Security Specialist

Agricultural Research Service•Manhattan, KS

10d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is with the USDA Agricultural Research Service, Plains Area, at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas. The Security Specialist helps protect sensitive or classified information, personnel, facilities, property, resources, and processes from criminal, terrorist, or hostile intelligence activities. The role supports electronic security operations and security procedures at the facility, including work in its 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC). The position involves operating and monitoring security systems, coordinating responses to alarms, resolving system issues, and inspecting security equipment and facilities. The work may involve entry into high-containment laboratories and other specialized facility areas, with required medical clearances, safety precautions, personal protective equipment, and adherence to occupational health, reliability, and biosafety programs. Rotating shifts, 12-hour SOC shifts, and support outside regular duty hours may be required.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship or U.S. national status.
Meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959, unless exempt.
Pass the required background investigation and/or fingerprint check, DOJ Security Risk Assessment, and National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI).
Pass the E-Verify employment verification check and receive federal payments by direct deposit.
Serve a one-year probationary period unless previous federal service is creditable.
Have a motor vehicle or commercial driver's license.
Pass required drug testing and comply with random testing thereafter; continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use.
Meet vaccination, immunization, respirator fitting and certification, occupational health, and Personal Reliability Program requirements as applicable.
Meet the physical and medical requirements for biocontainment work, including the ability to shower out of biocontainment and safely follow decontamination instructions.
Follow NBAF quarantine and animal-contact restrictions after working in designated areas.
For GS-07, have one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-05 operating electronic security systems, including access control, intrusion detection, and closed-circuit television/video management or data storage; or meet the stated qualifying education or combination-of-education-and-experience alternatives.
Maintain alertness during 12-hour shifts and be able to perform the required periods of sitting, standing, reaching, and long-term visual monitoring.
Be able to work in environments with potential exposure to biological, chemical, and physical hazards and use required personal protective equipment.

Responsibilities

Participate in the overall implementation and operation of electronic security systems and monitor security policies and procedures intended to safeguard personnel at NBAF.
Work with the SOC Senior Controller to review and implement security management countermeasures.
Troubleshoot and resolve access, security hardware, closed-circuit video, interrupted communications, and other system problems, making adjustments to maintain operational systems.
Communicate with and dispatch security guard staff to respond to alarms, with response levels based on alarm priority.
Safeguard property from damage and theft.
Conduct intrusion and security risk assessment surveys.
Inspect security systems to ensure they function properly.
Staff the Lenel system in the SOC as required to maintain 24/7 facility coverage and provide operational support during incidents, emergencies, or high-threat environments.