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Personnel Security Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mayvin, Inc

Personnel Security Assistant

Arlington, VA · On-site

$42K - $45K/yr

The Personnel Security Assistant will work with other Government Agencies, Contractors, and Federal Employees to support initial investigations and reinvestigations for the federal background ...

Mayvin

Personnel Security Assistant

Arlington, VA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

The Personnel Security Assistant will work with other Government Agencies, Contractors, and Federal Employees to support initial investigations and reinvestigations for the federal background ...

Advantage SCI

Personnel Security Specialist

Reston, VA · On-site

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 ...

MANTECH

Personnel Security Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

MANTECH seeks a Personnel Security Specialist II to handle personnel security functions in support of the customer's facility and organization to join our team in El Segundo, CA . The Personnel ...

MANTECH

Personnel Security Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

MANTECH seeks a Personnel Security Specialist II to handle personnel security functions in support of the customer's facility and organization to join our team in El Segundo, CA . The Personnel ...

Advantage SCI

Personnel Security Specialist

Reston, VA · On-site

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 ...

MyFlorida

Personnel Security Specialist

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$57K/yr

Personnel Security Specialist Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 62000022 Salary: $57,457.57 Posting Closing Date: 08/18/2026 Total Compensation Estimator Tool Department of Military Affairs

MyFlorida

Personnel Security Specialist

Palatka, FL · On-site

$57K/yr

Personnel Security Specialist Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 62000022 Salary: $57,457.57 Posting Closing Date: 08/18/2026 Total Compensation Estimator Tool Department of Military Affairs

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 ...

MyFlorida

Personnel Security Specialist

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$57K/yr

Personnel Security Specialist Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 62000022 Salary: $57,457.57 Posting Closing Date: 08/18/2026 Total Compensation Estimator Tool Department of Military Affairs

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How much do personnel security jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 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 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.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,970 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Personnel Security Specialist

US Department of Homeland Security

Burlington, VT

$52K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 7 days ago

U.S. Department Of Homeland Security rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

94th of 292 rated public sector bodies

Job description

Protect your homeland and defend your culture. Join USCIS, America's frontline defense against illegal foreign infiltration and fraud.
As a Personnel Security Specialist, you will adjudicate agency personnel background investigations to determine fitness, suitability, and/or national security eligibility and conduct liaison activities with federal agencies concerning the Personnel Security Program.Qualifications:The qualifications for this position must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 08/17/2026.
Current Federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the lower grade or equivalent grade band in the Federal service. The Time-in-Grade requirement must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 08/17/2026.

GS-09: You qualify at the GS-09 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the federal government, that equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing all of the following duties:
  • Reviewing reports of investigations or other data to make preliminary determinations if individuals meet security standards;
  • Making recommendations for pre-appointment determinationsutilizing personnel security suitability/fitness factors, security guidelines, and additional considerations. OR
  • You may substitute a Master's degree or two (2) full years of graduate education leading to such a degree in any field, or a J.D. or L.L.B. degree for experience required at the GS-09 grade level. Such education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. Check with your school to determine how many credit hours comprise two years of graduate education. If that information is not available, use 36 semester or 54 quarter hours.

GS-11: You qualify at the GS-11 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the federal government, that equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing all of the following duties:
  • Reviewing and evaluating reports of investigations and other data to determine if individuals meet security standards;
  • Determining the adequacy and completeness of moderately complex investigations;
  • Assisting in drafting and testing personnel security operating procedures;
  • Determining eligibility for access to classified or sensitive information in the presence of minor derogatory information. OR
  • You may substitute a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent degree) or three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in any field, or L.L.M. if related for experience at the GS-11 grade level or such education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. Check with your school to determine how many credit hours comprise three years of graduate study. If that information is not available, use 54 semester or 81 quarter hours.
Please read the following important information to ensure you submit everything we need to consider your application: It is your responsibility to ensure that you submit your responses and appropriate documentation prior to 08/17/2026. You must upload your resume under the "Resume" category. Resumes submitted under the "Other Documents" category will not be considered. Your most recently submitted resume will be used to determine your qualifications for the position advertised in this announcement. Therefore, your resume must highlight your most relevant, significant experience related to the requirements found in the qualification section of this announcement, as well as any applicable education. Limit your resume to no more than two pages. The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages. To help ensure your resume remains clear and easy to read, we recommend using margins of at least 0.8 inches and a font size of at least 11 point. Be clear and specific when describing your work history since Human Resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Your application will be rated and ranked based on your responses to the online questions.
Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information:
  • Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job)
  • Duties (be specific in describing your duties)
  • Employer's name and address
  • Supervisor name and phone number
  • Start and end dates including month, day and year (e.g. June 18 2007 to April 05 2008)
  • Start and end dates for each grade/pay level if you've held a federal position.
  • Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
  • Salary
Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide the above information may result in a finding of ineligible.
Note: Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.
Federal Experience: If you are using current or prior federal experience as a basis for qualifying for this position, the grade levels and length of employment (mm/dd/year) at each grade level must be listed in your work history. This information will be further validated if selected for this position.
National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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 criteria 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 service.
Education:COMBINING QUALIFYING EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: If you do not qualify based on experience or education alone, you may be able to qualify based on a combination of your experience and education. For more information on combining education and experience, visit the following website: General Schedule Qualification Standards. Transcript required: If you don't submit a transcript, we will not use your education when deciding if you're qualified for the job. For verification purposes, the transcript submitted must include your name and educational institution.
Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP): Per 5 CFR 576.202, An employee who receives a Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) and later accepts employment for compensation with the Government of the United States within 5 years of the date of the separation on which the VSIP is based, including work under a personal services contract or other direct contract, must repay the entire amount of the VSIP to the agency that paid it (proof of payment is required) before the individual's first day of reemployment.
Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Personnel Management guidance and U.S. Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
Common definitions for hiring terms found in this announcement.Employment Type: OTHER

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About U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency operating within the government services industry in Washington, DC, US. Established in 2003, the DHS is directly responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries. Its main responsibilities include protecting the United States from and responding to terrorist attacks, man-made accidents, and natural disasters. Through its more than 20 component agencies including Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it ensures the safety of the US through numerous programs and initiatives. The DHS upholds a core value system with the mission of safeguarding the American people, our homeland, and values. Notably, the DHS plays a critical role in the spectral range of activities to prepare, prevent, and respond to possible threats to the US.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003

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