Personnel Security Specialist (Adjudicator)

The incumbent serves as a Personnel Security Specialist (Adjudicator) in the Adjudications Branch, Personnel Security Division (PSD), Office of Professional Responsibility and Security Operations (OPRSO). PSD is responsible for the implementation and oversight of ATF's Personnel Security. Since 1998, ATF has held the unique status of maintaining delegated authority, issued by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to conduct background investigations.

Major duties

The major duties of the Personnel Security Specialist (Adjudicator) position include, but are not limited to, the following: Reviews information developed during a background investigation and Continuous Evaluation to determine if investigation and/or information is adequate and complete. Evaluates validity, truthfulness and relevance of personnel security data. Conducts review of information to recommend whether to grant, suspend, or revoke security clearance and/or access to the agency. Corresponds with applicants and employees to resolve suitability or security issues. Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.

Qualifications

To qualify for the Personnel Security Specialist (Adjudicator) position at the GS-9/11 grade levels, you must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Minimum Qualifications Specialized experience is demonstrated experience, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Experience must be in the normal line of progression or must be related to the work of the position advertised and must be reflected in resume. To qualify for this position at the GS-9 grade level, candidates must meet the following specialized experience by the closing date of this announcement. EXPERIENCE: Candidates must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7) (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience must include all of the following: Conducting continuous vetting record checks to identify derogatory information which may impact an individual's eligibility; AND Assisting in preparing reports such as adjudication summaries and entering personal data into security systems; AND Assisting and supporting in organizing, coordinating and controlling procedures for initiating, reviewing and recording of personnel security investigations. - OR - EDUCATION: Successful completion of a master's or an equivalent graduate degree, or successful completion of at least 2 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or an LLB or JD, if related to the requirements of the position. You must include transcripts. To qualify for this position at the GS-11 grade level, candidates must meet the following specialized experience by the closing date of this announcement. EXPERIENCE: Candidates must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-9) (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience must include all of the following: Conducting continuous vetting record checks to identify derogatory information which may impact an individual's eligibility; AND Utilizing knowledge of suitability factors and security adjudicative guidelines to prepare reports summarizing investigations, findings, and actions; AND Reviewing background investigation requests for accuracy and completeness and ensuring compliance with federal and agency regulations, standards, policies, and procedures. - OR - EDUCATION: Successful completion of a Ph.D. or an equivalent doctoral degree, or successful completion of at least 3 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education toward either a Ph.D. or an LLM. You must include transcripts. Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating. See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume. After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required of you. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement (10/13/2026) to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application.

Education

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements, please see the statements below. Education must be reviewed and certified by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, in order for it to be creditable towards your qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from accredited institution. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation. Your transcript must come from a nationally accredited educational institution recognized by the Department of Education. If submitting a foreign transcript, you must have the transcript reviewed by an approved foreign education review organization recognized by the Department of Education.

Requirements

The requirements listed below must be met by the closing date of the announcement. Must be U.S. Citizen or National Selective Service: If you were born male, on or after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: www.sss.gov. May be required to serve a one-year probationary period. Pass drug screening and subject to random drug test. Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation. You must meet all applicable time-in-grade requirements by the closing of this announcement. Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines. MOBILITY PLAN: New employees hired pursuant to this vacancy announcement must sign a mobility agreement. The purpose of ATF's mobility policy is to enhance career development and progression, and achieve mission and business effectiveness. To accomplish these objectives, the mobility plan will facilitate the movement of employees through special short-term assignments or permanent reassignments throughout the Bureau. Applicants who decline to sign a mobility agreement, as required, will be removed from the hiring process. This is a non-bargaining unit position.