U.S. Department of State

Diplomatic Security Engineering Officer

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
United States Department of State

An Equal Opportunity Employer
How to Apply

Announcement No: SEO-11-01
Opening Date: September 6, 2011
CLOSED: November 4, 2011

Position Title: FOREIGN SERVICE DIPLOMATIC SECURITY ENGINEERING OFFICER

Who May Apply

Potential applicants are urged to read this entire vacancy announcement to ensure they meet all the requirements for this position and they fully understand the special circumstances involving a career in the Foreign Service before applying.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 20 yrs old to apply and at least 21 yrs of age to be appointed. All candidates must be appointed to the Foreign Service prior to the month which they reach 60 yrs of age (pref. elig. veterans excepted).

Duration Appointment: Permanent

Summary

Starting Salary: FP-06, Step 14:  $56,383 per annum (This figure does not include the 16.52% Overseas Comparability adjustment for overseas assignments or locality pay for domestic assignments.)

Additional Benefits: Tax-Free Housing overseas; Tax-Free Education Allowance for eligible dependents, etc. (You may also find information about benefits for Foreign Service Specialists online at http://careers.state.gov/specialist/benefits.)

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.

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. During their careers, Security Engineering Officers must serve both overseas and domestically, for assignments of one to three years in duration.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Department of State is the lead foreign affairs agency formulating and implementing the President's foreign policies and representing the interests of the United States throughout the world. The Department carries out this mission at over 250 embassies and consulates around the world, offices in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area and other locations in the United States.

Foreign Service Security Engineering Officers (SEOs) are responsible for protection of Department of State personnel, facilities, and sensitive information from acts of crime, terrorism, and technical espionage.

Key Requirements

All applicants, in order to be considered for selection, must

• Be United States citizens.
• Be at least 20 years old to apply and at least 21 years of age to be appointed. By law (Foreign Service Act of 1980), all career candidates (except for preference-eligible veterans) must be appointed to the Foreign Service prior to the month in which they reach age 60.
• Be able to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
• Be able to obtain an appropriate medical clearance for Foreign Service work.
• Obtain a Suitability Clearance, based on a review of the candidate’s record for conduct which falls short of suitability standards defined in Chapter 3 of the Foreign Affairs Manual. For more details see http://careers.state.gov/specialist/selection-process or http://www.state.gov/m/a/dir/regs/fam.

Major Duties

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The duties of Security Engineering Officers vary according to the size of the post and the requirements of the specific diplomatic mission. At various times at posts around the world, or in domestic locations, the following are examples of the types of duties and responsibilities assigned to Security Engineering Officers. This list is neither exhaustive, nor in priority order.

• 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.
• 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 security 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.

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 as needed by the Foreign Service.

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.

A career in the Foreign Service involves uncommon commitments and frequent hardships, as well as unique rewards and opportunities. As a member of a diplomatic team, you will help accomplish the mission of the Department of State and also be a representative of your country to the people of other nations. A decision to enter this career must involve strong motivation and a firm dedication to public service.

Many overseas posts are in countries where harsh climates, health hazards, and other discomforts are prevalent and where American-style amenities frequently are unavailable. Personal security frequently becomes an area of concern, particularly in countries where there is political unrest or terrorist activity. For this reason, family members are not permitted to accompany the SEO on assignments to some of the overseas posts. 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.

The Foreign Service strives for diversity to show the best face of America abroad. Diversity is one of America's greatest strengths. In representing the United States to the world, the Foreign Service aims to reflect and respect our rich heritage and varied backgrounds in its workforce.

THE SECURITY ENGINEERING OFFFICER CAREER INITIAL ASSIGNMENTS

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 is grounds for 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 some 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 periods of temporary duty assignments.

Education

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT:

Applicants must hold at the time of appointment at least a Bachelor of Science degree (Master of Science or PhD also accepted) 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. Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, General Engineering, Industrial, Systems or Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering Technology, Wireless Engineering, Marine 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 (this pre-requisite cannot be extended) preceding their graduation, knowing that final acceptance will be predicated on receipt of the degree by the time of appointment. A candidate cannot be appointed prior to his or her 21st birthday.

Requirements

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 analyzers, 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 periods 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. In addition, candidates must have vision that is correctable to 20/20 in one eye and 20/40 in the other, no color blindness, adequate night vision, and good peripheral vision. In addition, candidates must be able to hear whispers at 15 feet with no loss of greater than 30 decibels at 500, 1000, or 2000, ops level.

Evaluations

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 sometimes take as long as a year or more), or the candidacy is terminated.

Current plans call for the entire selection process (qualifications evaluation and oral examination) to be conducted in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Travel to the assessment location is at the expense of the applicant.

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED

Candidates will be evaluated on their total background including experience, education, awards, training and self-development as it relates to the position. Part-time work experience will be prorated. Candidates will be initially evaluated through an online application screening. Those applications which rank at or above the determined cut score will be further evaluated to confirm that they meet the minimum qualification requirements. Candidates invited to the assessments will then be evaluated through written and oral assessments.

Those who have successfully gone through the selection process will be required to obtain the following:

• A Top Secret / SCI security clearance
• A valid class 1 medical clearance and supplementary medical requirement pertaining to hearing and vision requirements
• Pass a final suitability review

Once all clearances are received, candidate names are added to a rank order register. Candidates can improve their standing on the register by obtaining additional points for qualifying military service and / or proven language ability as determined by the Foreign Service Institute. More information on these two points, as well as the clearance process, is available on our website at http://careers.state.gov/specialist/selection-process. Selection for this position will be made only from among those candidates possessing the best qualifications.

Application materials become the property of the Department of State and will not be returned. Failure to adequately substantiate education and work experience by virtue of documentation and verification will result in termination of your application for the position of Security Engineering Officer.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must be U.S. citizens between the ages of 20 and 59.

Superior Oral and Written Communication Skills: In order to pass the Foreign Service's thorough and competitive assessment process, successful candidates must consistently meet a high standard for English, both written (overall structure as well as grammar, spelling and punctuation) and spoken (overall structure as well as delivery, clarity and succinctness). Those who fall short of this standard will have little chance of passing through the Foreign Service's highly competitive assessment process.

Professional-level speaking ability in a foreign language is welcome, but not a requirement for applying. However, the applicant must be willing to be trained by the Department of State in a foreign language to meet a job requirement or expectation. These will be important considerations in the competitive promotion 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 class 1 medical clearance for worldwide service.

Candidates must have vision that is correctable to 20/20 in one eye and 20/40 in the other, no color blindness, adequate night vision, and good peripheral vision. In addition, candidates must be able to hear whispers at 15 feet with no loss of greater than 30 decibels at 500, 1000, or 2000, ops level.

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 in order 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.

How to Apply

We are not currently accepting applications for this position. Please subscribe to receive email updates regarding this position.

To apply, applicants must first register on USAJOBS at www.usajobs.gov and create an online federal resume. Your online resume must be typed or you may cut and paste an existing resume into the space provided. Once you have completed the registration process, print this vacancy information document and then select the 'apply-online' button to the right.

Apply: Follow the 'apply online' instructions in the Gateway to State where you will answer self-assessment questions for the specific job to which you are applying. When completed, the information you provided at USAJOBS and the answers to the Gateway to State questions will become your application. Your registration, resume, and responses to questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this job. In addition, you must fax or upload some information to complete your application package.

Required Documents

Applicants will have the option to either electronically upload or fax their documents into the system.

The following numbered documents are required for a complete application package.

1. A completed, signed, and dated Minimum Qualifications Checklist (pdf).
2. A copy of college or university transcripts showing a Bachelor of Science degree (Master of Science or PhD also accepted) from an ABET accredited engineering program at U.S. colleges or universities.
   
   If faxing, please print the fax coversheets generated at the end of the on-line application process. Then fax the supporting documentation to the number listed on the fax coversheets prior to the closing date of the vacancy information.
   
   **IMPORTANT** Be sure to print both coversheets and fax your documents in separate transmissions.
   
   NOTE: The fax coversheets contains an important ID number; keep a copy for your files. Be certain to follow the instructions, otherwise you WILL lose consideration for this job.

All required documents must be received by the closing date of the Announcement. Incomplete application packages will not be considered.

What to Expect Next

Application packages that are complete by the closing date of the Announcement will be assessed to determine if initial qualifications were met. Candidates will be notified if they are to be further considered or if their application is not competitive.

Competitive Applicants: The limited number of applicants who are identified for further consideration will be notified of the next phase of the selection/assessment process. That process will entail appearance before a Board of Examiners panel to participate in an oral and written assessment. The board is composed of Security Engineering Officers and other employees of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security.

Submitted materials become the property of the Department of State and will not be returned. Benefits

INITIAL SALARY AND SALARY INCREASES

The beginning salary for a SEO is the FP-6, step 14. The maximum starting salary is limited to the FP-6, step 14.

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.

SEOs appointed at the FP-06 level will be administratively promoted to the FP-05 level following completion of 12 months in class with satisfactory performance, and to the FP-4 level after an additional 18 months of satisfactory performance.

COMPETITIVE PROMOTION AND WITHIN-GRADE INCREASES

Following the mandatory two assignments as an entry-level employee, the SEO bids on subsequent domestic or overseas assignments every one to three years. Specialists serve with the management team at their Foreign Service posts. They may have an opportunity to participate in non-technical Embassy work and in social and community activities as part of the embassy family. After the first two assignments, employees may request assignments in any embassy or consulate worldwide where SEO positions are available. Assignments are made in consultation with the employee's Career Development Officer, taking into consideration the needs of the Department, the particular interests/skills of the employee, career development requirements, family circumstances, and individual preferences.

All employees are evaluated, in writing, at least once a year. The employee is an active participant in this process. The evaluations form the basis for promotions, which are made by a panel of more senior employees. In addition to the formal training program, SEOs advance in their career by performing well and taking progressively more management responsibilities in their assignments. In general, Foreign Service employees with documented satisfactory performance are eligible to receive a within-grade increase annually up through step 10 and biannually from steps 10 through 14.

TENURE

All Foreign Service SEO career candidates are considered for tenure after they have acquired two years of experience in the Foreign Service as a career candidate and have been administratively promoted to the FP-04 level. A tenuring board recommends tenure based on demonstrated ability to perform satisfactorily along with the potential to perform at higher levels. If tenure is not granted during the first review, a second review will be made one year later. Failure to achieve tenure within the prescribed time frame of four years is grounds for separation.

Executive Branch agencies are barred by 5 US Code 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 US Code 3110, relatives of federal employees may not be granted preference in competing for these employment opportunities.

It is the policy of the Federal Government to treat all of its employees with dignity and respect and to provide a workplace that is free from discrimination whether that discrimination is based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity or pregnancy), national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, membership in an employee organization, age, sexual orientation, or other non-merit factors.

The Department provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation 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.