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Entry Level Homeland Security Jobs in Reston, VA

CGI Inc.

Administrative Assistant - DHS

Washington, DC · On-site

$39.97/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CGI Federal is seeking an Administrative Assistant to support the Department of Homeland Security in Washington, DC. At CGI Federal we call our professionals "partners" to reinforce that all who join ...

CGI Inc.

Administrative Assistant - DHS

Washington, DC · On-site

$39.97/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CGI Federal is seeking an Administrative Assistant to support the Department of Homeland Security in Washington, DC. At CGI Federal we call our professionals "partners" to reinforce that all who join ...

Asplundh

Bucket Operator Union CDL Required

Herndon, VA · On-site

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

High School Diploma or equivalent preferred. * Entry-level position, no experience required ... We partner with the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Customs and Immigration Service to e ...

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All JobsHomeland Security JobsEntry Level Homeland Security JobsEntry Level Homeland Security Jobs in Reston, VA

Entry Level Homeland Security information

What are entry level Homeland Security jobs?

Entry level Homeland Security jobs are positions within the Department of Homeland Security or related agencies that are designed for individuals with little to no prior experience in the field. These roles often include positions such as Transportation Security Officer (TSO), Customs and Border Protection Officer, or administrative support roles. Responsibilities can range from screening passengers and cargo at airports, assisting with border security, to providing office support for security operations. Most entry level positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, U.S. citizenship, and the ability to pass background checks and security clearances. These jobs offer opportunities for training, career advancement, and a chance to contribute to national safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level Homeland Security professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Homeland Security professional, you need a background in criminal justice or a related field, strong analytical skills, and often a security clearance. Familiarity with security protocols, surveillance systems, and incident reporting software is typically expected. Excellent attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities ensure the ability to assess threats, respond quickly, and maintain public safety in a high-stakes environment.

What types of teams and agencies do entry level Homeland Security professionals typically collaborate with?

As an entry-level Homeland Security professional, you will often work alongside various teams within your agency, such as emergency management, intelligence analysis, and cybersecurity. Collaboration with local law enforcement, fire departments, and public health organizations is also frequent, especially during emergency response or preparedness exercises. This teamwork helps ensure a coordinated approach to national security challenges and offers valuable networking and learning opportunities for new professionals.

What is the difference between Entry Level Homeland Security vs Entry Level Emergency Management?

AspectEntry Level Homeland SecurityEntry Level Emergency Management
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require security clearancesHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications like FEMA IS-100 or IS-200 beneficial
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, security facilities, border patrol, portsDisaster response agencies, government offices, community planning
Employer & Industry UsageFederal, state, and local government agencies focused on security and safetyEmergency management agencies, public safety organizations, government sectors

Entry Level Homeland Security and Entry Level Emergency Management share similar credentials and work environments, often within government agencies. While Homeland Security focuses on security and protection measures, Emergency Management emphasizes disaster preparedness and response. Both roles serve public safety and require related certifications, making them closely connected career paths.

How to start a career in entry level homeland security?

To start a career in entry-level homeland security, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may benefit from relevant certifications such as CPR or security training. Gaining experience through internships, understanding security protocols, and developing skills in communication and problem-solving are also important steps.

Is it hard to get hired by entry level homeland security?

Entry-level homeland security positions often require a high school diploma or equivalent, background checks, and sometimes security clearances. Competition can be moderate, but having relevant skills, certifications, or prior experience can improve chances of being hired. The hiring process typically involves assessments, interviews, and background investigations.
More about Entry Level Homeland Security jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Homeland Security jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Homeland Security jobs in Reston, VA are:

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For Entry Level Homeland Security jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Homeland Security jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Homeland Security jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Entry Level Homeland Security jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Entry Level Homeland Security job openings:

Entry Level Homeland Security jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Homeland Security job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 66% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Research Associate - Entry Level

Institute for Defense Analyses

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

About IDA
The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a private, nonprofit corporation headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, just outside Washington, DC. IDA's mission is to answer the most challenging U.S. security and science policy questions with objective analysis leveraging extraordinary scientific, technical, and analytic expertise. IDA operates three Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC's).
Why Work for IDA?
We are seeking a Research Associate to support projects in both the Science, Systems and Sustainment Division (S3D, as the home division) and Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI, as the secondary division). Researchers within IDA are self-starting scientists and engineers who advise Department of War (DoW), Department of Homeland Security, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), and other agency officials and selected audiences on challenges of national and global significance. We provide independent analytical products to help solve problems facing senior executives and military officials across the Federal government. IDA scientists and engineers offer our sponsors insight into technology trends and the impact of emerging advances by bringing rigor to technology readiness assessments, science and technology ecosystem characterization including workforce analysis, and independent perspectives on technology risks and mitigation strategies. The Research Associate will facilitate data-driven decision-making by conducting research using methods such as statistical analysis, natural language processing, literature review, computer code development, or modeling and simulation. Strong problem-solving skills are critical, and duties will also include report writing, developing visualizations of data and research results, presenting results, and other project-related tasks as directed by research staff. Projects may cross the full domain of science and technology; therefore, applicants should be willing to regularly learn new topics that concern national security and science and technology policy.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Provide qualitative and quantitative analytic support to government sponsors (e.g., analysis of scientific research developments and progress in areas of interest to defense sponsors, analysis of policy and program data, analysis of scientific and industrial capabilities relevant to sponsor interests).
  • Assist in the preparation of documents (e.g., briefings and reports on the design, conduct, and findings of data analyses, graphs that clearly present findings from analyses)
  • Identify and prepare useful data sources for analysis to address questions of sponsor interest.

What Will You Need?
  • We are seeking a highly analytical person who is able to both collaborate on cutting-edge research projects within S3D and STPI while also conducting independent research in support of S3D's DoW and STPI's OSTP and other agency sponsors.
  • An ideal candidate will enthusiastically and proactively develop new data sources and analytical methodologies to help address complex and challenging research questions in a fast-paced environment.
  • Bachelors or Masters degree in physical sciences, engineering, computer science, or related fields as well as demonstrated analytical skills and the ability to conduct independent research.
  • Expertise in topics related to natural language processing, autonomous systems, robotics, AI, S&T policy, or researcher networks will be viewed as a plus. Experience in a research setting with natural language processing methods and related language-based machine learning or artificial intelligence tools is particularly desired.
  • Data analysis experience using Python, Matlab, R, or similar languages.
  • Ability to work within multidisciplinary teams.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Some travel may be required.
  • Successful completion of a background check is required.
  • U.S. citizenship is required.

Why work at IDA?
IDA, as a non-profit, is uniquely positioned to answer the most challenging U.S. security and science questions with objective and rigorous analysis leveraging extraordinary scientific, technical, and analytic expertise. This position is located in Alexandria, VA, just outside Washington, D.C.
IDA offers the following benefits and resources to their employees:
  • Comprehensive benefits including diverse health insurance options, generous 10% contribution to retirement, maternity/paternity leave, 20 days paid time off, and relocation reimbursement;
  • Mission-oriented work at a non-profit that supports and protects our warfighters; as a non-profit, IDA employees are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL);
  • Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications;
  • A culture of work-life balance, including flex time, partial telework, and limiting work communication to core business hours;
  • The opportunity to craft your own unique research portfolio of distinct value to the national security enterprise.
  • A brand-new facility located in Alexandria's high-tech corridor in Potomac Yard; amenities include a gym, cafeteria and close proximity to local dining and shopping; and
  • Easy access to Potomac Yard Metro stop and Potomac Yard DASH bus stop. Employer contributes $340/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.

What are the next steps?
  • Complete the application and submit your resume.

The application process consists of three interviews.
  • A short screening call with HR;
  • A 30 min - 60 min screening call with researchers; and
  • A full day interview with various researchers and staff; includes giving an hour presentation on a research project.

Prior to the full day interview, you will be asked to provide:
  • Transcripts (unofficial accepted);
  • 3 letters of recommendation; and
  • A writing sample.

We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data-driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $67,335 - $190,249 Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent's experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.
U.S. Citizenship is required
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required
IDA is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a fair recruiting process and working environment free from discrimination. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Click here to learn more about IDA's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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