Become a Personnel Security Specialist at the U.S. Department of Labor

Are you a detail-oriented professional with a passion for national security and personnel integrity? The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is currently seeking a motivated Personnel Security Specialist to join the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management (OASAM). This is a vital role designed to uphold the security standards that allow the DOL to serve the American workforce effectively.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will be at the front lines of the DOL’s security operations. Your primary responsibilities include:

Review and Analysis: Evaluating personnel security investigations and background reports to identify potential security risks.
Suitability Adjudication: Formulating recommendations regarding suitability, fitness, and access to classified information.
Continuous Vetting: Overseeing ongoing vetting activities to identify security-relevant alerts and ensuring timely disposition of these cases.
Technical Guidance: Serving as a subject matter expert for HR officials, hiring managers, and employees on complex security policies.
Credentialing: Utilizing systems like USAccess for HSPD-12 activities, including fingerprinting and badge issuance.

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-11 position, you must meet specific federal requirements:

Experience/Education: You must possess at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level, OR a combination of graduate-level education (such as a Ph.D. or 3 years of study) and experience.
Assessments: All candidates must complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and score above the required threshold.
Security Screening: You must be eligible for a Special-Sensitive/High Risk clearance and submit to a pre-employment drug screening.
Documentation: All required documents, including SF-50s and transcripts, must be submitted by the closing date.

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is set between $85,447 and $111,087 per year. Compensation is structured according to the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, which rewards progression and tenure within the federal government.

Pay Component	Details
Salary Range	$85,447 - $111,087
Pay Interval	Annual
Pay Plan	GS-11
Location	Washington, D.C.

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Health and Wellness: Access to premier health insurance plans and life insurance options.
Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
Work-Life Balance: Generous paid leave accrual (vacation and sick time) plus 11 paid federal holidays.
Flexibility: Opportunities for telework depending on agency needs and management approval.

Application Tips

Respect the Limits: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages. The system will reject longer submissions.
Detail Your Work: Use your resume to map your experience to the specific KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) listed in the announcement.
Stay Proactive: Check your email frequently after applying for the USA Hire assessment link, which has a 48-hour completion requirement.
Update Regularly: Use the 'Track this application' feature in USAJOBS to monitor the status of your packet and ensure all attachments have cleared the virus scan.

This Personnel Security Specialist role is more than just a job; it is a position of trust that helps protect the integrity of the federal workforce. If you have the required analytical skills and a commitment to public service, submit your application through USAJOBS today to help shape the future of the Department of Labor.

Why This Personnel Security Specialist Job Matters

Protect the nation's workforce infrastructure as a Personnel Security Specialist with the Department of Labor.

Personnel Security Specialist Job Overview

Join the Department of Labor (DOL) in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management. As a Personnel Security Specialist, you will play a critical role in maintaining the security integrity of the agency by managing background investigations, continuous vetting, and credentialing operations. This position offers a dynamic work environment where your attention to detail ensures the safety and reliability of our workforce and classified systems.

Requirements for Personnel Security Specialist

U.S. Citizenship.
Must undergo and pass a rigorous background investigation for access to classified information and DOL systems.
Must submit to pre-employment drug screening.
Completion of a one-year probationary period.
Possession of specialized experience at the GS-09 level or equivalent.
Meeting educational requirements: Ph.D. or 3 full years of graduate-level education, or equivalent combination of experience and education.
Must pass the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.

Preferred Qualifications for Personnel Security Specialist

Proven track record in interpreting personnel security regulations and policies.
Experience in analyzing complex background investigation reports and identifying derogatory information.
Expertise in continuous vetting activities, including monitoring alerts and reporting requirements.
Technical proficiency in credentialing systems like USAccess.
Strong communication skills for advising HR, hiring managers, and external stakeholders.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance.
✓Federal retirement pension plan (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent).
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave.
✓Federal holidays.
✓Telework eligibility based on management discretion and policy.
✓Opportunities for professional development and career growth.

💡 How to Apply Personnel Security Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Personnel Security Specialist Job

Register for a USAJOBS account and upload a resume (limited to two pages per current guidelines).
Initiate your application via USAJOBS and follow the prompts to the DOL Talent Acquisition System (TAS).
Complete the required vacancy-specific questions and upload all necessary documentation (transcripts, SF-50s, etc.).
Complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if notified via email following submission.
Verify the status of your application through the Application Status link in your account dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes month, year, and hours worked per week to verify time-in-grade.
Keep your resume strictly under two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
Save your application progress every 30 minutes to avoid system timeouts.
Review your responses against the competency requirements; ensure your resume clearly demonstrates these skills.
Prepare your supporting documents (SF-50, Transcripts, DD-214) well in advance of the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this is not a remote position. The selected candidate will be required to work on-site in Washington, D.C., though telework may be available based on agency policy.

What level of security clearance is required?

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance level due to the sensitive nature of the personnel security work.

What is the page limit for the resume?

Per the May 29, 2025, Presidential Memorandum on Merit Hiring, your resume must be limited to exactly two pages. Submissions exceeding this limit will be deemed ineligible.

What happens if I don't submit my SF-50?

*A: If you are a current or former federal employee, your SF-50 is required to verify your time-in-grade and eligibility. Missing this document may prevent you from being considered.*

Can I apply after the closing date?

*A: No, all applications and supporting documents must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date listed in the announcement.*

Job from Office Of The Assistant Secretary For Administration And Management

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management (OASAM) acts as the backbone of the Department of Labor. By providing critical infrastructure—from information technology and human resources to security and emergency management—OASAM ensures the agency can fulfill its noble mission: protecting the welfare of workers, improving working conditions, and expanding high-quality employment opportunities. As a team member, you will contribute directly to an environment of safety, fairness, and operational excellence.