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DIPLOMATIC SECURITY ENGINEERING OFFICER

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
United States Department of State

An Equal Opportunity Employer
How to Apply

Announcement No: SEO-08-01
Opening Date: August 18, 2008
Closing Date: Indefinite

Position Title: FOREIGN SERVICE DIPLOMATIC SECURITY ENGINEERING OFFICER

Grade and Starting Salary Range:
FP-04 $60,597 - $74,527 per annum
FP-05 $55,265 - $60,389 per annum
FP-06 $53,986 per annum

Additional Benefits: Tax-Free Housing overseas; Tax-Free Education Allowance for eligible dependents, etc. (See "Compensation and Benefits" for more information.)

Number of Vacancies: The Department of State is developing a rank-order register to fill a limited number of Foreign Service Security Engineering Officer (SEO) vacancies. The specific number to be hired will depend on the needs of the Foreign Service in any given year and is subject to change.

Area of Consideration: All Sources

Location: Selected candidates will report to Washington, DC, for approximately nine months of specialized training and orientation. Initial assignments will be made to domestic locations in the Washington, DC area or in Fort Lauderdale, FL, or to any of the 65 Engineering Services Centers or Engineering Services Offices located overseas. Initial assignments will be made in accordance with the needs of the Foreign Service.

All potential applicants are strongly urged to read this entire vacancy announcement to ensure that they meet all of the requirements for this position and that they fully understand the special circumstances involving a career in the Foreign Service before applying. All applicants must be American citizens and at least 20 years old to apply and at least 21 years of age to be appointed. Candidates must be appointed to the Foreign Service prior to the month in which they reach 60.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Foreign Service Security Engineering Officers (SEOs) of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security are responsible throughout the world for the protection of Department of State personnel, facilities, and sensitive information from acts of crime, terrorism, and technical espionage. As professional-level engineers, their mission is accomplished through the performance of some or all of the following functions or tasks:

• Administer and manage technical and information security programs, projects, and resources worldwide.


• Conduct technical security assessments and recommend security upgrades to deter terrorism and technical espionage.


• Plan and conduct technical surveillance countermeasures (TSCM) surveys to detect and nullify technical penetrations of Department of State facilities at more than 285 locations around the world.


• Identify security risks, analyze those risks, and specify system requirements and procedural measures to ensure the integrity of stand-alone computers and network information systems.


• Plan and conduct certification tests, as well as maintain the security needs for information processing and secure conferencing facilities.


• Produce a variety of written documents including memoranda, trip reports, telegraphic communications with posts; and engineering surveys or service reports detailing specific engineering services planned or performed.


• Perform extensive travel throughout the world to service overseas embassies and consulates, often in remote locations, including the transport of technical supplies and materials (and on occasion, diplomatic pouches) by airplane, train, and public transportation.


• Specify, design, procure, install, and certify equipment or products for technical security and information technology systems, such as:
  1. Technical systems/closed-circuit television, intrusion detection and alarms, locking devices, access control and denial systems, countermeasures equipment, and acoustic/RF attenuation technologies.
  2. Computer systems/encryption, firewalls, forensics, network intrusion monitoring, and system security audit products.
• Engage in work that can on occasion be physically demanding.

I. A CAREER IN THE FOREIGN SERVICE

The Department of State is seeking Foreign Service Security Engineering Officers to serve at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. Worldwide availability is an essential requirement of the job. Candidates must agree not only to serve at any U.S. diplomatic or consular post abroad, but also at domestic locations such as the Department of State in Washington, DC, and the Florida Regional Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Security Engineering Officers also provide support to the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York City, and various regional field offices located throughout the United States.

The Foreign Service is more than a job - it's a career. You will not only help to accomplish the mission of the Department of State, but you will also be a representative of your country to the people of other nations. A career in the Foreign Service involves uncommon commitments and occasional hardships, as well as unique rewards and opportunities. A decision to enter this career involves unusual motivation, a firm dedication to public service, and a clear understanding of the frequent travel requirements.

Many overseas posts are in small or remote countries where harsh climates, health hazards, and other discomforts exist, and where American-style amenities frequently are unavailable. Travel to and from some locations may involve hardships and, oftentimes, personal inconvenience. However, careers in the Foreign Service offer special rewards, including the pride and satisfaction of representing the United States and protecting U.S. interests abroad.

II. FOREIGN SERVICE SELECTION PROCESS

The Foreign Service selection process may be lengthy, multi-staged, and due to the limited number of appointments available, highly competitive. It commences upon receipt of the candidate's application materials and will continue until the candidate is appointed from a list of eligible candidates (a process which can take as long as a year or more), or candidacy is terminated.

INITIAL REVIEW

A completed application package contains the materials listed in Section V of this Vacancy Announcement. Materials submitted become the property of the Department of State and will not be returned. A candidacy may be terminated if the application package is incomplete.

III. THE SECURITY ENGINEERING OFFICER CAREER

All Security Engineering Officers must complete approximately nine months of specialized training in the Washington, DC area upon their entry on duty with the Department of State. Failure to successfully complete all aspects of this training could result in separation.

Domestic Assignments - A Security Engineering Officer assigned to a domestic position will be assigned to one of the functional areas within the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. Functional areas include: programs, systems, operations, maintenance, logistics, and engineering. Operational assignments may include countermeasures inspections (both domestically and at overseas posts), participation in worldwide maintenance programs, computer security assessments and planning, security engineering support for the Secretary of State, administrative support to overseas Engineering Services Offices, and a variety of engineering support functions and surveys. A domestic position may also involve overseas travel.

Overseas Assignments - A Security Engineering Officer assigned to a position abroad will serve as a security engineer at any of the Engineering Services Centers or Engineering Services Offices located at U.S. diplomatic or consular posts around the world. While working at Foreign Service posts, Security Engineering Officers are responsible for a broad range of technical security services to protect Foreign Service personnel, facilities, operations, and information against hostile intelligence, criminal, and terrorist activities. Security Engineering Officers serving at Engineering Services Centers are assigned responsibilities on a regional basis and support several countries. These assignments require frequent travel and some long period of temporary duty assignments.

INITIAL SALARY AND SALARY INCREASES

GRADE LEVEL	SALARY RANGE	EDUCATION	SPECIA- LIZED EXPE- RIENCE (Years)
FP-04	$60,597 - $74,527	Bachelor of Science Degree	3 or more
FP-05	$55,265 - $60,389	Bachelor of Science Degree	1 to 3
FP-06	$53,986	Bachelor of Science Degree	0

The beginning salary within the FP-04, FP-05, or FP-06 pay grades is dependent upon the experience and education of the candidate, and will be determined at the time of a conditional offer of employment. The entry-level salary for Federal Civil Service employees appointed to the Foreign Service without a break in service will be set at the rate, within the Foreign Service grade to which they are appointed, that is nearest to the salary rate of their previous GS salary, provided the work performed in the previous position is relevant to activities of the Diplomatic Security Engineering officer position

Salaries at the time of appointment may also be adjusted to include domestic locality pay. Overseas salaries may be adjusted to include cost-of-living allowances, post differentials, danger pay, and/or other allowances specific to the post of assignment. The actual differences in pay will be determined by the location of assignments.

Performance is evaluated in writing annually by a supervisor. Security Engineering Officers are administratively promoted from the FP-06 to the FP-05 level after 12 months of satisfactory performance, and to the FP-04 level after an additional 18 months of satisfactory performance. At the FP-04 level and beyond, positions of increasingly higher responsibility are achieved as a result of competing for promotions that are earned through quality performance and demonstrated potential. To earn promotion above the FP-04 level, Security Engineering Officers must receive tenure and are considered for promotion annually in competition with their peers.

IV. QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

A qualifications evaluation panel will review all applicant files and recommend only the most competitive applicants to take a proctored examination that assesses the applicant’s writing skills. The ability to draft an essay demonstrating a strong command of English grammar, spelling and punctuation is essential. A passing grade on the written essay allows the applicant to proceed to the personal interview and oral assessment portion of the candidate selection process.

Prior to appointment, Security Engineering Officer candidates must undergo a thorough background investigation to determine eligibility for a TOP SECRET security clearance and suitability for appointment to the Foreign Service and undergo an extensive medical examination to obtain a medical clearance for worldwide service. Additionally, all Security Engineering Officer (SEO) candidates must be eligible for a TOP SECRET/SENSITIVE COMPARTMENTED INFORMATION (TS/SCI) security clearance. With few exceptions, the SEO candidate and all immediate family members (spouse, parents, siblings, children, or cohabitants) must be citizens of the United States to qualify for SCI Clearance. A candidate that already holds Top Secret, but does not hold SCI access, will require an upgrade to SCI before he or she can report for training or duty.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT:

Applicants must hold at the time of appointment a Bachelor of Science degree from ABET accredited engineering programs at U.S. colleges or universities in one of the following fields:

• Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering, Computer Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Physics, Engineering Physics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology, Electromechanical Engineering.

Regionally accredited Physics programs, that are not ABET accredited may be accepted. Students at least 20 years of age and currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in one of the majors listed above may apply up to nine months preceding their graduation, knowing that final acceptance will be predicated on receipt of the degree by the time of appointment. Candidates cannot be appointed prior to their 21st birthday.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants for this position should have academic achievements and/or job-related experience that reflect progressively increasing levels of performance and responsibility. They must be able to demonstrate experience and abilities in some or all of the following areas.

1. Ability to logically and objectively analyze problems, apply sound judgment in assessing possible solutions, adjust to changing priorities, and meet tight deadlines;


2. Effective written and oral communication skills, and ability to present technical findings in a clear and concise manner to non-technical personnel;


3. Capacity to gain the cooperation and confidence of co-workers, supervisors (professors, teachers, etc.), and subordinates as well as non- technical individuals;


4. Understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum, and RF interrelationships and characteristics as they relate to the design and operation of electronic and electromechanical systems;


5. Hands-on experience in the operation and use of electronic instrumentation such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzer, sound pressure level meters, time-delay reflectometers, network analysis and similar equipment that may be applied to test, certify, and troubleshoot electrical, electronic, mechanical, electromechanical and computer systems;


6. Knowledge and hands-on familiarity of computer systems, computer security, and familiarity with operating systems, hardware platforms, and networks; and


7. Ability to read, interpret, create electrical and electromechanical schematics and architectural drawings, including electrical /mechanical building systems drawings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Some of the essential functions of the job have a physically demanding component. For instance, in conducting technical surveillance countermeasures surveys, a Security Engineering Officer is periodically required to perform work that requires regular and recurring period of prolonged standing, bending, and stretching. A Security Engineering Officer is required periodically to climb ladders and work from heights in performing the essential duties. Other essential duties of the job may involve recurring lifting of moderately heavy equipment and tools. Related activities may include crawling, maneuvering, and working in cramped spaces as well as the occasional moving and transporting of diplomatic pouches.

The Office of Medical Services will conduct or arrange for a physical examination of each applicant offered a position to ensure that the candidate meets the physical and medical requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the job and can meet the standards required for a worldwide medical clearance.

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE

Applicants may substitute education achievements for specialized experience according to the following formula. Each full year (generally 18 semester credit hours) of graduate study may be substituted for one year of specialized experience provided the major is in a discipline relevant to Diplomatic Security engineering activities.

SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTIONNAIRE

Purpose: The purpose of the Supplementary Questionnaire is to allow applicants an opportunity to describe educational and job-related accomplishments and experiences reflecting the skills and abilities to accomplish the work of the Foreign Security Engineering Officer. This information will be considered in determining the grade level.

Instruction: Using plain white paper and either a typewriter or a word processor, individually address each of the numbered items listed below limiting responses to 200 words or less for each item. Your responses should be double-spaced. Example can be drawn from any part of your experience, but must relate personal accomplishments. You should carefully compose your replies as one of the skills required of a Security Engineering Officer is the ability to write clearly and concisely.

1. Organizing Your Own Work: A specific achievement that demonstrates your organizational and planning skills in accomplishing complex tasks under pressure and against tight deadlines.


2. Computer Knowledge and Skills: A specific achievement that reflects the level of your knowledge of computer systems, computer network operability (LAN and/or WAN), or computer security.


3. Problem Solving and Troubleshooting: Using specific examples, describe your troubleshooting skills involving any of the following: electronic, electrical, electro-mechanical, mechanical, or computer systems.


4. Leadership and Teamwork Abilities: Discuss your abilities to work as a team member toward a common goal, as well as provide specific examples of where you have lead such a team in the accomplishment of the goal.

V. PROCEDURES FOR APPLYING

The following numbered materials are required for a complete application package. (Note: These become the property of the Department of State and will not be returned.)

1. A completed Application for Federal Employment, DS-1950.


2. A completed, signed, and dated Minimum Qualifications Check Sheet.


3. A two page typed (double-spaced) narrative autobiography that discusses:
   – Background, including personal interests and hobbies
   – General comments on work and academic experiences
   – Motivation for becoming a Foreign Service Security Engineering Officer
4. The completed Supplementary Questionnaire.


5. A college/university transcript, bearing an original, official seal, is required for eligibility standing. A copy may be submitted pending issuance of the official documentation; however, an official copy is required prior the candidate’s scheduled examination process.

These documents must be submitted together, and addressed to:

U.S. Mail, Overnight or Federal Express deliveries:
U.S. Department of State
Application Evaluation Branch
Attn: Security Engineering Officer Programs
2401 E Street, NW, Room H518
Washington, D.C. 20522-2008

Applications received through the Department of State's inter-office mail system or mailed in Government-franked envelopes will not be accepted.

Executive Branch agencies are barred by 5 USC 3303 as amended from accepting or considering prohibited political recommendations and are required to return any prohibited political recommendations to sender. In addition, as mandated by 5 USC 3110, sons and daughters of federal employees cannot be granted preference in competing for these employment opportunities.

The Department of State is committed to equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment for all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, disabling condition, political affiliation, marital status, or prior statutory, constitutionally protected activity. The Department provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for any part of the application or hiring process should so advise the Department. All decisions for granting reasonable accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis.

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