Director, Office of Safety, Security and Protection

This SES position uses a resume-only application process. You must demonstrate the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and one Technical Qualification (TQ) within a 2-page resume using 0.8-inch margins and 11-point font. No separate narrative statements are accepted.

• Resume-only application; do not submit separate ECQ/TQ narratives.
• Resume must not exceed 2 pages using 0.8-inch margins and 11-point font.
• Must show possession of ECQs: Commitment to the Rule of Law, Driving Efficiency, Merit and Competence, Leading People, Achieving Results.
• Must show possession of TQ: demonstrated experience leading law enforcement, security or protective operations programs, including directing responses to critical incidents and coordinating with stakeholders.
• Must show TQ: demonstrated experience leading enterprise risk management and security programs to protect personnel, facilities, information, and assets.
• Must meet qualifications for Special Deputation by U.S. Marshals Service: accredited basic law enforcement training, at least one year of law enforcement experience, and no conviction of domestic violence crime (Lautenberg Act).
• Candidates must be committed to improving federal government efficiency, passionate about American ideals, and committed to upholding the Constitution and rule of law.
• Current career SES members, former career SES members with reinstatement eligibility, and OPM-certified SESCDP graduates do not need to address ECQs.
• Education may be used to meet qualifications; foreign education must be evaluated by an accredited organization.
• Veterans preference does not apply to SES positions.

Coordinate and implement Department-wide efforts for USDA facility and personnel security, safety, and facility emergency management.

• Orchestrate communications and cross-agency collaboration for rapid, effective USDA response to security incidents affecting facilities, property, and personnel.
• Oversee, develop, and deliver training to the security, safety, protection, and emergency management workforce.
• Initiate and promote activities to supports security awareness across the Department.
• Develop and implement security risk management plans and countermeasures, evaluating security trends, evolving threats, and vulnerabilities.
• Oversee and direct facility emergency management and response.
• Reestablish and operate a 24/7 Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
• Coordinate with Federal Protective Service, DC fire and ambulance, and DC Police.
• Participate with the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and other principal officials in establishing broad policies and objectives for USDA security programs.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and statutory aspects of personal security and logistics support, including oversight of the USDA Medical Assessment Program and Physical Fitness Standards for Executive Protection Special Agents.

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.

• Initial appointment requires a 1-year probationary period.
• Background investigation required.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must register with Selective Service or be exempt.
• File a Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter.
• May be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance; failure may result in withdrawal of job offer or removal.
• Subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
• Must meet Lautenberg Act requirements: no conviction of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
• Must certify no conviction of domestic violence crime prior to assuming duties.

Complete federal benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement.

• Eligible for bonuses and performance-based awards.
• Telework eligible as determined by agency policy.
• Access to federal employee benefits such as flexible spending accounts, long-term care insurance, and transit subsidies.

This position is designated as SES, Career-Reserved, Level 3.

• Salary range is $216,011
• $228,000 per year; exceptions to the salary cap may be considered.
• Telework is eligible as determined by agency policy; this is not a remote position.
• The agency provides reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis.
• Remove all PII (e.g., SSN, DOB) from documents before submission.
• Spell out acronyms the first time used in your resume.
• Do not submit documents not requested in the vacancy announcement.
• For questions, contact Jocelyn Napier at [email protected].
• Application status can be checked in your the official application portal account.

The Office of Safety, Security and Protection (OSSP) is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Departmental Administration. OSSP is responsible for coordinating and implementing Department-wide security, safety, and emergency management programs to protect USDA personnel, facilities, and assets. This Director role is central to ensuring a secure environment for USDA's mission, working across agencies and with external partners. Applicants should understand the federal security landscape and be prepared for a high-stakes, policy-shaping leadership position within a major federal department.