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Personnel Security Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cni

Personnel Security Assistant

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$36K - $38K/yr

The Personnel Security Assistant provides administrative and technical support to personnel security operations in compliance with security programs, policies, and requirements. Provides personnel ...

Koniag, Inc.

Personnel Security Specialist

Arlington, VA · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

Koniag IT Systems, LLC a Koniag Government Services company , is seeking a Personnel Security Specialist with a TS/SCI security clearance to support KITS and our government customer at the Pentagon ...

MANTECH

Personnel Security Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

The Personnel Security Specialist's primary function is to handle personnel security functions in support of the customer's facility and organization. The position will provide "day-today" PERSEC ...

MANTECH

Personnel Security Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

The Personnel Security Specialist's primary function is to handle personnel security functions in support of the customer's facility and organization. The position will provide "day-today" PERSEC ...

MANTECH

Personnel Security Specialist

El Segundo, CA · On-site

The Personnel Security Specialist II will provide essential support to the U.S. Space Force Space Access program managed by the Space Systems Command. You will play a vital role in ensuring mission ...

Advantage SCI

Personnel Security Specialist

Reston, VA

Personnel Security Specialist Reports To: The Customer and Project Manager Clearance Type: Active TS (with ability to obtain SCI with CI Poly) Work Location: Reston, VA (onsite every weekday) Start ...

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TSA, Inc.

Personnel Security Specialist

Arlington, VA · On-site

Personnel Security Specialist Aether Aerospace is seeking an experienced Personnel Security (PERSEC) Specialist to join our team and contribute to our success in maintaining technological superiority ...

MANTECH

Personnel Security Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

The Personnel Security Specialist (PSS)-II will play a vital role in handling personnel security functions in support of the customer's facility and organization. You will provide "day-to-day" PERSEC ...

MANTECH

Personnel Security Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

The Personnel Security Specialist (PSS)-II will play a vital role in handling personnel security functions in support of the customer's facility and organization. You will provide "day-to-day" PERSEC ...

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How much do personnel security jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for personnel security in the United States is $39,970.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $40,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is personnel security?

Personnel security refers to the policies and procedures used to ensure that individuals who access sensitive information or facilities are trustworthy and do not pose a security risk. This typically involves background checks, security clearances, and ongoing monitoring of employees or contractors. The goal of personnel security is to prevent unauthorized access, insider threats, and breaches that could compromise an organization's operations or data.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Personnel Security Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Personnel Security Specialist, you need a deep understanding of security clearance processes, background investigations, and risk assessment, usually supported by a bachelor's degree and relevant experience. Familiarity with security databases, case management systems, and federal regulations such as the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) is essential. Strong attention to detail, discretion, and effective communication are critical soft skills for managing sensitive information and interacting with stakeholders. These skills ensure the protection of classified information, regulatory compliance, and the integrity of organizational security programs.

What is the difference between Personnel Security vs Background Investigator?

AspectPersonnel SecurityBackground Investigator
CertificationsSecurity Clearance, DSS certificationsSecurity Clearance, DSS certifications
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, security officesPrivate firms, government agencies
Employer & IndustryDefense, intelligence, federal agenciesBackground screening companies, government

Personnel Security focuses on managing security clearances and ensuring personnel meet security requirements, often within government agencies. Background Investigators conduct detailed background checks to verify individuals' histories for security clearance eligibility. While both roles require similar certifications and work in security-related environments, Personnel Security emphasizes clearance management, whereas Background Investigators focus on conducting investigations. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in security fields.

What is the job of security personnel?

Security personnel are responsible for protecting people, property, and assets by monitoring premises, controlling access, conducting patrols, and responding to security incidents. They often use surveillance tools, enforce safety protocols, and may require certifications such as security guard licenses. Their work environment can include offices, events, or industrial sites, often requiring shift work and alertness.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In personnel security, high-paying roles such as security managers or consultants can reach or exceed $4,000 weekly, especially with experience and specialized certifications like the Security Clearance or CISSP. These positions often involve overseeing security protocols, risk assessments, and compliance, and may require background checks and security clearances but not necessarily a college degree.

What does personnel security do?

Personnel security involves implementing policies and procedures to ensure that employees and contractors are trustworthy and pose no security risks. This includes conducting background checks, verifying identities, and managing access controls to protect sensitive information and assets within an organization.

What are some common challenges faced by personnel security professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Personnel security professionals often encounter challenges such as managing high volumes of background investigations, staying updated with evolving security regulations, and balancing thoroughness with efficiency. Additionally, maintaining confidentiality while collaborating with HR and other departments requires strong communication and discretion. To address these challenges, professionals can leverage secure digital tools, commit to ongoing training, and foster clear procedures for interdepartmental communication.

What is the highest paying security job?

The highest paying security jobs often include executive security roles such as Chief Security Officer (CSO) or Security Director, which can earn six-figure salaries. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and certifications like CISSP or CISM, and involve overseeing an organization's entire security strategy and operations.
More about Personnel Security jobs
What cities are hiring for Personnel Security jobs? Cities with the most Personnel Security job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Personnel Security jobs? The most popular types of Personnel Security jobs are:
What states have the most Personnel Security jobs? States with the most job openings for Personnel Security jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Personnel Security jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Personnel Security jobs are:
Personnel Security jobs near you
Infographic showing various Personnel Security job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,970 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Personnel Security Specialist

Jobs in Your Community

Suitland, MD

$70K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

This vacancy is for a Personnel Security Specialist position located at the U.S. Census Bureau Headquarters in Suitland, Maryland. The Census Bureau is accessible from the Metro Rail Green Line - Suitland Station.
This Job Opportunity Announcement may be used to fill other Personnel Security Specialist, 0080-9/11/12, FPL GS-12, positions within the Census Bureau in the same geographical location with the same qualifications and specialized experience.Qualifications:

To qualify for the position of Personnel Security Specialist, at GS-0080-9/11/12, you must meet the qualification requirements listed below.
Specialized Experience: For the GS-09, you must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-07 in the Federal service. Specialized experience includes: Assisting with personnel security background investigation processing; Reviewing investigative reports for completeness and discrepancies under guidance; Applying established adjudicative procedures in support of determinations; Maintaining case files in personnel security databases/systems; and Providing customer service or onboarding support related to security processing.
OR
Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree; or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.B. or J.D., if related.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of specialized experience and graduate-level education that, when combined, meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position. Only graduate education in excess of the first year may be used in combination.
Specialized Experience: For the GS-11, you must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-09 in the Federal service. Specialized experience includes: Conducting or supporting personnel security investigations and adjudication; Reviewing investigative reports and resolving discrepancies; Applying adjudicative guidelines and suitability criteria; Using personnel security systems/databases; Coordinating onboarding or credentialing activities; and Communicating case status and requirements.
OR
Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.M., if related.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of specialized experience and graduate-level education that, when combined, meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used in combination. Applicants qualifying based on education must submit transcripts.
Specialized Experience: For the GS-12, you must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-11 in the Federal service. Specialized experience includes: Independently adjudicating Federal personnel security background investigations for suitability or fitness determinations under 5 CFR Part 731 using Federal adjudicative guidelines; Applying personnel security laws, regulations, policies, and adjudicative standards to make employment or access recommendations; Utilizing personnel security systems and databases to manage investigative and adjudicative casework; Reviewing and resolving complex or derogatory investigative information and initiating additional investigative actions when necessary; and Coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, including Federal agencies, regarding personnel security matters and case resolution.
Education: Education may not be substituted for specialized experience at this grade level.
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.
After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement, 07/02/2026, to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application.

Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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