1

Defense Security Cooperation Agency Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Security Cooperation Advisor

Aiea, HI ยท On-site

$105K - $153K/yr

Experience with Program Executive Offices or the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA). * Familiarity with Command and Control (C2) structures and European theater operations. * Understanding of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Defense Security Cooperation Agency information

See salary details

$12

$18

$24

How much do defense security cooperation agency jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense security cooperation agency in the United States is $18.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA)?

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Defense responsible for managing security cooperation and assistance programs with foreign countries. Its primary mission is to provide military equipment, training, and support to allied and partner nations, fostering international security and strengthening U.S. defense relationships. DSCA oversees programs like Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Foreign Military Financing (FMF), ensuring that these efforts align with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives. The agency plays a crucial role in building the capacity of partner nations to address shared security challenges.

What types of projects might I work on at the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA)?

As an employee at the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, you may be involved in a variety of projects ranging from managing foreign military sales and security assistance programs to coordinating training and capacity-building initiatives with allied nations. Your daily responsibilities could include working with international partners, drafting agreements, monitoring project progress, and ensuring compliance with U.S. policies and regulations. Collaboration with other U.S. government agencies, military branches, and foreign representatives is common, offering a dynamic and cross-functional work environment. This exposure provides valuable experience and can open up opportunities for advancement within the Department of Defense.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive at the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, and why are they important?

To thrive at the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, you need a strong background in international relations, defense policy, and program management, often supported by a relevant degree and security clearance. Familiarity with security cooperation databases, DoD acquisition systems, and proficiency in tools like DSAMS (Defense Security Assistance Management System) are typically required. Exceptional communication, cultural awareness, and analytical thinking set candidates apart in this environment. These competencies are crucial for effectively managing complex international programs and fostering cooperation between the U.S. and partner nations.

What is the difference between Defense Security Cooperation Agency vs Defense Security Specialist?

AspectDefense Security Cooperation AgencyDefense Security Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires security clearance, military or defense-related certificationsRequires security clearance, specialized training in security protocols
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, international settings, policy developmentFieldwork, security operations, government or defense facilities
Employer & IndustryU.S. Department of Defense, government agenciesDefense contractors, government agencies, military units
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding agency functions vs security rolesSecurity operations, fieldwork, defense roles

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency focuses on managing international security assistance and policy, while a Defense Security Specialist handles security operations and fieldwork. Both roles require security clearances and are integral to national defense, but they differ in scope and work environment.

More about Defense Security Cooperation Agency jobs

What cities are hiring for Defense Security Cooperation Agency jobs?

Cities with the most Defense Security Cooperation Agency job openings:

What states have the most Defense Security Cooperation Agency jobs?

States with the most job openings for Defense Security Cooperation Agency jobs include:

Infographic showing various Defense Security Cooperation Agency job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,415 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST (CLASSIFICATION/R&P)

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site, Remote

$121K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Summary
This position is part of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. The incumbent will be responsible for providing strategic planning and advisory services to managers, supervisors, and employees in customer organizations in the area of recruitment and placement, staffing operations, workforce adjustment, appointing authorities, and compensation, etc.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
As a HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST (CLASSIFICATION/R&P) at the GS-0201-13 some of your typical work assignments may include:
  • Utilizes HR Talent Management systems such as DCPDS, USA Staffing and Business Objects to submit and execute staffing actions.
  • Work with hiring managers to initiate request for personnel actions and send to HR Service Provider for execution.
  • Provide recruitment and placement services on a wide range of professional, scientific, administrative, and highly technical positions.
  • Solicit, review, and provide recommendations on DSCA recruiting plans with specific outreach to attract new talent.
  • Ensure SharePoint and New Hire Websites are maintained with relevant up to date information to serve as an online resource for employees and potential candidates.
  • Expeditiously resolve any issues that could delay the selection process.

Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
  • Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
  • Work Schedule: Full Time
  • Overtime: Occasionally
  • Tour of Duty: Flexible
  • Recruitment Incentives: May be Authorized
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
  • Financial Disclosure: Not Required
  • Telework Eligibility: This position is telework eligible

Qualifications
You may qualify at the GS-13 grade level, if you fulfill the following qualifications:
A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service:
  • Provides expert guidance to management on recruitment, staffing, and placement strategies, including flexible hiring authorities, incentives, and special hiring programs.
  • Advises on merit promotion, DEU, DHA, Pathways, priority placement, and other Federal hiring authorities.
  • Ensures recruitment and selection actions comply with Federal regulations, merit system principles, and prohibited personnel practices

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, knowledge, and skills 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
Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.
This is a Security Cooperation position based on the duties and responsibilities of the position. The position requires DoD Security Cooperation Workforce Certification. The selectee must meet the designated Area of Concentration (AoC) and certification-level requirements. If the selectee is not already certified, they must obtain certification within one year for the Basic level or two years for the Intermediate or Advanced level from the Security Cooperation Workforce Development Database entry date, in accordance with 10 U.S.C. ยง 384. The incumbent must comply with all Department of Defense and Defense Security Cooperation Agency requirements of the Security Cooperation Workforce Certification Program. This certification is a condition of employment. Failure to obtain certification within the required timeframe may result in adverse action. The incumbent must also complete 20 hours of continuous learning every two years to maintain good standing in the program.
Incumbent must attain DoD Security Cooperation Workforce (SCW) Certification and complete related continuous learning requirements in accordance with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2017, Title 10 United States Code, Section 384 and Security Cooperation Workforce Certification Program 2.0 requirements. Incumbent must complete DoD SCW Basic-level certification courses within one year. Requirements for Proficiency Level 1 - At least 1 year of successful SC work experience with a performance appraisal rating of 3 or better. Incumbent must complete DoD SCW Foundational level certification requirements within one year of entering the SC position. In addition, 40 hours of continuing education (CUE) every two years.
Additional information
Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, the veteran must be a preference eligible or a veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs: This program applies to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position; Well qualified is defined as possessing the type and quality of experience that exceeds the positions minimum qualifications. and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. For more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements:
Persons with Disabilities - Schedule A
Special Hiring Authority for Veterans
Special Hiring Authority for Certain Military Spouses
Other Special Appointment Authorities - Subpart F
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/register/)
The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews, and once the selection is made, you will receive a notification of the decision.
NOTE: Declining to be interviewed or failure to report for a scheduled interview will be considered as a declination for further consideration for employment against this vacancy.
Selective Service Requirement: Please visit http://www.sss.gov for more information.
For more information, please visit

https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DoDGenAppInfo%2012-1-2020.pdf?ver=ECNbdsHtGilTd3OENN4A0Q%3d%3d
Other Notes:
Re-employed Annuitant: This position Does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/140025_vol300.PDF?ver=LQ7feWw-8-5DI2tceUpmgA%3d%3d
This position is subject to an initial drug screening, and random testing thereafter. A negative drug test result must be received by HR within 30 calendar days after the EOD (i.e., start date). The selectee's inability successfully pass; or refusal to conduct the test may result in: 1) the tentative or FJO being withdrawn during the recruitment process; or 2) subsequently being removed from Federal service for failure to meet a condition of employment.
You may be required to sign a "Drug Test Statement of Understanding" if you are selected for this position.
Status candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level).
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.