Diplomatic Security: Foreign Service Security Technical Specialist (FS 2560)

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). Learn more about Foreign Service careers at https://careers.state.gov. There is more to joining the Foreign Service than just salary. Refer to Foreign Service Specialist Benefits for more information on total compensation.

Security Technical Specialists (STS) provide support for and assist in worldwide technical security programs to maintain and provide protection for U.S. Department of State personnel and facilities from technical espionage, acts of terrorism, and crime. The duties of an 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 such as 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 U.S. government 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.

Physical Requirements: A physical examination of each candidate 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. 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.