Personnel Security Specialist

Who We Are

ZemiTek, LLC is a Woman-Owned, SBA-certified 8(a) Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) based in the Washington, DC metro area. We have a strong record delivering innovative and high-quality solutions. Since 2007, ZemiTek has provided technical assistance, project management, information technology (IT), knowledge management, monitoring and evaluation, training and learning development, and institutional support services.

Position Description

Personnel Security Specialists ensure security requirements associated with the government are met. Coordinates with internal and external organizations for personnel security programs. Monitors security applications through review and analysis and prepares summary reports. Employs risk management practices in supporting security goals and objectives. All candidates must be a U.S. citizen and be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.   

All contractor staff who support this contract in the Personnel Security Specialist positions should have an understanding of the Federal Investigative Standards as found in EO 12968 and other applicable federal standards.

Location: Washington, DCWork Type: Full-time/Hybrid (This position is telework eligible.)Salary Range: $155,700.00 - $194,802.52 annually (starting salary determined based on candidate’s knowledge, skills, experience, and education)Clearance: Ability to obtain a Secret clearance; Active Secret clearance preferred. 

Accepting applications through August 28, 2025, or until the position has been filled.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a senior advisor in the area of personnel security.   
• Serves as a recognized senior technical expert in personnel security, recommends security policy, procedures systems, and programs.
• Provides recommended plans large and complex personnel security programs with national impact and manages approved plans.
• Processes Visitor Authorization Requests/Letters (VARs/VALs).
• Processes requests for clearance verifications.
• Processes security authorization requests.
• Assists customers with personnel security inquiries.
• In coordination with USAID counterparts, directs the formulation and execution of comprehensive plans covering agency-wide activities such as background investigations, administrative inquiries, and special investigations.
• Assists with the needs of background investigations, when applicable, for suitability of Federal employees and contractors, access to classified national security information and access to government facilities and information systems under Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12.
• Ensures policies and procedures are sufficient to ensure investigations meet all federal investigative standards and timelines.
• Following established guidance and regulations, recommends national security or agency information access requirements, criteria for determining the sensitivity of positions, and whether special investigative requirements apply.
• Conducts evaluations of reports of personnel security investigations to determine the suitability for employment.
• Develops policies and implements procedures for USAID and supported agencies concerning the scope and conduct of personnel security investigation in accordance with existing requirements and guidelines.
• In coordination with USAID counterparts, develops responses and effectively liaisons with other Federal agencies and departments developing responses to Freedom of Information and Privacy Act requests.
• Advises senior leadership when significant security and suitability issues develop during the course of investigations, and provides appropriate recommendations to resolve the issues.

Qualifications

• Master's degree and 10 years relevant experience. Professional experience in federal personnel security may substitute for education requirements
• All candidates must be a U.S. citizen and be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• Strong analytical skills for evaluating investigative data, identifying risks, and recommending solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to advise senior leadership on sensitive personnel security issues.

What We Believe

ZemiTek is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, ZemiTek will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [email protected].