Career Opportunity: Personnel Security Specialist at the Securities and Exchange Commission

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Personnel Security Specialist - Suitability and National Security Adjudications to join its Office of Support Operations (OSO), Office of Security and Building Operations (OSBO) in Washington, District of Columbia.

Operating at the SK-13 level (equivalent to a senior GS-13 position), this position offers a competitive compensation range of $133,347 to $225,914 annually. As a vital member of the agency’s internal defense structure, you will evaluate background investigations, determine suitability and national security clearances for personnel, and ensure full compliance with federal security mandates.

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About the Agency: Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

The Securities and Exchange Commission is an independent federal regulatory agency tasked with protecting investors, maintaining fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitating capital formation. Within the SEC, the Office of Support Operations (OSO) and the Office of Security and Building Operations (OSBO) maintain physical, technical, and personnel security across headquarters and regional offices nationwide.

OSBO establishes agency-wide security guidelines, conducts risk assessments, manages physical infrastructure security, and oversees background investigations for federal staff, contractors, and interns. Joining the SEC gives security professionals access to a unique pay system, enhanced benefits packages, and high-impact work that directly defends the infrastructure supporting U.S. financial markets.

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Key Job Responsibilities

As a Personnel Security Specialist handling suitability and national security adjudications, you will serve as a subject matter expert in risk analysis and clearance management. Key duties include:

• Adjudicating Security Eligibility: Reviewing complex background investigation reports to render suitability and national security clearance decisions for sensitive and non-sensitive agency positions.
• Managing Clearance Requests: Processing security clearance applications, conducting applicant interviews, and applying organizational rules regarding required investigative coverage.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Overseeing pre-employment background checks for SEC employment candidates, government contractors, paid interns, and volunteer personnel.
• Policy Implementation: Drafting, analyzing, and applying personnel security procedures to guarantee compliance with Federal statutes, Executive Orders, and national security directives.
• Inter-Agency Collaboration: Representing the OSBO in internal strategy sessions, professional security conferences, and inter-agency coordination meetings across the federal government.

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Mandatory Requirements & Qualification Criteria

To be considered for this competitive federal role, candidates must meet clear time-in-grade and technical qualifications by the announcement closing date:

1. Time-in-Grade: At least one year of specialized federal experience equivalent to the GS/SK-12 pay level.
2. Specialized Experience: Candidates must possess direct experience across four key technical areas:
   • Adjudicating investigative reports for both suitability and national security eligibility.
   • Utilizing central federal personnel security databases, specifically e-QIP, CVS, and PIPS.
   • Developing, evaluating, and implementing policy and standards for personnel security programs.
   • Identifying and resolving complex, non-standard personnel security issues.
3. Security Clearance & Screening: Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance, pass pre-employment drug screening, and clear background checks for a Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High-Risk designation.
4. Strict Resume Page Limit: Resumes must not exceed two (2) pages. Any resume exceeding two pages will be rejected automatically without review.

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Salary Overview & SEC Compensation Structure

The SEC operates on an independent pay system designated by the SK grade structure. This system provides broader pay bands and higher ceiling limits than the standard Federal General Schedule (GS) structure.

Pay Structure Comparison

Feature	Standard Federal GS System (GS-13)	SEC Pay System (SK-13 Level)
Salary Ceiling	Capped at standard GS limits	Extended range up to $225,914/yr
Pay Adjustments	Fixed step increases (Steps 1–10)	Performance-based pay progression
Locality Integration	Added to base pay standard rates	Integrated into overall SK pay bands
Benefits Package	Standard OPM Federal Benefits	Standard Federal + Enhanced SEC Benefits

Note: Final salary determinations for external selectees are made using comprehensive resume evaluations post-tentative offer.

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Comprehensive Federal & SEC Benefits

In addition to competitive basic pay, SEC employees receive an industry-leading benefits package that combines Federal Civil Service perks with SEC-exclusive enhancements:

• Healthcare & Wellness: Choice of top-tier health plans through FEHB, plus vision and dental coverage.
• Retirement Planning: Dual-benefit retirement via the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching.
• Paid Leave: 13 to 26 days of annual leave based on tenure, 13 paid sick days yearly, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Transit Incentives: Subsidized public transportation subsidies for Washington, D.C. commuters.
• Work-Life Support: Comprehensive employee assistance programs and professional development programs.

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Accomplishment Record Narrative Requirements

If your initial application clears HR screening, you will be contacted to submit an Accomplishment Record covering four essential competencies. You will have exactly 3 business days from notification to submit this document.

Each narrative must be under 300 words and detail a specific example following this structure:

1. Competency Title
2. Position Title and Dates from your resume where experience occurred
3. Situation: The problem, challenge, or background
4. Action: Specific steps you personally executed
5. Outcome: Results, measurable impact, or long-term efficiency achieved
6. Verifier: Name and contact email of a reference who can confirm the achievement

Evaluated Competencies:

• Critical Thinking: Sound decision-making when analyzing complex background information.
• Security Practices: Direct application of security directives, classified material protection, and incident reporting rules.
• Technical Utilization: Efficient navigation of personnel security software systems (e.g., e-QIP, CVS, PIPS).
• Technical Communication: Translating intricate security regulations into clear guidance for non-technical leadership and staff.

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How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Create/Log into USAJOBS: Access your account and verify profile details.
2. Build a Targeted Resume: Tailor your resume to prove one year of SK-12/GS-12 level experience. Ensure it is no longer than two pages.
3. Complete Assessment Questionnaire: Answer all occupational questions accurately.
4. Upload Documentation: Submit required supporting records (e.g., SF-50 for current/former federal employees, DD-214 for veterans, ICTAP/CTAP notices).
5. Submit Application: Finalize submission before October 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.
6. Prepare Narrative Responses: Pre-write your Accomplishment Record narrative responses so you are ready for the 3-day turnaround window.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the closing date for this vacancy?

Applications must be fully submitted through USAJOBS by October 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

Why is there a strict two-page limit on resumes?

The SEC Office of Human Resources enforces a strict two-page cap to standardize review processes. Resumes longer than two pages are automatically disqualified.

Can I submit my Accomplishment Record during my initial application?

No. Accomplishment Records are requested only from candidates who pass the initial eligibility screening. Once requested, candidates have 3 business days to reply.

Is this position eligible for telework or remote work?

According to the official position details, this role is based on-site in Washington, D.C., and does not currently offer remote or telework options.

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If you are a seasoned personnel security professional seeking high-visibility work in federal service, the Personnel Security Specialist (SK-13) position at the SEC offers top-tier compensation, robust benefits, and a vital mission. Review your resume, keep it under two pages, and get your application submitted before the October 12, 2026 deadline.