National Security Agency's Police Officers provide armed and uniformed security, force protection, and law enforcement functions in support of NSA's mission, assets, personnel, and facilities headquartered in and around Fort Meade. The NSA Police Force is an integral part of the NSA Security and Counterintelligence organization, which provides NSA worldwide counterintelligence, personnel, and facilities security support. Primary Responsibilities: - Counterterrorism & Force Protection - Pedestrian and vehicular access control - Response and mitigation of security, medical, and fire emergencies - Critical incident management - Enforcement of laws and regulations relative to the protection of NSA assets - Vehicle, facility, and material security inspections - Firearms training and range management - Patrol of NSA property
Job Summary
The National Security Agency (NSA) has a current and ongoing requirement for personnel to serve as Full-time officers with the NSA Police. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply for these exciting and highly dynamic positions offering unlimited career growth, exceptional training, and the opportunity to serve your country as an employee of one of the most unique and respected Agencies in the Federal government.
Qualifications
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. For experienced levels, a degree in any field is acceptable. Military training must be at least 18 semester hours of training in security disciplines (for example, force protection, anti-terrorism, physical security, crime prevention). Relevant experience must include one or more of the following: law enforcement, or experience in any discipline within security (personnel or physical) or counterintelligence. Must be at least 21 years of age and possess a valid U.S. driver's license. If not counted toward education, military experience may count for up to two years of relevant experience. ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL Entry is with a high school diploma or GED and no experience. Must be at least 21 years of age and possess a valid U.S. driver's license. FULL PERFORMANCE Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 4 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, or military training plus 2 years of relevant experience. SENIOR Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 6 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or military training plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience.
Competencies
- Enforce federal and state laws and applicable regulations - Respond to and investigate incidents - Validate badges to determine if individuals are authorized access to controlled areas - Operate and maintain proficiency with weapons - Patrol agency compounds, facilities, and perimeters to detect and deter potential unlawful acts, security breaches, or dangerous situations - Secure dangerous areas - Subdue suspects while conducting investigative detentions and/or arrests - Stand, walk, or kneel for long periods - Perform tasks that involve repetitive motions of the fingers, hands, arms, feet, legs, or other body parts - Perform physical activities outdoors under all weather conditions - Perform physically strenuous activities when responding to emergencies - Maintain endurance and agility in accordance with current regulations in order to perform specific job requirements - Drive vehicles, such as cars, vans, or trucks to transport cargo or passengers - Operate a motor vehicle under high speeds or high risk conditions - Follow safety and security procedures and practices when operating machinery, vehicles, or equipment Only the highest caliber individuals qualify for these selected positions. At a minimum, applicants must meet the following qualifications: - Applicant must be a U.S. citizen. - Unquestionable loyalty to the United States and sound moral character as established by a comprehensive Federal Special Background Investigation (to include a polygraph). - Issues that could disqualify an applicant from consideration include, but are not limited to, whether the applicant has engaged in serious criminal activity, recent illegal drug use, a history of adverse employment actions to include absenteeism and termination, or significant credit problems such as recent bankruptcies. - This position requires the carrying of an Agency-issued firearm. The Gun Control Act of 1968, as amended, and applicable implementing regulations prohibit the NSA from issuing a firearm or ammunition to anyone who has a record of having been convicted of a crime involving domestic violence. Applicants who have been convicted of such a crime are not eligible to be considered for this position. - At least 21 years of age. - Excellent physical condition. - Must meet DoD vision standards for law enforcement occupations. - Must meet DoD hearing standards for law enforcement occupations. - Must be willing to work outdoors, shift-work, weekends, holidays, and overtime, under strenuous and potentially dangerous conditions. - Possess a valid state driver's license. - Entry is with a high school diploma or GED and no experience. - Experience working with basic office resources (e.g., e-mail, web browsers, word processors, and presentation graphics), working in security, law enforcement, and/or military service is desired. Must be at least 21 years of age and possess a valid U.S. driver's license. DoD Post Certification, CPR, and AED is preferred. APPLICATION INFORMATION Applicants selected for further processing will be scheduled for the National Police Officer Selection Test (POST), NSA Police Physical Ability Test (PAT) and an Operational Interview. The PAT is included as part of the applicant process as it is a required element of the training. The PAT consists of: - 19 Push-Ups within 2 minutes - 1.5 mile run within 17 minutes and 30 seconds Applicants who successfully complete the initial testing may be extended a conditional offer of employment contingent upon successful completion of security and medical screenings, as follows: - Medical/psychological screening by NSA medical staff - Full field background investigation and polygraph testing Applicants selected for the position will have to successfully complete: - A Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation (FLETA) accredited basic academy program This training provides a rigorous, physically and academically challenging battery of courses/instruction in law enforcement skills/techniques, which includes classroom instruction with written examinations, graded practical exercises, firearms instruction, and a PAT. This training may be waived for candidates who have previously successfully completed a FLETA, CALEA or State P.O.S.T. accredited basic academy program, and can produce the course curriculum, transcript, and official certificate of completion.
Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule
Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position. Salary Range: $60,747 - $133,142 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance, Senior) Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position. Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience. Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package. Work Schedule: Applicants should be aware this position supports 24/7 Operations; resulting in shift work, weekend duty, overtime, holiday pay, and night differential. Additional Items provided to Officers: 1) Uniforms, equipment, and laundering at no cost 2) Performance based rank and salary promotions 3) Opportunities to apply for Specialized Units: - Emergency Response Team - Asymmetric Threat Response Unit - Drug Recognition Expert - Crisis Intervention Team - Policy and Compliance - Technical Services Unit - Weapons of Mass Destruction - K-9 Unit - Dispatch - Mountain Bike Patrol - Training Unit Instructions - Executive Protection Unit DCIPS Trial Period: If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.
How to apply
Apply soonest, as job postings can close earlier than stated end dates due to changes in requirements. It is important to review and note the minimum qualifications, as only those applicants who meet the required qualifications will be contacted to continue the employment process. Please populate the resume tool to showcase any relevant work experience and education related to the position and answer any applicable screening questions. Information collected will be used to determine eligibility, and failure to provide accurate information may result in disqualification for this position. A confirmation email will be sent after submission of the first application and also after any future updates to submitted applications. **Due to time sensitive communications regarding applications, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. For job vacancies that include stated testing requirements, also include the following: @uwe.nsa.gov, @nsa.gov, and @pearson.com** U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. NSA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process.
The following four narrative questions provide an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. (Please attach in application) 1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience. 2. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes. 3. How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired. 4. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.
DCIPS Disclaimer
**VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS** Thank you for your service! The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions at NSA are in the Excepted Service under Title 10, United States Codes (U.S.C.), Section 1601 appointment authority. Veterans' Preference In accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, "DoD Civilian Personnel Management System: Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System Employment and Placement," NSA applies veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5, U.S.C., to eligible candidates. If you are claiming veterans' preference, you are required to provide acceptable documentation of your preference eligibility upon application. Acceptable documentation includes: - DD-214: "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions (Copy 4); OR - Certification of Service: A written document on letterhead from the appropriate branch of the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The certification should include the military service dates, including the expected discharge or release date; AND - Standard Form 15 (SF-15) Application for 10-point Veteran Preference (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf). If you are claiming a service-connected disability of 30 percent or more, the documentation you provide must specifically demonstrate this level of disability; AND - VA Letter of Disability (for 10pt and Sole Survivorship rating) You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center, or online (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/). **Failure to provide sufficient documentation of veterans' preference eligibility may preclude NSA from identifying you as a preference eligible candidate during the hiring selection process.
