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VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
United States Department of State
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Announcement No: SYO - 99-1
Opening Date: February 1, 1999
Closing Date: March 5, 1999
Position Title: FOREIGN SERVICE SPECIAL AGENT / SECURITY OFFICER
Grade and Starting Salary Range:
FP-06 $30,572 - $42,319 per annum
Plus 25% Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP)
Additional Benefits: Tax Free Housing overseas, Tax Free Educational Allowance, etc.
plus benefits package
Number of Vacancies:
The Department of State is developing a rank-order List of Eligible Hires to fill a limited number of Foreign Service Special Agent / Security Officer vacancies. The specific number to be hired will depend on the needs of the Foreign Service.
Area of Consideration:
All Sources
Location:
Those appointed will serve in major cities within the United States at a Diplomatic Security Field Office, Resident Office, or at the Bureau of Diplomatic Security in Washington, DC. Initial training and orientation will be held in Washington, DC and at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia. The first two assignments will be directed by the Department and future assignments will be made according to the needs of the Foreign Service to include domestic reassignment or assignment to any of the 260 Foreign Service posts throughout the world.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Special Agents/Security Officers of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) are responsible for the security of Foreign Service personnel, property, and sensitive information throughout the world. They are also responsible for the protection of the Secretary of State, certain foreign dignitaries during their visits to the United States, and others as designated by the Secretary of State. Major activities include protective services, criminal investigations, background checks, management of security programs for Foreign Service posts, and administrative, training, and liaison functions.
THE DIPLOMATIC SECURITY SPECIAL AGENT CAREER
The Department of State is seeking Foreign Service Special Agents/Security Officers to serve at US embassies and consulates worldwide. Candidates must agree not only to serve at any US diplomatic or consulate post abroad, but also in Washington, DC, and in domestic field offices such as Chicago, New York, Houston, etc. according to the needs of the Foreign Service. The Foreign Service is more than a job - it's a career. As members of a diplomatic team, Special Agents/ Security Officers not only help to accomplish the mission of the Department of State, but also represent the United States to the people of other nations. A career in the Foreign Service involves uncommon commitments and occasional hardships, as well as unique rewards and opportunities. A decision to enter this career must involve unusual motivation and a firm dedication to public service.
Many overseas posts are in small or remote countries where harsh climates, health hazards, and other discomforts exist and where American-style amenities frequently are unavailable. However, careers in the Foreign Service offer special rewards, including the pride and satisfaction of representing the United States and protecting US interests abroad.
Foreign Service Special Agents/Security Officers, depending upon assignment, will be responsible for the overall Department of State security policy and provision of security services, the management of security operations, the supervision of subordinate staff, and the actual performance of some or all of the following functions:
- Conduct investigations to include criminal investigations, personnel background checks, counterintelligence and counter-terrorism inquiries, and investigative work in preparing for court appearances.
- Conduct protective security services for the Secretary of State, other US government officials, and visiting foreign dignitaries.
- Conduct or implement projects or programs involved with the safeguarding of classified and sensitive information and materials as derived from Presidential Directive or Executive Order.
- Manage or implement security or safety-related aspects of new office building construction, develop and implement counter-terrorist access controls, architectural security related design, or design of anti-intrusion systems.
- Assess security threats against US interests and diplomatic installations and personnel abroad and detect, report, and investigate attempts by hostile intelligence to subvert US personnel and interests overseas.
- Administer and manage the Marine Security Guard program and US diplomatic missions facility protection programs worldwide.
- Conduct, administer, and manage security related training and training assistance programs for US foreign affairs agencies' personnel, the police, and safety and security officials of friendly foreign governments.
INITIAL CAREER DEVELOPMENT ASSIGNMENTS
All Special Agents/Security Officers must complete approximately five months of initial training in Washington, DC, and at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia. Failure to successfully complete any aspect of this training is grounds for separation. After training, Special Agents/Security Officers normally will be assigned to one of the 18 domestic Field Offices or Resident Agent offices. A second tour, usually domestic, will also be assigned by the Department. On domestic duty, Special Agents provide protective services for the Secretary of State and selected visiting foreign dignitaries, a duty which requires long hours and extended periods of travel. They also perform criminal investigations related primarily to the enforcement of statutes protecting the integrity of US passport and entry visa documents, and background investigations for individuals desiring appointment or continued employment with the Department of State.
After their second tour of duty, officers have the opportunity to express their preference for onward assignment. Officers are required to serve a substantial portion of their career overseas. Normally, officers are assigned overseas after two to four years of domestic service.
Overseas, Special Agents serve as Security Officers at US diplomatic or consular posts around the world. At Foreign Service posts, Diplomatic Security Officers are responsible for the administration of a broad range of security services to protect Foreign Service personnel, facilities, operations, and information against hostile intelligence, criminal, and terrorist activities. The Bureau of Diplomatic Security also conducts overseas investigations for the Department of State and for other federal agencies. Diplomatic Security officers are assigned responsibilities on a regional basis and serve Foreign Service posts in several countries, which may require frequent travel.
INITIAL SALARY AND SALARY INCREASES
Initial salary at appointment will normally be at the third step of Foreign Service grade FP-6. Exceptions may be made to increase the number of steps based upon such factors as the level of graduate education and directly related specialized experience. However, salary is limited to the maximum salary for the specific grade for which the candidate is qualified at the time of appointment.
Salaries are determined at the time final offers of employment are made. Entry level salary for Federal civilian employees, appointed without a break in service, will be set at the step, within the Foreign Service grade to which they are appointed, that is nearest to the base salary rate of their previous salary.
Salaries at the time of appointment may also be adjusted to include domestic locality pay and, upon the completion of training, domestic law enforcement adjustments and Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP). Overseas, salaries may be adjusted to include cost-of-living allowances, post differentials, danger pay, and/or other allowances specific to posts of assignment. The actual differences in pay will be determined by the location of assignments.
Special Agents/Security Officers will be administratively promoted from FP-6 to FP-5 level after 12 months of satisfactory performance and to the FP-4 level after an additional 18 months of satisfactory performance. Beyond the FP-4 level, Special Agents/ Security Officers are considered for promotion annually in competition with others in their specialty.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
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Grade Level |
Salary Range |
Education |
Specialized Experience |
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FP-06 |
$30,572 - $42,319 |
BA/BS Degree |
1 |
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In addition to the general requirements for employment in the Foreign Service explained further in the supplemental brochure, "Information and Benefits for Foreign Service Specialists," Special Agent/ Security Officer applicants must have a bachelor's degree at the time of appointment, as stipulated above. Applicants must be willing to use and carry firearms and must qualify with firearms during initial training and periodically thereafter. Applicants must be fit for strenuous physical exertion and be able to pass physical fitness tests. Applicants must possess a valid US driver's license and be able to pass a defensive driving course during initial training. Applicants must successfully complete all aspects of the five-month initial training; failure to do so is grounds for separation.
A qualifications evaluation panel will review all applicant files and recommend that only the most competitive applicants take a proctored writing skills examination. The ability to draft an essay demonstrating a strong command of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation is essential. A passing grade on the written examination allows the applicant to proceed to the personal interview and oral assessment portion of the candidate selection process. This process is explained further in the supplemental brochure, "Information and Benefits for Foreign Service Specialists."
Special Agent/Security Officer candidates must be appointed prior to their 37th birthday.
Prior to appointment, Special Agent/ Security Officer candidates must undergo a thorough background investigation to determine eligibility for a security clearance, suitability for appointment to the Foreign Service, and satisfaction of medical fitness standards which are more rigorous than those of most other professions. They must also pass a thorough medical examination which includes a cardiovascular stress test.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENT
Applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university at the time of appointment. Applicants currently pursuing a bachelor's degree may apply up to a year preceding their graduation. Final acceptance will be predicated on receipt of the degree prior to appointment.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Applicants for this position should have job-related experience and/or academic achievements that reflect progressively increasing levels of responsibility. They must be able to demonstrate experience and abilities in the following areas:
1. Effective organizational and planning skills; accomplishing complex tasks under pressureand against tight deadlines.
2. Problem solving skills reflecting an objective and logical approach in analyzing problems, applying sound judgment in assessing possible solutions, and adjusting to changing priorities.
3. Written and oral communication skills and experience presenting information in a clearand concise manner to non-technical individuals.
4. Leadership experience reflecting a capacity for obtaining the cooperation and confidence of others.
5. Personal interaction and communication skills which reflect cultural sensitivity, adaptability, discretion, and tact.
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE
The following educational achievements may be substituted for one year of specialized experience:
- 3.0 overall GPA or higher
- 2.75 - 2.99 GPA AND 1 Related Internship
- 2.5 - 2.74 GPA AND 2 Related Internships
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTIONNAIRE
Purpose: To allow the applicant an opportunity to describe educational and job-related accomplishments reflecting skills and the ability to accomplish the work of the Foreign Service Diplomatic Security Special Agent/Security Officer.
Instructions: Using plain white paper and either a typewriter or a word processor, individually address each of the items listed below. Responses must be limited to no more than 100 words for each item and should be double-spaced. Examples may be drawn from any part of the applicant's experience, but must reflect things the applicant has personally accomplished. Replies should be composed carefully, as one of the skills required of a Foreign Service Special Agent/ Security Officer is the ability to write clearly, concisely, and effectively.
1. Organizational Planning Skills - Indicate events or activities organized, budgeting responsibilities, staffing or planning for an office or project and describe your contribution.
2. Communication and Personal Interaction Skills - Indicate public speaking or debate experience or training, group problems resolution or negotiations and your contribution.
3. Written Communications Skills - Identify any formal report writing experience or publication of your work and describe the significance of your work.
4. Educational Competitiveness - Please submit cumulative GPA to determine eligibility and comment.
5. Problem Solving, Supervision, and Leadership Skills - Identify participation in committees or associations, official positions held, or project leadership roles.
6. Volunteer and Extracurricular Activities - Identify memberships in social or professional organizations, certifications/licenses earned or held and their significance.
PROCEDURES FOR APPLYING
The following materials are required for a complete application package:
1. The Application for Federal Employment, DS - 1950, and Employment Data Form (enclosed).
2. A typed autobiography, double spaced, and no longer than two pages, that discusses:
a. Your background, including personal interests and hobbies.
b. Your motivation for joining the Foreign Service.
c. Your motivation for becoming a Diplomatic Security Special Agent/Security Officer.
3.The completed Supplementary Questionnaire.
4.Official college or university transcript(s) confirming award of degree(s). A copy of the transcript(s) may be used pending issuance of the official documentation.
Submitted materials become the property of the Department of State and will not be returned.
The application package must be postmarked no later than March 5, 1999 and addressed to
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US Mail deliveries |
Overnight or Federal Express deliveries |
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US Department of State
Application Evaluation Branch
Attn.: Security Officer Program (SYO-99-1)
PO Box 9317
Arlington, Virginia 22219-0317 |
US Department of State
Application Evaluation Branch
Attn.: Security Officer Program (SYO-99-1)
1800 North Kent Street, Rm. 7501
Rosslyn, VA 22209-0317 |
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For additional information please refer to our web site at www.state.gov.
Applications, which are received through State's inter-office mail system or mailed in Government-franked envelopes, will not be processed.
Executive Branch agencies are barred by 5 US Code 3303 as amended from accepting or considering prohibited recommendations and are required to return any prohibited political recommendations to sender. In addition, as mandated by US Code 310, sons and daughters of federal employees cannot be granted preference in competing for these employment opportunities.
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