Investigator - Entry to Mid Level (Maryland)

Responsibilities:
Security and Counterintelligence (S&CI) is responsible for the protection of NSA/CSS's information, people and facilities worldwide. The Office of Counterintelligence within S&CI protects against external and internal threats and creates a culture of security. Investigators within Security and Counterintelligence are required to successfully complete the NSA Special Agent's Course.

After successfully completing training, the responsibilities of an Investigator include:

- Applying techniques of interviewing, elicitation, and analysis in a systematic manner
- Completing detailed, concise, and accurate reports that encapsulate the information developed during the course of an investigation
- Conducting counterintelligence investigations to resolve problems, discuss foreign connections, clarify suspicious activities, and ensure compliance with security regulations
- Creating a product based on analysis of counterintelligence data
- Maintaining liaison with local, state, and federal law enforcement and investigative agencies for the purpose of coordinating matters of mutual interest

Note: The agency is currently hiring Investigators to specialize in:

- Counterintelligence Assessments

All Investigators are required to:

- Successfully complete all phases of the NSA Special Agent's Course
- Maintain working knowledge of applicable Policies and Regulations
- Perform physical and potentially strenuous activities to include standing and walking
- Have a valid driver's license

Skills:
The ideal candidate has a desire for continual learning with excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills, who is:

- Able to work autonomously, and in a team and/or classroom environment
- Well-organized and able to handle multiple assignments
- Able to handle and adapt to constructive feedback
- A strong written and oral communicator
- Able to deal with conflict or difficult situations and topics
- Mature and professional in their demeanor and appearance

A degree in the following fields is preferred, but a degree in any field is acceptable: Analysis, Behavioral Science, Communications, Criminology, International Studies, Finance, Law Enforcement, Political Science, and Psychology


The following knowledge and experience are preferred:

- Ability to gather data through interviews
- Investigation, inspection, or auditing experience
- Awareness of foreign threats to/adversaries of the U.S.
- Writing detailed, concise, and accurate reports of information
- Conducting analysis (ex: financial, research, threat, intelligence)
- Information security/assurance

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule:
Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position.

Salary Range: $57,736 - $133,142 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance)
Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.

Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience.

Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with a basic 8-hour/day work requirement.

DCIPS Trial Period:

If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.



How To Apply - External:
Apply soonest, as job postings can close earlier than stated end dates due to changes in requirements. It is important to review and note the minimum qualifications, as only those applicants who meet the required qualifications will be contacted to continue the employment process. Please populate the resume tool to showcase any relevant work experience and education related to the position and answer any applicable screening questions. Information collected will be used to determine eligibility, and failure to provide accurate information may result in disqualification for this position.

A confirmation email will be sent after submission of the first application and also after any future updates to submitted applications. **Due to time sensitive communications regarding applications, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. For job vacancies that include stated testing requirements, also include the following: @uwe.nsa.gov, @nsa.gov, and @pearson.com**

U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. NSA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process.


The following four narrative questions provide an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or super intelligence (SI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. (Please attach in application)

1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.

2. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes.

3. In this role, you will be expected to professionally and efficiently implement executive direction. Provide an example where you implemented leadership direction on a strategy or policy decision that differed from your own recommendation.

4. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.

DCIPS Disclaimer:
**VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS**

Thank you for your service! The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions at NSA are in the Excepted Service under Title 10, United States Codes (U.S.C.), Section 1601 appointment authority.

Veterans' Preference
In accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, \