The posting
Job Description
Domestic Physical Security Specialist I
Rosslyn, VA, United States (On-site)
Job Title: Domestic Physical Security Specialist I
Location: Rosslyn, VA
Supervisory: No supervisory/management authority
Prepared Date: 10/29/2026
This position requires an active Secret clearance.
Position Summary:
The Facilities Security Division directs, manages, and evaluates physical security upgrades to Department of State (DoS) facilities throughout the Unites States. The Facility Security Division (FSD) focuses on physical security upgrades to Department domestic facilities designated Facility Security Levels I through V utilizing the services of five Physical Security Specialists. The purpose of these positions it to serve as a Project Officer with the Facility Security Division, responsible for providing physical security planning, oversight, and coordination of upgrades, renovations, and modifications to existing domestic Department of State Facility Security Levels I-V. These positions are in the Facilities Security Division, Office of Physical Security Programs, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, U.S. Department of State.
Compensation & Benefits:
Starting Salary Range for Domestic Physical Security Specialist I: $99,000-$109,000
Benefits That Set Us Apart
When considering your next opportunity, compensation is only part of the picture. We offer a benefits package designed to invest in your future and support your life outside of work.
Highlights include:
• Up to a 6% 401(k) company match to help you build long-term financial security
• Paid time off as part of our comprehensive benefits package, so you have the flexibility to rest, recharge, and enjoy what matters most
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus prescription drug coverage
• Basic life and AD&D insurance, with supplemental life options
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Professional development, training, and certification support
• Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, and identity theft protection
Because taking care of our employees isn’t just a promise, it’s part of who we are.
Benefits are subject to change and eligibility requirements apply.
Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities:
Includes the following:
• Monitor physical security upgrades to Department of State facilities, Levels I-V throughout the U.S.
• Recommend physical security requirements for project upgrades.
• Review the current status of countermeasures in domestic Department of State facilities to ensure they are compliant with current physical security standards and recommend additional security measures as necessary.
• Provide the design of physical security features for facility upgrades.
• Identify Uniform Protection Officer requirements and coordination with the uniformed guard contract COR.
• Work closely with GSA, Bureau of Administration, and private architectural and engineering contracting firms in planning and designing the physical security aspects of domestic facility upgrade projects.
• Establish plans and set priorities for physical security projects to ensure deadlines are met.
• Develop the scope of work considering fiscal, installation workforce, Department priorities, risks, vulnerabilities, and political climate.
• Report on the quality of projects to include final site inspections.
• Recommending corrective measures for deficiencies in quality of services provided.
• Establish and maintain liaison with GSA and contractors to ensure security installations are completed according to requirements.
• Initiate and track transfer of funds from Department organizations to ensure completion of physical security projects.
• Coordinate project funding with client DoS bureaus/offices.
• Coordinate the approval of all requests for waivers of Department domestic physical security standards.
• Recommend security guidance for inclusion in contracts for security systems installations and other work to be performed at Department domestic facilities.
• Provide training, guidance, and assistance to less-experienced staff members as needed.
• May be required to work weekends and holidays.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
No supervisory/management authority
Basic Qualifications:
Security & Risk Management:
• Minimum of eight years of experience related to security disciplines and a Bachelor of Arts/Science degree or six years of directly related experience as an equivalent.
• Mastery of principles, theories, and concepts of physical security and construction security in order to provide authoritative advice and guidance planning, management, and coordination of physical security projects for Department of State domestic facilities.
• Knowledge of requirements and documentation to certify security measures for construction security of security upgrades and renovations.
• Exercise maturity, tact, diplomacy, and professionalism in relaying security requirements and resolving security matters with officials.
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement:
• Establish and maintain liaison at all levels of throughout the Department of State and other federal agencies to promote sharing information and coordination of interagency activities and operations.
• Prepare and present briefings and reports.
Additional Responsibilities:
• Must be proficient in the use of current Microsoft applications (MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel), and current SharePoint application
• Expert knowledge of physical security standards and policies for physical security systems.
• Plan, manage, prioritize, schedule, and monitor the quality control of physical security projects.
• Effectively plan, organize and prioritize assigned responsibilities in challenging operation climates.
• Effective oral and writing skills in proving advice, guidance, conveying complex
• information clearly and concisely.
• Periods of U.S. travel is required.
• This position requires an active Secret clearance.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; may occasionally require standing or moving about the office for extended periods.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.
Work Environment:
Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled environment.
Company Information:
Behind every government mission stands skilled, mission-driven talent: people whose expertise and dedication turn complex challenges into successful outcomes. Cherokee Nation Strategic Programs, part of Cherokee Federal, the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, is that team. We modernize aging systems, deliver care where it’s needed most, and keep missions supplied, staffed, and moving across defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies. For more than 60 federal clients, we take on the work others won’t, and deliver where it counts. If that’s the kind of work you’re looking for, you’ve found your team. Learn more at cherokee-federal.com.
#CherokeeFederal #LI-SM2
Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.
Legal Disclaimer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.
In accordance with Virginia’s pay transparency requirements, the estimated annual salary range for this position is $99,000-$109,000. Actual compensation is based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement
Cherokee Federal is a federal contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). As required by VEVRAA, we take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans. Protected veterans are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.
Cherokee Federal takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.
Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities or those with sincerely held religious beliefs. To request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].
