The Federal Trade Commission is hiring a Personnel Security Specialist in Washington, DC. The permanent GS-9 position pays $70,623 to $91,815 per year, has promotion potential to GS-13 and is open through August 28, 2026.
The specialist works in the Human Capital Management Office’s Personnel Security Office. The job supports decisions about whether employees and applicants meet suitability, fitness and security requirements for sensitive and non-sensitive FTC positions.
Personnel Security Duties
The specialist reviews position-sensitivity designations and works with HR, managers and other staff to make sure the correct investigation level is assigned.
The role also provides security orientation for new personnel and conducts clearance briefings and debriefings when employees receive or leave access to classified information.
Background Investigation Review
The employee reviews investigation packages before they are sent to the investigative service provider and acts as a liaison on the status of background investigations.
Completed reports with minor or moderate issues are evaluated for completeness and for suitability, fitness or security-clearance eligibility.
Adjudicative Work
When additional information is needed, the specialist can prepare written interrogatories asking an individual to explain discrepancies or concerns. The role can also help prepare a Statement of Reasons when employment, a security clearance or another favorable decision cannot be supported.
This work requires careful analysis and clear written documentation because security decisions affect both the individual and the agency.
Program Coordination
The Personnel Security Office works with FTC Information Security and Physical Security programs. The specialist also establishes relationships with outside agencies to verify or pass clearances for personnel attending classified meetings.
Another duty is reviewing electronic-access actions under established policy and reporting findings to the Chief Information Security Officer.
GS-9 Qualification Routes
Applicants can qualify with a master’s or equivalent graduate degree, two years of progressively higher graduate education leading to that degree, or a related LL.B. or J.D.
The experience route requires one year equivalent to GS-7 involving personnel-security investigation requests, security program policies or procedures, security case or roster maintenance and evaluation of investigation reports. A qualifying combination can also be used.
Top Secret Requirement
This is a Critical-Sensitive/High Risk position requiring Top Secret clearance eligibility and a background suitability investigation. The job is telework eligible under FTC policy but is not remote.
Occasional travel may be required.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through USAJOBS. Required documents can include the resume, transcripts when qualifying through education and hiring-path documentation where applicable.