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Summary The U.S. Department of State is developing a rank-ordered list of eligible hires for a limited number of Foreign Service Security Technical Specialist (STS) vacancies based on the needs of the Department. Learn more about a career in the Foreign Service and about the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. Joining the Foreign Service is more than just salary. Refer to the Benefits section for more information on total compensation. This is a 2560 position equivalent to the 0856 Civil Service series. Responsibilities Security Technical Specialists (STS) provide support for and assist in worldwide technical security programs to maintain and provide protection for Department of State personnel and facilities from technical espionage, acts of terrorism, and crime. The duties of a Security Technical Specialist (STS) vary according to the size of the post and the requirements of the specific diplomatic mission. The following are examples of the types of duties and responsibilities assigned to an STS at posts around the world, or in domestic locations. This list is neither exhaustive, nor in priority order: Install, maintain, repair, and troubleshoot a multitude of technical security systems to include alarms, access control systems, locks, vehicle arrest systems, security video systems, explosive detection systems, X-ray machines, computer networking equipment, and forced entry ballistic resistant doors. Assist with and/or perform technical surveys, system specifications, and equipment installations. Conduct technical security design evaluations based on government regulations and standards. Prepare formal updates to architectural drawings according to government regulations and standards. Apply IT best practices to monitor and troubleshoot networking equipment, workstations, servers, and applications. Plan technical support trips, coordinate logistics, and travel to overseas embassies and consulates. Use sophisticated electronic test equipment: oscilloscopes, time domain reflectometers, etc. Manage equipment supply chain logistics– shipping, receiving, Bill-of-Materials (BOM) preparation using a Computerized Maintenance Management System. Oversee and supervise the X-ray and explosive detection programs, to include repairing and performing radiation checks. Maintain/repair electro-mechanical systems using electronic test equipment. Organize and maintain shops, storerooms, shop tools, equipment, parts, and supplies. Work with or supervise host country personnel (locally employed staff) when required. Test new-generation technical security equipment. Provide technical security support to high level USG officials and foreign dignitaries. Manage training programs for various technical security systems. Train security personnel at posts as required. Take coursework to maintain and upgrade technical skills. Write technical reports, including project proposals, equipment and/or system evaluations, maintenance and/or installation activity reports, technical field notices, trip reports, and other documentation as required. Assist in the project management of security contracts. Serve as Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and as Government Technical Monitor (GTM). Supervise regional security technicians as assigned. Mentor and supervise junior STS personnel and write employee evaluations when assigned. Learn department hiring and management best practices to apply them as a supervisor or when assisting in hiring processes. Requirements Conditions of Employment Be a U.S. citizen and available for worldwide service.* Be able to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance. Be able to obtain an appropriate Foreign Service Medical Clearance. Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.* Be at least 20 years old and at least 21 years old to be appointed. Be appointed prior to age 60 (preference eligible veterans excepted). Driver's License: A valid U.S. driver's license is required. A physical examination of each applicant offered a position is required to ensure that the candidate meets the essential physical and medical requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the job and can meet the required minimum medical qualification standards. 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 have good hearing with no loss of greater than 30 decibels at 500, 1000, or 2000 Hz level. The musculoskeletal system should have no deformities, diseases, or limiting conditions that would interfere with the performance of duties. The supplemental standards for the STS position can be found at https://careers.state.gov/downloads/ under Documents and Forms/Three Conditions of Diplomatic Security Employment/Security Technical Specialists/Supplemental Standards. Note: The medical examination is required only after a candidate has successfully passed the written and oral assessments. It is not part of the initial application package. Qualifications Applicants must have at least two years of specialized experience, which demonstrates the ability to troubleshoot and repair electronic, electrical, and/or electro-mechanical systems and equipment, and is supported by work experience in this discipline. Examples of experience include, but are not limited to the following: Troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and installation of AC power distribution systems, motor-generators. Troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and installation of motors, motor controls, disconnects, relays. Troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and installation of low voltage DC electronic systems. Troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and installation of low voltage DC electro-mechanical systems. Use, repair, and/or calibration of electronic test equipment – meters, oscilloscopes. Bench repair of electronic, electrical, and electro-mechanical equipment to the component level. Troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and installation of mechanical and electro-mechanical locking systems – electronic strikes, locks. Troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and installation of pedestrian and vehicular access control systems – door controls, vehicle barriers /arrest. Troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and installation of security video systems and supporting network components. Troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and installation of metal detectors – handheld, walk through. Troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and installation of radio communications systems, voice and digital communications networks. Troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and installation of Intrusion Detection Systems – alarms, detectors, sensors. Troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and installation of Public Address Systems – emergency notification systems, intercoms. Troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and installation of IT workstations, network equipment, servers, and cabling (copper and fiber optics.) Knowledge, Skills, and Other Characteristics 1. Knowledge of technology to include electronics technology, National Electrical Code (NEC), networking basics, information technology, installation practices, risk analysis techniques, basic cost analysis, basic statistical analysis, scientific method, and characteristics of materials. 2. Knowledge of security systems to include knowledge of technical security systems (TSS), current industry trends, quality assurance process, and knowledge of safety standards and practices. 3. Knowledge of the logistics process and practices. 4. Technical skills in reading and interpreting building plans, interpreting schematic diagrams and electrical drawings, performing technical surveys, and evaluating existing conditions, use of tools, various technical trades, use of fiber optics, fabricating use of computer software, and technical guidance. 5. General skills in project management, team leading, reporting, customer service, development and implementation of training programs, evaluating, rating and reviewing the performance of others, being adaptable and resilient, maintaining awareness of working environment, and self-development. 6. Superior oral and written communication skills: 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). 7. Color vision: ability to distinguish between all colors of the spectrum in order to read resistor color codes, identify colored wires, and distinguish between warning lights of different colors. 8. Other requirements: cross-cultural awareness, tolerance of travel and being on call, tolerance for working overseas, tolerance of varying work environments, world-wide availability, tolerance of living away from family, attention to detail, dependability, integrity, and willingness to perform other duties. Essential Physical Requirements: Some of the essential functions of the Security Technical Specialist (STS) job have a physically demanding component. In the execution of the duties and tasks listed above, an STS may be required to: 1. See objects that are near, far, or at night. 2. Hear speech or other sounds including sufficient sensitivity to hear sounds of low volume, or in noisy environments. 3. Speak clearly enough so others will understand, including speaking to groups. 4. Lift, push, pull, carry, climb ladders, or balance. Move heavy objects, such as crates, building materials, motor generators that may be oversized and weigh in excess of 70 lbs. 5. Manipulate small objects with hands or fingers. Perform manual installation operations to include hammer drilling, core drilling, pulling wire, installing conduit, and terminating cable. 6. Perform movements repeatedly or continually including ability to stand for extended periods, bend and stretch to reach equipment for prolonged periods, and take frequent extended trips by plane or car. 7. Exhibit the mental endurance to concentrate for long periods, learn complex information and procedures, and think effectively after extensive travel and jetlag. 8. Tolerate extreme environmental conditions, i.e., heat, cold, noise and pollution. Travel and work in hostile environments such as war zones, areas of civil and political strife, and in regions of the world having extreme climates. 9. Climb stairs, ladders, and other inclines. Work from heights to include rooftops, ledges, bucket trucks, scaffolding, and extension ladders. 10. Crawl under, around or over objects. Work in confined areas such as crawlspaces, attics, utility pits, tunnels, maintenance holes, and other confined space. Education Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants can substitute additional educational achievements for Specialized Experience. Please see Qualifications section for Specialized Experience requirements. Please note 12 semester hours or 18 quarter hours is equivalent to one year. For one year of Specialized Experience: One full academic year of education in any electronics or electro-mechanic specialty, or the equivalent amount of vocational, military, and/or formal job-related classroom training. For two years of Specialized Experience: Completion of all requirements for an Associates' degree in any electronics or electro-mechanic specialty, or the equivalent of two full academic years of vocational, military, and/or formal job-related classroom training. To substitute educational achievements for Specialized Experience, you must submit a copy of your university transcript(s) with your application. Official or unofficial transcripts can be submitted with your application. Your transcript must include your name, the school’s name, degree, and date awarded. A transcript missing any of these elements or any pages will not meet the minimum qualifications and your candidacy will not continue. Copies of diplomas may not be submitted in lieu of transcripts for education above high school level. Education from a program or institution within the United States must be accredited at the time of completion by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, Accreditation: Postsecondary Education Institutions | U.S. Department of Education. Education completed in foreign high schools, colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Only accredited organizations recognized as specializing in the interpretation of foreign education credentials that are members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE) are accepted. If documentation from an accredited organization is not provided, your candidacy will not continue. NACES: https://www.naces.org/index AICE: https://aice-eval.org/ For further information on the evaluation of foreign education, please refer to the Office of Personnel Management and the U.S. Department of Education. The U.S. Department of State neither endorses nor recommends any individual evaluation service. OPM: www.opm.gov U.S. Department of Education: http://www.ed.gov Additional Information EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION PROGRAM (E-Verify) – Verification of employment eligibility in the United States is required. U.S. law requires organizations to employ only individuals who may legally work in the United States – either U.S. citizens, or foreign citizens who have the necessary authorization. This agency utilizes E-Verify to compare information from the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) records to confirm employment eligibility. If the employee’s information does not match DHS and/or SSA records, the employee is given an opportunity to resolve the problem. If eligibility cannot be verified, employment will be terminated. *The Department of State Suitability Review Panel and standards are defined in Chapter 3 of the Foreign Affairs Manual. For more information please visit: https://fam.state.gov/. *For more information about Veteran’s Preference and how it is applied in the selection process, please visit: Are veterans given hiring preference? - Careers (state.gov) No applicant will be considered who has previously been separated from the Foreign Service under sections §607, §608, §610 or §611 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu of separation under these provisions. In addition, no applicant will be considered who has previously been separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section §306 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu thereof. A Foreign Service Specialist separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section 306 may not re-apply to be a Foreign Service Specialist in the same skill code but may apply for another skill code or to be a Foreign Service Generalist. 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 cannot be granted preference in competing for these employment opportunities. It is the policy of the Federal Government to treat all employees with dignity and respect and to provide a workplace that is free from discrimination whether 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 of State provides reasonable accommodation to qualified candidates with disabilities. Procedures vary by test type, and all candidates must request reasonable accommodations in advance. See What is the Assessment Center’s policy on reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or those who have medical conditions or other needs, such as the use of medical devices or access to a lactation room? - Careers (state.gov) for more information.