Security Specialist

Summary

Position located within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, KS. This role manages the facility’s electronic security systems—including intrusion detection, cameras, video management platforms, and access control—and performs administration, diagnostics, troubleshooting, inspections, and maintenance to ensure full operational readiness.

• Manage and maintain electronic security systems for the facility.
• Perform administration of intrusion detection, camera, video management, and access control systems.
• Conduct diagnostics, troubleshoot, and adjust equipment as needed.
• Inspect and maintain security infrastructure to ensure readiness.

• GS-11 – 1 year of specialized experience comparable to GS-09, directly related to managing electronic security systems, including troubleshooting, adjustments, system maintenance, implementing security policies, creating and maintaining security reports, investigations, training, and supporting security operations as a Contracting Officer Representative.
• Education:
  
  successful completion of a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; related degrees include security administration, industrial security management, or criminal justice; OR a combination of education and experience.
• GS-12 – 1 year of specialized experience comparable to GS-11, serving as a technical authority for access control and alarm systems, programming, modifying, and overseeing system architecture and biometric integrations, developing and interpreting security policies, coordinating multiple large-scale projects, preparing critical security reports, and performing authorized COR duties.
• Time‑in‑grade:
  Current federal employees applying for promotion must have 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level.

Requires regular physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching. Must handle equipment up to 50 pounds. May need to wear PPE including respirator (N-95 or PAPR) or encapsulated suits in laboratories. Travel may be required.

Work in offices, laboratories, and indoor animal facilities. Exposures to extreme temperatures, disagreeable odors, animals, and biological, chemical, and physical hazards. Requires protective equipment and adherence to safety protocols.

• Motor Vehicle or Commercial Driver's License required.
• Drug test required.
• Vaccinations required.
• Special physical requirements/demands; may wear fully encapsulated suits.
• SAC and full background investigation required for BSL-3 (or higher) work.
• Department of Justice Security Risk Assessment approval required.
• TS/SCI clearance required.

TS/SCI clearance is required to access information and areas with Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT).