Diplomatic Security: Foreign Service Security Technical Specialist
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Posted By: Will Moss on June 28, 2019 Security Technical Specialists (STS) provide support for and assist in worldwide technical security programs to maintain and provide protection for Department of State personnel and facilities from technical espionage, acts of terrorism, and crime. The duties of a Security Technical Specialist (STS) vary according to the size of the post and the requirements of the specific diplomatic mission. The following are examples of the types of duties and responsibilities assigned to a STS at posts around the world, or in domestic locations. This list is neither exhaustive, nor in priority order: • Install and troubleshoot technical security equipment and components. • Assist with and/or perform technical surveys, system specifications, and equipment installations. • Conduct evaluations of security designs. • Conduct inspections and compare security equipment designs to established standards. • Prepare “As-Built” drawings. • Ensure vehicle barriers, X-ray machines, forced entry ballistic resistant (FEBR) doors, walk-through metal detectors, vehicle arrest systems, explosive detection equipment, and other technical security systems are fully operational. • Repairs failed systems and performs preventative maintenance of technical security systems. • Service facility imminent danger/emergency notification systems. • Verification-of-operation tests of technical security systems. • Travel to overseas embassies and consulates and coordinate technical support trips. • Use sophisticated electronic test equipment: oscilloscopes, time domain reflectometers, etc. • Manage equipment logistics – shipping, receiving, Bill-of-Materials (BOM) preparation. • Oversee and supervise the explosive detection program (EDP). • Maintain electronic and electro-mechanical systems. • Use computer networking to monitor equipment and share information and data. • Conduct radiation safety checks. • Manage equipment inventory – tracking, spare parts, ordering. • Organize workshops, shop tools, equipment, parts, and supplies. • Work with host country personnel (local nationals) when required. • Test new-generation technical security equipment. • Provide technical security support to high level USG officials and Foreign Dignitaries. • Manage training programs for various technical security systems. • Train security personnel at posts as required. • Takes training to maintain and upgrade technical skills. • Write technical reports, including engineering security services reports (ESSRs), evaluations of equipment and/or systems, maintenance and/or installation activities, technical field notices, and other documentation as required. • Assist in the administration of security contracts. Serve as Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and as Government Technical Monitor. • Supervise regional security technicians when so assigned. • Assist in mentoring and evaluating junior STS personnel when so assigned. Essential Physical Requirements: Some of the essential functions of the Security Technical Specialist (STS) job have a physically demanding component. In the execution of the duties and tasks listed above, an STS may be required to: 1. See objects that are near, far, or at night. 2. Hear speech or other sounds including sufficient sensitivity to hear sounds of low volume or in noisy environments. 3. Speak clearly enough so others will understand, including speaking to groups. 4. Lift, push, pull, carry, climb ladders, or balance. Move heavy objects, such as crates, building materials, motor generator that may be oversized and weigh in excess of 70 lbs. 5. Manipulate small objects with hands or fingers. Perform manual installation operations to include hammer drilling, core drilling, pulling wire, installing conduit and terminating cable. 6. Perform movements repeatedly or continually including ability to stand for extended periods, bend and stretch to reach equipment for prolonged periods, and take frequent extended trips by plane or car. 7. Exhibit the mental endurance to concentrate for long periods, learn complex information and procedures, and think effectively after extensive travel and jet-lag. 8. Tolerate extreme environmental conditions, i.e. heat, cold, noise and pollution. Travel and work in hostile environments such as war zones, areas of civil and political strife and in regions of the world having extreme climates. 9. Climb stairs, ladders and other inclines. Work from heights to include rooftops, ledges, bucket trucks, scaffolding and extension ladders. 10. Crawl under, around or over objects. Work in confined areas such as crawlspaces, attics, utility pits, tunnels, manholes and other confined space. Travel Required 50% or less - An FSS generally spends the majority of his/her career assigned to the Department of State’s overseas missions and at times, lives away from family and/or in difficult or isolated conditions. Selected applicants will be notified of an Oral Assessment (OA) requirement in Washington D.C. For selected applicants, all travel and other expenses incurred in connection with the OA are the sole responsibility of the applicant. Permanent after tenure granted by a Foreign Service Specialist (FSS) Tenure Board. Click this link to view and apply for this job! If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Will Moss
Founder & CEO, HBCU CONNECT, LLC Hampton University class of 1995 Member Since June 1999 |
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