Operations Specialist

Summary


NIST's Research Security Office (RSO) is seeking an Operations Specialist. This position will be responsible for facilitating operational workflows, evaluating research security protocols, and facilitating interagency information sharing.


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Duties


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In this position, you will:

• Coordinate classified and unclassified research security briefings, prepare sensitive meeting materials, and track executive action items through completion.
• Evaluate RSO team projects, clearance reviews, and administrative intake processes to identify operational bottlenecks and implement workflow changes that accelerate review timelines and improve deliverable quality.
• Collaborate with RSO leadership to document office policies, establish compliance metrics, and maintain multi-year work plans that track long-range research security objectives.
• Manage requests, follow-up actions, and ongoing communications between the research security office and external partner agencies to resolve operational inquiries, reconcile conflicting information, and maintain complete records of interagency guidance

Requirements


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Conditions of employment

• U.S. citizenship
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Suitable for Federal employment
• Merit applicants must meet time-in-grade/band requirements, as applicable
• Designated and/or random drug testing required
• Bargaining Unit Position: No
• Obtain and maintain a Special Sensitive/SCI clearance

Qualifications


This position requires one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 (ZA-2 at NIST) level. Specialized experience is defined as: Coordinating and analyzing research security review workflows and managing interagency information exchanges to improve operational efficiency and risk identification.


Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.


The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook.


If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration


Education


Qualifications are based upon meeting specialized experience only. Education cannot be used to qualify for this position.


Additional information


This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent Learn more about the APMS here!

• We may share your application package with other selecting officials. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.
• Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions.
• You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY to be considered for this position.
• All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations.

• A probationary period may be required.
• This position requires the passing of a drug test.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Special Sensitive/SCI clearance.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: Reasonable Accommodation Overview - Agency Resource Center


NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work, NIST offers a variety of work-life flexibilities. For more information, please visit our Careers website.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.


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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.