How to Apply for Homeland Security Positions

A Critical Mission for Our Nation and You.

Homeland Security is united by its dedication to America’s goal of security, by its mission of protection, and by its highly talented and committed workforce. Here is how to find your opportunity to contribute your talents to our historic new agency.

1. Find the Job that is Right for You  Visit the USAJobs electronic portal to government-wide employment opportunities where you can search for current Homeland Security employment opportunities by job category, location, salary, and more.
   
   
2. Review the Job Announcement  Homeland Security job announcements will provide you important information about job qualifications, duties, salary, duty location, benefits, and security requirements. Here you will be able to determine if your interests, education, and professional background make you a good candidate for the job.
   
   All Homeland Security jobs require U.S. citizenship and most require successful completion of a full background investigation. In addition, applicants may be required to submit to a drug test.
   
   
3. Apply for the Job  Carefully follow instructions on “how to apply” for the job. Instructions will guide you through the application process, providing you detailed information on the questions, forms, and format that must be addressed and used to capture your qualifications for the job. Be sure to submit all required documents and pay close attention to the application due date and application procedures, which will vary depending on the job and the department component.
   
   Persons with Disabilities who hold a certification eligibility letter from a State Vocational Rehabilitation Office or the Department of Veterans Affairs may apply for Homeland Security employment opportunities through one of several special hiring authorities.  Applicants with certification eligibility letters may apply directly to a Homeland Security Selective Placement Coordinator to be considered for a job.
   
   If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and/or questionnaire process, immediately notify the point of contact identified in the job announcement.
   
   For more information on hiring authorities, please visit the Office of Personnel Management's Federal Employment of People with Disabilities site or contact a Homeland Security Selective Placement Coordinator.
   
   
4. Interview for the Job The names of best-qualified candidates will be forwarded to the supervisor or hiring official. If you are one of the best-qualified candidates, the supervisor or hiring official may interview you in person or by telephone, or in rare cases may hire you based solely on your application materials. Selection procedures are subject to Federal Civil Service laws, which ensure that all applicants receive fair and equal treatment in the hiring process.

The Department of Homeland Security is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This page was last modified on January 7, 2008