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

Candidates must have at least two years of specialized experience, which demonstrates the ability to troubleshoot and repair electronic, electrical, and/or electro-mechanical systems and equipment, and is supported by work experience in this discipline. Examples of experience include, but are not limited to the following: Troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and installation of AC power distribution systems, motor-generators. Troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and installation of motors, motor controls, disconnects, relays. Troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and installation of low voltage DC electronic systems. Troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and installation of low voltage DC electro-mechanical systems. Use, repair, and/or calibration of electronic test equipment – meters, oscilloscopes. Bench repair of electronic, electrical, and electro-mechanical equipment to the component level. Troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and installation of mechanical and electro-mechanical locking systems – electronic strikes, locks. Troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and installation of pedestrian and vehicular access control systems – door controls, vehicle barriers /arrest. Troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and installation of security video systems and supporting network components. Troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and installation of metal detectors – handheld, walk through. Troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and installation of radio communications systems, voice and digital communications networks. Troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and installation of Intrusion Detection Systems – alarms, detectors, sensors. Troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and installation of Public Address Systems – emergency notification systems, intercoms. Troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and installation of IT workstations, network equipment, servers, and cabling (copper and fiber optics.) Knowledge, Skills, and Other Characteristics The Department has conducted extensive job analysis research to determine Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) and other attributes conducive to successful performance in this position. A candidate’s education level, work experience, and other qualifications will be considered as part of the hiring decision-making process based on these KSA criteria. 1. Knowledge of technology to include electronics technology, National Electrical Code (NEC), networking basics, information technology, installation practices, risk analysis techniques, basic cost analysis, basic statistical analysis, scientific method, and characteristics of materials. 2. Knowledge of security systems to include knowledge of technical security systems (TSS), current industry trends, quality assurance process, and knowledge of safety standards and practices. 3. Knowledge of the logistics process and practices. 4. Technical skills in reading and interpreting building plans, interpreting schematic diagrams and electrical drawings, performing technical surveys, and evaluating existing conditions, use of tools, various technical trades, use of fiber optics, fabricating use of computer software, and technical guidance. 5. General skills in project management, team leading, reporting, customer service, development and implementation of training programs, evaluating, rating and reviewing the performance of others, being adaptable and resilient, maintaining awareness of working environment, and self-development. 6. Superior oral and written communication skills: must consistently meet a high standard for English, both written (overall structure as well as grammar, spelling, and punctuation) and spoken (overall structure as well as delivery, clarity, and succinctness). 7. Color vision: ability to distinguish between all colors of the spectrum in order to read resistor color codes, identify colored wires, and distinguish between warning lights of different colors. 8. Other requirements: Cross-cultural awareness. Tolerance for international career: Accepting assignments based on the needs of the Foreign Service, experiencing frequent global travel, and, at times, live away from family and/or in difficult or isolated conditions. completing orientation and initial training in Washington, D.C., employees are assigned to two sequential tours, typically two-years each, directed by the Department. These entry-level assignments may be overseas or in the United States After the initial two tours, employees have greater choice as to the location, length, and substantive nature of assignments Essential Physical Requirements: Some of the essential functions of the Security Technical Specialist (STS) job have a physically demanding component. In the execution of the duties and tasks listed above, an STS may be required to: 1. See objects that are near, far, or at night. 2. Hear speech or other sounds including sufficient sensitivity to hear sounds of low volume, or in noisy environments. 3. Speak clearly enough so others will understand, including speaking to groups. 4. Lift, push, pull, carry, climb ladders, or balance. Move heavy objects, such as crates, building materials, motor generators that may be oversized and weigh in excess of 70 lbs. 5. Manipulate small objects with hands or fingers. Perform manual installation operations to include hammer drilling, core drilling, pulling wire, installing conduit, and terminating cable. 6. Perform movements repeatedly or continually including ability to stand for extended periods, bend and stretch to reach equipment for prolonged periods, and take frequent extended trips by plane or car. 7. Exhibit the mental endurance to concentrate for long periods, learn complex information and procedures, and think effectively after extensive travel and jetlag. 8. Tolerate extreme environmental conditions, i.e., heat, cold, noise and pollution. Travel and work in hostile environments such as war zones, areas of civil and political strife, and in regions of the world having extreme climates. 9. Climb stairs, ladders, and other inclines. Work from heights to include rooftops, ledges, bucket trucks, scaffolding, and extension ladders. 10. Crawl under, around or over objects. Work in confined areas such as crawlspaces, attics, utility pits, tunnels, maintenance holes, and other confined space.
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) positions. Learn more about a career in the Foreign Service and about the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. There is more to joining the Foreign Service than just salary. Refer to the section for more information on total compensation.