Transportation Security Specialist

Summary

Vetting Analysis Division (VAD) conducts vetting and pre-screening of transportation related credential holders and applicants, passengers, and cargo to identify and report potential terrorism-nexus and national security threats. National Transportation Vetting Center (NTVC) operates 24/7 across 3 locations to conduct comprehensive vetting, risk assessment, and analysis of passengers, credentialed transportation workers, and cargo-identifying and confirming high-risk individuals and shipments.

Duties

• This Transportation Security Specialist position is located in the NTVC East and West Branches, Technology & Systems, Vetting Operations, Vetting Analysis Division, Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Duties include but are not limited to: Interprets vetting match results produced by an automated vetting system using classified and unclassified databases and computer-aided tools. Conducts extensive research, including interpretation and evaluation, of complex multi-source data to determine whether an identity being vetted is a match to an identity on a terrorism-related watchlist. Conducts intelligence research using various open-source resources and using a computer user interface to produce analytically sound oral and written referral reports that describe the nature of significant valid matches to terrorism and national security watchlists. Prepares and distributes standard security reports to internal and external government agencies. These reports reference subjects that may be a match to security/terrorism databases. Provides guidance and assists in developing plans responsive to intelligence regarding emerging threats, makes inputs to project planning sessions, coordinates with airport stakeholders and partners in obtaining relevant information. Please note: The major duties described above reflect the full performance level of this position. Typically, the lower pay band (G band) performs the same duties but will receive more guidance and training, and the project or work assignments may be less complex. Ideal Candidate Statement: The ideal candidate would have experience utilizing Background Investigative Systems to evaluate and interpret data that may reveal possible terrorist and experience utilizing various criminal and intelligence databases to conduct research and verify vetting results.

Qualifications

In addition to the minimum qualifications described above, you must meet the following specialized experience and/or the education requirement to be considered qualified for the position: To qualify for the SV-G pay band (equivalent to the GS-5/7/9), you must meet one of the qualification requirements (A, B, OR C) outlined below: A. Education: 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; OR B. Experience: 3 years of general experience, 1 year of which was equivalent to at least the SV-F or GS-4 grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector performing duties such as: Analyzing problems to identify significant factors, gathering pertinent data, and recognizing solutions; and Planning and organizing work; and Communicating effectively orally and in writing. OR C. Combining of Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements for the grade level, and may be computed by first determining the applicant's total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; then determining the applicant's education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that grade level. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application. If you are attempting to qualify based on education, in whole or in part, you MUST submit a copy of your transcript(s) from an accredited college or university (for each school attended) to establish qualifications based upon education. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application. Official transcripts may be required at a later date. Credit for experience is given based on a 40-hour workweek. Part-time experience is credited on a part-time ratio, i.e., working 20 hours per week for two months equals one month of experience. No additional credit is given for overtime. National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. You must meet the qualification requirements for this position no later than the closing date of the vacancy announcement.