Security Duty Officer

National Security Agency
Submitted
May 4, 2026
Expires
June 3, 2026
Location
Fort meade Maryland
Job Type
Job Location
  • On Site

Description

Security and Counterintelligence (S&CI) is responsible for the protection of NSA/CSS information, people and facilities worldwide. In support of this mission, the Security Operations Command Center (SOCC) ensures continuity of mission and the protection of the Agency's critical assets worldwide 24x7. Primary responsibilities of a SOCC Security Duty Officer (SDO) include: - Emergency and critical Incident response and management - Initiating and conducting all necessary investigative actions for physical, force protection, personnel and counterintelligence related security incidents - Coordination, response, mitigation and resolution of life safety, security and facility emergencies - Access verification and management - Monitoring the physical security and force protection posture of NSA facilities worldwide and deploying appropriate countermeasures and resources to sustain or enhance the posture as necessary - Threat analysis, management and mitigation - Dispatch NSA Police, security and other resources accordingly - Monitor and manage multiple security systems and investigate, mitigate or resolve anomalies - Conduct security checks - Liaison with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies All SDOs are required to: - Be 21 years old at a minimum due to weapon handling requirement - Candidates must possess a current valid U.S. driver's license, absent of any restrictions that would preclude operation of a U.S. Government motor vehicle. - In order to be considered for this position, you will be required to successfully complete a written assessment prior to interviewing for the position. - Successfully complete all phases of the NSA Special Agent's Course - Maintain federal firearms certification and a working knowledge of Agency Policies and Regulations allowing the carry of an Agency-issued firearm. The Gun Control Act of 1968, as amended, and applicable implementing regulations prohibit the issuing of a firearm to anyone who has been convicted of a crime involving domestic violence. Individuals who have been convicted of such a crime are not eligible for consideration for this position. - Perform physical and potential strenuous activities to include standing, walking, or kneeling for long periods under all weather conditions.

Job Summary

The Security Operations Command Center (SOCC) is seeking highly motivated, disciplined individuals to fill Security Duty Officers (SDO) positions in our 24x7 watch center headquartered at NSA's Fort Meade MD Campus. SOCC personnel provide a myriad of services across multiple security disciplines with a no fail mission supporting Agency organizations throughout the global enterprise!

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. A degree in any field is acceptable. Relevant experience must be in a security/law enforcement related field (for example, Contractor Special Security Officer, special agent or police officer) or in emergency management. ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 4 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree and no experience. FULL PERFORMANCE Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 7 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience.

Competencies

Successful candidates will: - Have relevant experience in law enforcement, investigations, intelligence/threat analysis, homeland security, risk assessment and mitigation, or NSA S&CI security or other IC/federal agency equivalent - Exhibit solid critical thinking, listening and prioritization skills - Be able to successfully multi-task, utilize resources effectively and manage multiple incidents simultaneously - Have the ability to work effectively and build rapport with senior leaders, staff personnel, and external customers at all levels and ranks - Able to handle and adapt to constructive feedback - Possess excellent oral and written communication skills - Convey information accurately through detailed written documentation in the appropriate format, using proper grammar, spelling and punctuation - Maintain proficiency on multiple agency and security systems, applications and databases - Be able to use Microsoft Office Suite tools (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and utilize other basic office resources (e.g., web browsers, multi-function devices, audio/visual equipment, telephones, etc.) - Utilize authorized investigative techniques to support personnel, physical or counterintelligence investigations and mitigate or resolve concerns - Apply interview, elicitation, debriefing, and/or interrogation techniques in a systematic manner - Detect verbal and non-verbal cues, body language and behaviors that may indicate a potential security issue or concern and address accordingly - Maintain awareness of physical surroundings and detect factors that may impact physical, personnel, and operational security - Operate and maintain proficiency with firearms - Obtain certification in First Aid, CPR, AED and other training requirements, to include successful completion of the NSA Special Agent Course - Be able to stand or walk for extended periods of time indoors and outdoors regardless of weather conditions, as necessary - Be mature and professional in demeanor and appearance, dressing in appropriate business attire

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position. Salary Range: $57,736 - $133,142 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance) Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position. Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience. Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package. Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible). DCIPS Trial Period: If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.

How to apply

Apply soonest, as job postings can close earlier than stated end dates due to changes in requirements. It is important to review and note the minimum qualifications, as only those applicants who meet the required qualifications will be contacted to continue the employment process. Please populate the resume tool to showcase any relevant work experience and education related to the position and answer any applicable screening questions. Information collected will be used to determine eligibility, and failure to provide accurate information may result in disqualification for this position. A confirmation email will be sent after submission of the first application and also after any future updates to submitted applications. **Due to time sensitive communications regarding applications, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. For job vacancies that include stated testing requirements, also include the following: @uwe.nsa.gov, @nsa.gov, and @pearson.com** U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. NSA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process. The following four narrative questions provide an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. (Please attach in application) 1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience. 2. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes. 3. How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired. 4. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.

DCIPS Disclaimer

**VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS** Thank you for your service! The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions at NSA are in the Excepted Service under Title 10, United States Codes (U.S.C.), Section 1601 appointment authority. Veterans' Preference In accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, "DoD Civilian Personnel Management System: Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System Employment and Placement," NSA applies veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5, U.S.C., to eligible candidates. If you are claiming veterans' preference, you are required to provide acceptable documentation of your preference eligibility upon application. Acceptable documentation includes: - DD-214: "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions (Copy 4); OR - Certification of Service: A written document on letterhead from the appropriate branch of the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The certification should include the military service dates, including the expected discharge or release date; AND - Standard Form 15 (SF-15) Application for 10-point Veteran Preference (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf). If you are claiming a service-connected disability of 30 percent or more, the documentation you provide must specifically demonstrate this level of disability; AND - VA Letter of Disability (for 10pt and Sole Survivorship rating) You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center, or online (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/). **Failure to provide sufficient documentation of veterans' preference eligibility may preclude NSA from identifying you as a preference eligible candidate during the hiring selection process.

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