SECURITY SPECIALIST (OPSEC)

Summary

The Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) is seeking a highly motivated Security Specialist to support the OPSEC Security Support Element. The incumbent will serve as an OPSEC subject matter expert providing security analysis, assessments, advisory services, education, training and technical assistance to Defense Agencies and Field Activities (DAFAs).

Duties

• As a SECURITY SPECIALIST (OPSEC) you will be responsible for the following duties:The incumbent will support the Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) Operation Security Support Element program which provides education, assessment, advisory and program support to Defense Agencies and Field Activities (DAFAs). Directs and/or advice on the integration of personnel, physical, and information security measures into comprehensive OPSEC programs, and ensuring all direction, advice, assistance, and assessment activity is tailored to the unique operational environments and mission requirements of the supported organizations. Collaborates with OPSEC Program Managers (OPMs) to establish and sustain OPSEC programs that address organizational vulnerabilities and align with DoW standards, beginning each engagement with structured pre-visit coordination and preparation. Develops tailored assessment and program-improvement plans based on risk analysis and organizational priorities. Interviews organizational leaders, OPMs, and personnel to assess the effectiveness of OPSEC measures, advise on the integration of personnel, physical, and information security measures, and identify vulnerabilities. Prepares detailed reports summarizing assessment findings, including identified vulnerabilities and recommended corrective and alternative mitigation measures. Delivers OPSEC training courses to DoW personnel, contractors, and other stakeholders using various platforms, including in-person instruction, virtual instructor-led training (VILT), and eLearning.

Qualifications

The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the Office of Personnel Management's (OPMs) basic qualifications requirements. See: Security Administration Series - 0080 for OPM qualification standards, competencies and specialized experience needed to perform the duties of the position as described in the MAJOR DUTIES and QUALIFICATIONS sections of this announcement by 09/14/2026 . Applicant must have directly applicable experience that demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies necessary for immediate success in the position. Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have specialized experience sufficient to demonstrate that you have acquired all the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade GS/GG-11 in the Federal service and are prepared to take on greater responsibility. Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience. Specialized experience for this position includes: Based on their skill and knowledge, the incumbent supports the DCSA, the Security Training (ST) Directorate, and other DCSA security programs in the implementation, oversight, and enhancement of OPSEC requirements across the Department of War (DoW) enterprise. The applicant should have the: Analytical skills to interpret new and existing OPSEC related policies, procedures and regulations, Experience to identify vulnerabilities and provide actionable recommendations Conduct OPSEC assessments Develop and deliver OPSEC training content in various learning platforms Possess oral/written communication skills to appropriately brief diverse stakeholders. Specifically you will be evaluated on the following competencies: Operations Security: Analyzes unclassified, highly sensitive, and close-hold information to identify sensitive information that could adversely affect mission if revealed to those without a need to know. Advises on the protection of the unclassified, highly sensitive, and close-hold information. Security: Knowledge of the laws, regulations, and guidelines related to securing personnel, facilities, and information, including the requirements for handling, transporting, and protecting classified information and proper reporting of security incidents. Teaching: Helps others learn through formal or informal methods; identifies training needs; provides constructive feedback; coaches others on how to perform tasks; acts as a mentor. Vulnerabilities & Management: Conducts assessments on threats and vulnerabilities, determines the level of risk, and develops and recommends appropriate mitigation countermeasures in operational and nonoperational situations. Conducts assessments in a counterintelligence context to protect against espionage, other intelligence activities, and sabotage conducted for or on behalf of foreign powers, organizations or persons, or international terrorist activities. Writing: Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience

Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.

How to apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account. You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application. NOTE: Resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://www.usajobs.gov, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To preview the questionnaire, please go to https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13050081. Please review the General Application Information and Definitions at: https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DoDGenAppInfo%2012-1-2020.pdf?ver=ECNbdsHtGilTd3OENN4A0Q%3d%3d As required by 5 C.F.R. § 302.106., DLA will provide Section 508 conformant ICT to employees with disabilities. All ICT interfaces with the public related to vacancy announcements and career transition opportunities must conform to the applicable requirements in the current ICT Standards and Guidelines (36 C.F.R. § 1194).