Protection Agent (Executive Protection Agent)
Who may apply
Limited to the following applicant groups:
- Federal employees - Competitive service
- Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
- Land and base management
- Special authorities
- Veterans
- Individuals with disabilities
- Military spouses
- Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista
- Family of overseas employees
Washington, District of Columbia
Salary: $87,814 – $136,830
per year
(GS-11/12)
Salary context
Based on 89 annual-salary jobs in the same occupational series. This role pays below most similar positions.
Job Details
Position Overview
This position is located in the Office of Safety, Security and Protection, Executive Protective Operations Division. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as an Executive Protection Agent on the team responsible for providing executive-level personal protection to the Secretary, Deputy Secretary and other designees. This is an open-continuous announcement with an initial cut-off date of 07/31/2026 and then every 3 weeks thereafter. Please see the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section.Duties
- Participates in the full range of executive personal security protection policies, practices, and requirements attending to the daily functions and long-term planning of the office.
- Performs the duties of a Detail Leader of the Executive Protection Detail.
- Assists in investigations concerning threats to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Agriculture.
- Assists the Special Agent in Charge (SAIC) and Assistant Specialist Agent-in-Charge (ASAIC) in planning the full range of programs and functions of executive protection.
- Coordinates with appropriate offices/agencies to ensure that all telecommunications systems are in place to include constant secure telephone services and other electronic communication systems with the Department of Agriculture and the White House.
- Ensures full compliance with procedures, regulatory and statutory aspects of personal security and all logistics support is maintained.
- Coordinates the myriad details of security, logistics, and related administrative matters with senior USDA staff as assigned.
- Plans and carries out logistical support to the Secretary and her immediate staff in critical official matters as directed by the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, SAIC/ASAIC, which may be time sensitive.
Qualifications & Requirements
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the applicant cut-off including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.Time in grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.
Minimum Qualification Requirements: Applicants must meet the specialized experience requirements and selective placement factors shown below. If qualifying based on experience, your application or resume must clearly show that you possess the specialized experience requirements. Specialized experience is defined as experience that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled and has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
For the GS-11
Specialized Experience: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-9 level) which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience performing executive personal protection operations, including security, communications, transportation, and logistics requirements; and experience researching new or revised security and law enforcement rules, regulations, or legislation -OR- Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in criminology, criminal justice, or homeland security, or LL.M., if related. Graduate education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.
For the GS-12
Specialized Experience: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience coordinating executive personal protection operations, including security, communications, transportation, and logistics requirements; and experience planning protective coverage during all executive travel.
Selective Placement Factor: Successful completion of an accredited basic law enforcement training program (civilian or military). In order to qualify for this position you must meet this selective placement factor. A copy of your official law enforcement training certification (civilian or military) is required at the time of application. If you do not meet this requirement, you will be rated ineligible for this position.
Maximum Entry Age: Applicants for this position must be at least 21 years of age, AND have not reached their 37th birthday by the date of appointment to this position. These positions are covered by the special retirement provisions for Federal Law Enforcement Officers and have a mandatory retirement age of 57. Selectees for these positions who are over age 37 must have been or currently be covered by the special retirement provisions and be able to complete at least 20 years of covered service by age 57. You must submit proof of your status in the Law Enforcement retirement system.
Exceptions:
(1) This age restriction does not apply to those who have sufficient creditable service in a Federal civilian (not military) law enforcement position covered by 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or 5 U.S.C. 8412(d) to permit retirement on or before the mandatory retirement age of 57.
(2) If you are a veteran who is eligible for veterans preference ("preference eligible"), you may be eligible for a waiver of the maximum entry age for this position if you are otherwise qualified and meet medical and fitness requirements. If you are claiming veterans preference, you must submit proof of your veterans' preference. Please be advised that if you do not submit this required documentation of your service, you will not be eligible for consideration of this limited waiver of the maximum entry age.
SPECIAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS
- Physical Demands: Due to the physical and vigorous requirements of this position, the incumbent must meet the established medical and physical standards/requirements set forth by USDA as it's considered essential to perform the duties of this position. The work requires a person with good physical health and stamina to work under pressure, along with the ability to lift and carry heavy objects of 180 lbs or more and have the physical agility and dexterity to work in confined spaces. Agents must be prepared to protect themselves or others from physical attacks at any time and without warning, and to use firearms, as required by the position, only as a last resort.
- Lautenberg Amendment: This position is covered by the 1996 Lautenberg Amendment to the Gun Control Act of 1968. A person convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime of domestic violence are not eligible for the position. False or fraudulent information provided by candidates is criminally punishable by fine or imprisonment (Title 18 USC Section 1001).
- Training Requirement: The incumbent must, at minimum, have: successfully completed an accredited basic law enforcement training program (civilian or military); at least one year of previous law enforcement experience; not have a break in service in Law Enforcement for over 5 years; and not have been convicted of a crime of domestic violence as defined in Title 18 USC Section 922(g)(9) Lautenberg Amendment.
- Firearms Requirement: The incumbent is required to carry a firearm while performing duties of this position so they must meet initial and continuing qualifications in the use of firearms as outlined in the Gun Control Act of 1968, amended by the Lautenberg Amendment of 1996. The incumbent must qualify semiannually with all weapons issued by the USDA and maintain proficiency.
- Drivers License Requirement: This position requires the incumbent to operate a motor vehicle. Must have or be able to obtain a valid driver's license.
- LEO Retirement Coverage: Incumbent is entitled to Law Enforcement Officer Retirement Coverage and this position is FLSA Non-Exempt and eligible for Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime.
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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
Graduate education may be substituted for specialized experience at the GS-11 level as described above; education is not qualifying for the GS-12 level.
If qualifying based on education at the GS-11 level, you must submit a complete, legible copy of your college or university transcript(s) with your application to document academic achievements and receive credit.Conditions of Employment
- You must be a US Citizen or US National.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
- Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
- If selected, you may be required to serve a probationary or trial period as applicable to appointment type. More information in Next Steps section.
- Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
- Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.
- Medical Requirement - This position is subject to successful completion of pre-employment medical examination.
- Physical Requirement - This position is subject to successful completion of pre-employment physical assessment.
- This position is designated as Emergency Essential and may require the incumbent to work during weather related closures.
- Shift Work – The USDA operates 7 days per week and 24 hours per day. Special Agents will be required to work any assigned shift. Duty hours are subject to change to accommodate the needs of the department.
- Applicants must be willing and able to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
- See "Qualifications" section for Special Position Requirements.
Evaluations
Open-Continuous Cut-off Information: An initial cut-off date of 11:59pm EST on July 31, 2026, will be used to evaluate candidates for the initial available vacancies. Any application received after the initial cut-off date will only be considered should additional vacancies be received after the initial cut-off date. Subsequent cut-offs will occur at three-week intervals throughout the duration of the announcement open period; cut-off dates are as follows at 11:59pm EST:
- August 21, 2026
- September 11, 2026
- October 2, 2026
- October 23, 2026
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.
You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
- Attention to Detail
- Customer Service
- Flexibility
- Integrity/Honesty
- Interpersonal Skills
- Learning
- Reading Comprehension
- Reasoning
- Self-Management
- Stress Tolerance
- Teamwork
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
To view the application form, visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13008277
Required Documents
The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.Resume that includes: Personal Information: name, address, contact information; Education; Work Experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); other qualifications. Resume cannot exceed 2 pages.
If education is required or being used to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application if it includes your name and the necessary course information; however, if you are selected, official transcripts will be required prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university. If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the NACES website. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
Current and former Federal employees:
- Most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing you are/were in the competitive service, highest grade held (or promotion potential) on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade AND
- Most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. A performance plan is not an acceptable substitute.
Veteran Hiring Authorities: VEOA, VRA and 30% Disabled Veterans: DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, that shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active duty you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. Veteran's preference must be verified prior to appointment.
If claiming 10-point veteran's preference you must provide the DD214 or certification requirements (see above), plus the proof of entitlement of this preference as listed on the SF-15 Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference. The SF-15 should be included but is not required. Failure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preference.
Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act: Copies of Notification of Personnel Action(s) (SF-50) showing the employee served in eligible appointment(s) for a period(s) of more than 24 mos w/o a break between appointments of two+ years. Include initial hire actions, extensions, conversions and separation Sf-50s for each period. Submit performance rating(s) showing acceptable performance for each period counted towards eligibility signed by supervisor(s). If documentation does not exist for one or more periods, submit a statement from supervisor(s) indicating acceptable performance. Applicants who do not have performance documentation for any period shall provide a reason why the documentation is not available and statement that performance for all periods was at an acceptable level.
Schedule A, Persons with Disabilities Appointment: Letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u).
Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), current performance appraisal with rating of at least "Fully Successful" or equivalent, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.
If claiming eligibility under a special hiring authority or an interchange agreement with another merit system not listed above, see the requirements for that authority and submit the required supporting documentation. Go to USAJOBS Hiring Path for Special Authorities or Special Hiring Authority for more information.
How to Apply
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. Resumes cannot exceed two pages.
The application process is as follows:
- Click the Apply Online button.
- Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
- Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
- If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
- Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
- Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
- Set aside about 1-2 hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
- Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status:
Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
Please verify that documents you are uploading from USAJOBs transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Uploaded documents must be less than 5MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, TXT or Word (DOC or DOCX). Do not upload Adobe Portfolio documents because they are not viewable. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration. Please ensure your resume does not exceed two pages.
Applicants who submit a resume that exceeds two pages will be removed from consideration. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, your system failure, etc. Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS account to check your application status.
You must choose to turn on email notifications in your USAJOBS profile if you want to receive important email notifications that may impact your applicant experience (e.g. If you start an application and do not submit it prior to the closing date, USAJOBS will send an email reminder that the closing date is approaching and your application is in an incomplete status).
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
Under the Fair Chance Act, agencies are not allowed to request information about an applicant's criminal history until a conditional offer of employment has been made, except as allowed for access to classified information; assignment to national security duties or positions; acceptance or retention in the armed forces; or recruitment of a Federal law enforcement officer. An applicant may submit a complaint or any other information related to an organization's alleged noncompliance with the Fair Chance Act. The complaint must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the date of the alleged noncompliance. To make a Fair Chance Act inquiry or complaint, send an email with the appropriate information to [email protected], subject line: Fair Chance Act.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period (as applicable to appointment type) during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Source:
Data sourced from USAJOBS