Security Specialist

Federal Emergency Management Agency•Bothell, WA

About The Position

The Security Specialist supports and administers FEMA personnel, physical, administrative, and operations security programs to protect FEMA personnel, facilities, information, and assets. The role includes initiating, coordinating, and monitoring background investigation requests for employees, applicants, Federal contractors, and other designated personnel who require access to sensitive information, resources, or materials. The position administers personnel security and background investigation packages; delivers security education and awareness; manages FEMA identity credentialing, including fingerprinting; supports Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) operations; and conducts or supports physical security assessments and surveys. It also serves as a Collateral Duty Safety Officer and supports workplace safety measures. This is a FEMA CORE position: a full-time, nonpermanent appointment under the Robert T. Stafford Act in the excepted service, directly supporting disaster response and recovery. Employees have recurring emergency management responsibilities and may be recalled or deployed with little advance notice for extended periods, potentially to austere operational settings and locations other than their official duty station. The selected candidate must attend a three-week in-person training course in Emmitsburg, Maryland, within six months of onboarding; FEMA covers travel expenses.

Requirements

One full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the IC-11 level in the Federal government, obtained in Federal, state or local government, or the private sector.
Experience administering physical, personnel, and administrative security programs in accordance with Federal security policies and procedures, including maintaining secure facilities.
Experience conducting security assessments or surveys; providing education and awareness activities; and recommending or implementing corrective measures to protect personnel, facilities, information, and assets.
Experience coordinating with management, employees, contractors, law enforcement, and security partners to resolve security issues.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must successfully pass and maintain a Top Secret background investigation; the investigation may include a credit check and review of financial issues, certain criminal offenses, and illegal drug use or possession.
Selective Service registration is required.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Government credit card.
Must be able to deploy with little or no advance notice anywhere in the United States and its territories for an extended period.
Must attend a three-week, in-person training course in Emmitsburg, Maryland, within six months of onboarding.
There is no educational substitution for the experience qualifications.

Responsibilities

Administer and coordinate physical, personnel, administrative, and operations security programs in accordance with Federal and DHS/FEMA policies and procedures.
Initiate, coordinate, and monitor background investigation requests for personnel requiring access to sensitive information, resources, or materials.
Review, process, and track personnel security and background investigation packages, ensuring required documentation is complete and submitted to the appropriate investigative authority.
Develop and deliver security education, training, and awareness activities for the regional workforce.
Manage and maintain the FEMA identity credentialing program in accordance with HSPD-12, including fingerprinting applicants, contractors, and employees.
Support day-to-day SCIF security operations, including access-control administration, documentation, inspections, and compliance with applicable requirements.
Conduct or support physical security assessments and security surveys, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend measures to mitigate security risks.
Serve as a Collateral Duty Safety Officer and support workplace safety and hazard-control measures.
Support FEMA emergency management operations, including potential deployment or recall during disasters and other emergencies.
Coordinate with management, employees, contractors, law enforcement, and security partners to resolve security issues.