• Current federal employees and certain former federal employees must meet the GS-11 time-in-grade requirement of 52 weeks at GS-9, as applicable, and provide supporting SF-50 documentation.
• Complete the application, questionnaire, and required online assessment.
• Pass required pre-employment drug testing; the position is subject to random drug testing.
• Complete a background/security investigation and online onboarding requirements.
• Meet Selective Service registration requirements, if applicable.
• Participate in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program as required for Health Care Personnel.
• Serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Successfully complete VA Police Officer Standardized Training, physical security and infrastructure training, field training and evaluation, in-service requirements, and weapons qualifications.
• Meet established experience, basic training, and in-service training requirements for enforcement of police powers.
• Be physically fit and pass a pre-employment medical examination, which may include vision, hearing, cardiovascular, physical, psychological, and mobility evaluations; periodic incumbent examinations may apply.
• Be legally eligible to possess firearms under the Lautenberg Amendment; persons convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime of domestic violence are ineligible.
• Carry a firearm and maintain firearm proficiency.
• Possess and maintain a valid automobile driver's license and be available for frequent travel.
• Be able to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties, including responding to physical resistance and situations requiring agility and quick, legally sufficient decisions.
• Be able to perform work involving prolonged walking, confined spaces, crouching, bending, crawling, standing, climbing, outdoor exposure to all temperatures, moderate to arduous exertion, and possible personal danger.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate risk and develop physical security procedures and measures to safeguard personnel, property, and operations from unauthorized access, espionage, terrorism, sabotage, damage, and theft.
• Provide suggestions concerning security systems and the security of assets.
• Conduct security surveys to identify conflicts with security requirements or regulations and recommend corrective actions.
• Conduct system audits and evaluate reports of alleged security violations.
• Provide input and draft changes to physical security policy, doctrine, utility, and implementation.
• Ensure that security requirements and appropriate safeguards, including cameras, panic alarms, and intrusion alarms, are implemented.
• Coordinate an organization's physical security program and manage efforts or functions affecting multiple sites.
• Participate in and lead communities of practice across departments and organizations.
• Develop and lead implementation of organizational improvement initiatives.
• Conduct audits and provide oversight to multiple police services within a large organization.
• Collect information and prepare reports on facility compliance with operations and regulations.
• Develop physical security documents, spreadsheets, graphs, reports, and presentations using automated systems and software packages.
• Enter, access, and retrieve information in the medical center computer system.
• Maintain a tracking report to ensure physical security surveys receive prompt follow-up.
• Establish, develop, and maintain effective working relationships with offices and agencies inside and outside the organization.
• Attend security meetings and share new or changed security program information with security personnel.
• Appear at preliminary hearings and/or testify at trials when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Complete required police, physical security, field, in-service, and weapons training and maintain firearm proficiency.
• Carry a firearm while performing the duties of the position and maintain a valid driver's license; be available for frequent travel.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• VA may offer newly appointed federal employees credit for job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual, subject to prior approval and not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree