Protection Agent: USDA in Washington

# Protection Agent: USDA in Washington
** U.S. Department of Agriculture
** 1400 Independence Av SW, Washington, DC 20250 Start Date
09/11/ Full-Time The Protection Agent position is a full-time federal security role with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Departmental Administration in Washington, DC. The Executive Protective Operation Division pays $87,814 to $136,830 a year at the GS-11 to GS-12 level. The announcement is open continuously with the next stated cutoff on September 11, 2026.The agent protects the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and designated principals, supports threat investigations, and coordinates protection operations.

The job requires executive personal-protection experience or related coordination experience in security, communications, transportation, logistics, or travel planning. The position carries emergency-essential duties with shifts at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
* Role:
Protection Agent, Executive Protection Agent

* Employer:

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Departmental Administration

* Location:

1400 Independence Av SW, Washington, DC 20250
* Employment:
Full-time, permanent, competitive service
* Pay: $87,814 to $136,830 per year, GS-11 to GS-12

Apply Now Applicants assemble a two-page resume and the required eligibility documents, including law-enforcement training certification when applicable. The federal application includes questionnaires and assessments, and the hiring process uses the applicable cutoff date shown in the announcement.

The position requires a valid driver's license or the ability to obtain one, firearms qualification, and semiannual qualification with USDA-issued weapons. Applicants also undergo the stated medical, physical, background, drug-testing, credentialing, and national-security reviews.## Protection Operations For Federal Principals The agent provides personal protection to the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and designated principals. Work includes executive-protection planning, threat investigations, secure telecommunications, and coordination of security, logistics, and administrative matters.

The agent also serves as an Executive Protection Detail Leader when assigned.

Time-sensitive logistical support connects protective operations with travel, transportation, communications, and schedule requirements. The division works with the Special Agent in Charge and Assistant Special Agent in Charge. The agent's work therefore includes both field protection and operational coordination.

Executive protection work requires preparation before movement and disciplined communication during an assignment. The executive protection work represented in other assignments also depends on threat awareness and direct protection of a named client.## Federal Qualifications And ScreeningGS-11 applicants need one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 or qualifying graduate education. GS-12 applicants need one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11.

Qualifying experience includes executive personal-protection operations or coordination involving security, communications, transportation, logistics, or travel planning.

The position requires accredited basic law-enforcement training certification, a valid driver's license or the ability to obtain one, firearms qualification, and semiannual qualification with USDA-issued weapons. A medical examination and physical assessment evaluate the ability to lift and carry 180 pounds or more, work in confined spaces, respond to physical attacks, and use firearms.

* Experience:

executive personal protection or related protection coordination
* Certification: accredited basic law-enforcement training
* Weapons: firearms qualification and semiannual USDA weapon qualification
* Clearance:
Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance and special-sensitive, high-risk review
* Age: at least 21 and under 37 at appointment, subject to listed federal exceptions## Shifts Travel And Emergency Coverage The Executive Protective Operation Division operates around the clock, seven days a week. The agent may work any assigned shift, including nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency callouts. Travel is expected at 50 percent or less, and the role carries an emergency-essential designation.

Protection planning includes secure transportation, communications, travel logistics, and support for the Secretary and staff. The agent coordinates those elements with the division's leadership and maintains compliance with security…