Security Specialist

This position is located in Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Emergency and Regulatory Compliance Services, (ERCS) Division of Agricultural Select Agents and Toxins (DASAT). The incumbent serves as a Security Specialist in the Technical Branch.

Major duties

• The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.
• The duties may include, but are not limited to:
• Serves as a subject matter expert on security by applying comprehensive knowledge of laboratory security controls as required under 7 CFR Part 331 and 9 CFR Part 121, ensuring these measures are effectively implemented.
• Communicates and promotes the division providing technical assistance to internal and external partners as needed.
• Practices and enforces laboratory security practices; follow established security guidelines and disseminate standards to all staff.
• Develops recommendations for enhancing physical security measures, facility safety, and emergency preparedness for entities.
• Disseminates results of a wide range of venues including the development of both operational and policy decisions, inspection reports, SOPs, guidance materials, FAQ's, government publications, and special reports.
• Promotes APHIS policies, maintains effective working relationships with officials from all levels of government and interest groups, and communicates highly technical information in a variety of persuasive and informational situations.
• Communicates to the regulated community specific compliance-related requirements.
• Uses automated systems to document, track, and analyze select agent security information and conducts periodic evaluations to assess policy effectiveness and identify long-term security improvements.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates experience: Conducts on-site security inspections, and reviews security and incident response plan of laboratories or facilities to assess that physical, personnel, cyber, and inventory controls are consistent with select agent regulations. Provides security consultation to internal and external stakeholders on registered entity security issues. Analyzes security, inspection and/or incident data to identify risks and recommend corrective actions. Develops and reviews security guidance materials, procedures, policies, technical documents, and/or training materials. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.