Security guard jobs in Columbia, SC

Joining the Secret Service, as an Investigative Protection Officer (IPO) allows you to perform assignments that support an integrated protective and investigative mission which plans, directs, coordinates, and implements domestic and international protective and investigative policies, programs, and operations of the Secret Service. This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) Announcement - Veterans' Preference does not apply. Summary Joining the Secret Service, as an Investigative Protection Officer (IPO) allows you to perform assignments that support an integrated protective and investigative mission which plans, directs, coordinates, and implements domestic and international protective and investigative policies, programs, and operations of the Secret Service. This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) Announcement - Veterans' Preference does not apply. Overview Help Accepting applications Open & closing dates 12/01/2025 to 12/08/2025 Salary $53,945 to - $82,108 per year Pay scale & grade GS 9 - 11 Locations Birmingham, AL few vacancies Little Rock, AR few vacancies Phoenix, AZ few vacancies Camarillo, CA few vacancies Show morefewer locations (49) Los Angeles, CA few vacancies San Diego, CA few vacancies San Francisco, CA few vacancies Santa Ana, CA few vacancies Denver, CO few vacancies Washington, DC few vacancies Rehoboth Beach, DE few vacancies Wilmington, DE few vacancies Jacksonville, FL few vacancies Miami, FL few vacancies Orlando, FL few vacancies Palm Beach, FL few vacancies Tampa, FL few vacancies Atlanta, GA few vacancies Honolulu, HI few vacancies Waimanalo, HI few vacancies Chicago, IL few vacancies Springfield, IL few vacancies Indianapolis, IN few vacancies Louisville, KY few vacancies New Orleans, LA few vacancies Boston, MA few vacancies Kennebunkport, ME few vacancies Detroit, MI few vacancies Minneapolis, MN few vacancies Kansas City, MO few vacancies Saint Louis, MO few vacancies Charlotte, NC few vacancies Newark, NJ few vacancies Las Vegas, NV few vacancies Buffalo, NY few vacancies Chappaqua, NY few vacancies New York, NY few vacancies Cincinnati, OH few vacancies Cleveland, OH few vacancies Oklahoma City, OK few vacancies Philadelphia, PA few vacancies Pittsburgh, PA few vacancies Columbia, SC few vacancies Memphis, TN few vacancies Nashville, TN few vacancies Austin, TX few vacancies Crawford, TX few vacancies Dallas, TX few vacancies Houston, TX few vacancies San Antonio, TX few vacancies Richmond, VA few vacancies Seattle, WA few vacancies Milwaukee, WI few vacancies Remote job No Telework eligible No Travel Required 25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position. Relocation expenses reimbursed No Appointment type Permanent Work schedule Full-time - This position requires shift work to provide coverage on evenings, weekends, and holidays. Service Competitive Promotion potential 11 Job family (Series) * 1801 General Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement, And Compliance Series Supervisory status No Security clearance Top Secret Drug test Yes Position sensitivity and risk Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk Trust determination process * Credentialing * Suitability/Fitness * National security Financial disclosure No Bargaining unit status No Announcement number TLE-OFO/OPO-SM003-26-DHA Control number 851045400 This job is open to Help The public U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S. Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL) Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants. Clarification from the agency All US Citizens, Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) eligibles and Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) employees. Duties Help The selectee will serve as an Investigative Protection Officer conducting a range of law enforcement activities which involve: * Conducting investigative functions: surveillance, searching for physical evidence, seizure of contraband, equipment, vehicles, securing and serving warrants, making arrests, developing evidence for presentation, testifying in court, preparing reports and carrying out undercover operations. * Preparing and developing plans for the implementation of protective services, participating in security surveys of locations, coordinating security requirements with internal and external law enforcement. * Preforming duties concerning the physical protection of personnel, facilities, and assets. * Monitoring and operating communications and screening equipment, employing various x-ray and screening technologies Apply for this exciting opportunity to directly impact the mission of the agency by providing operational support to protective operations and criminal investigations. This Investigative Protection Officer position starts at a base salary of $53,945.00,GS-9/11, step 1, with promotion potential to $82,108.00 GS-11, step 10.This salary range reflects the base salaries for this position. Locality pay will be determined by the selected duty location. Requirements Help Conditions of employment * US Citizenship. * Possess and maintain a current valid driver's license. * Obtain and maintain a Top-Secret Clearance. * Certify registration or exemption with the Selective Service if you are a male applicant born after 12/31/59. * Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment and random drug testing during employment. * Submit to a polygraph examination prior to your appointment. * Complete pre-employment medical examinations and be determined physically fit to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties. * Be at least age 21 at the time of application and less than age 37 at the time of referral (unless currently employed in a law enforcement provision of the FERS/Civil Service Retirement System or previous service in a Federal Civilian Law Enforcement position covered by special civil service retirement provision, including early/mandatory retirement). Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must be less than 40 years of age at the time of referral. * Carry and use a firearm. Maintaining firearm proficiency is also mandatory. You will be ineligible to occupy this position if at any time you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, unless you received a pardon, or your conviction was expunged or set aside. * Possess uncorrected visual acuity of no worse than 20/100 binocular. Possess corrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better in each eye. Lasik, ALK, RK, and PRK corrective eye surgeries are acceptable eye surgeries for applicants, and you will be considered eligible for this position provided specific visual tests are passed. Waiting periods are Lasik-2 months after surgery, PRK-6 months after surgery, and ALK/RK-1 year after surgery. * Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 25 decibels (A.S.A. or equivalent I.S.O.) in either ear in the 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz ranges. * Complete or secure an appropriate waiver for a 13-week Uniformed Police Training Program (UPTP) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) AND a 10-week Mixed Basic Training Course (MBTC) at the Agency's James J. Rowley Training Center (RTC). Click here to review the required Fitness Standards. Failure to pass these training programs on the first attempt may result in separation from the U. S. Secret Service. Qualifications One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GL-07) performing at least 2 of the 3 duties such as: * Assisting in investigative responsibilities to include physical surveillance and monitoring protective activities and active criminal investigations; * Assisting in protective advances to identify critical and vulnerable facilities and sites for visible threats; or * Providing routine technical advice and guidance regarding protection and law enforcement operations, physical security, crime prevention, force protections and operations security. OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in an accredited college or university leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D. if related. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. OR A combination of education and experience listed above. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GL-09) performing 3 of the 4 duties such as: * Assisting in investigative activities including interrogating suspects, gathering evidence, conducting physical surveillance; * Assisting in protective surveillance including the use of electronic, protective systems and devices for physical protection; * Assisting in preparing reports, drawing conclusions, and developing and presenting written materials and presentations; or * Interpreting and applying laws and regulations related to investigation and protective services. OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in an accredited college or university leading to such a degree or LL.M, if related. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. OR A combination of education and experience listed above. The qualification requirements listed above must be met by the closing date of this announcement. 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. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. Applicants must successfully complete and pass Phase 1 assessment (see below) to receive a Conditional Job Offer. In addition, applicants must successfully complete and pass Phase II assessments (see below) to receive final consideration for employment. Phase I: * National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Phase II: * Credit Check * Security Interview * Polygraph Examination * Drug Screening * Medical Examination * Background Investigation (Top-Secret Clearance) The Secret Service follows stringent guidelines relating to illegal drug usage. An applicant's history is reviewed and a determination for employment is made according to our guidelines. For more information regarding the U.S. Secret Service drug guidelines, please click here to view our Drug Policy. General Medical Requirements: As determined by OPM the duties of this position require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of fingers, wrist, elbows, shoulders, hips and knee joints is required. Arms, hands, legs and feet must function sufficiently in order for applicants to perform the duties satisfactorily. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: * your performance and conduct; * the needs and interests of the agency; * whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and * whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Education If you are qualifying for a position by substituting education or training for experience, you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted that includes your name, the name of the educational institution, course title(s), number of credits, grade, and date of completion. An official transcript will be required if you are selected. Additional information Applicant selected for this position will be required to sign a Continued Service Agreement (CSA) before being assigned to an initial training class. The continuing service agreement will commit the applicant to a specified period of employment with the U.S. Secret Service upon the successful completion of training. This position is covered by Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime (AUO) and additional compensation may be paid at the rate of up to 25% of the base salary. Applicants will be required to travel to all phases of the hiring process at their own expense. The Secret Service prohibits employees from having visible body markings (including but not limited to tattoos, body art, and branding) on the head, face, neck, hand and fingers (any area below the wrist bone) (exception: a single conservative and unobtrusive tattoo in the form of a ring is authorized on one finger). If you are deemed minimally qualified for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entering Phase 1 of the hiring process. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment. The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to ******************************. DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities. For more information on the Secret Service click here. For definitions of terms found in this announcement, please click here. 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 window Learn more about federal benefits. DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select Benefits. Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more. 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. How you will be evaluated You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. This announcement is being filled using the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Direct-Hire Authority. Agencies may appoint candidates directly to jobs, without regard to the provisions of Title 5 U.S.C.3309 through 3318. Therefore, Veterans' preference does not apply when appointing individuals. For more information on Direct Hire Authority please visit: Direct Hire Authority. Veterans: Although the Direct Hire Authority permits hiring without regard to Veterans Preference, applicants who are eligible for Veterans Preference are encouraged to include that information in their application and submit supporting documentation (See Required Documents section for information on substantiating documents). Upon review, your resume and/or supporting documents need to support your answer choices to the assessment questionnaire. If qualifying based on specialized experience, your resume must also reflect the one year of specialized experience requirement, in order to be considered. If the one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the next lower grade level cannot be identified in your resume, you will be considered not qualified. The competencies needed to perform this job are: * Communications and Media * Manages and Organizes Information * Planning and Evaluating * Security * Technology Application Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the Federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered eligible under ICTAP, you must be placed in the well-qualified category for this position, as described above. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement. An interview may be required for this position. If an interview is required, failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration. 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 Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change. 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 window Learn more about federal benefits. DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select Benefits. Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more. 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. Required documents Required Documents Help In addition to addressing the vacancy specific questions, you must also submit the following documentation: * Resume - 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 learn how to format and submit a two-page resume, please visit the USAJOBS Help Center. In order to receive credit for experience contained in an uploaded resume, your employment history should show work experience in month/year format (MM/YYYY), reflecting starting date and ending date, and include the number of hours worked per week. If the position is/was in the Federal government, you should provide the position series and grade level. Be specific about the skills you have that directly relate to the position. Support your skills with specific examples such as accomplishments or results from your career or education. * Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) from an accredited institution. Once selected and prior to appointment, applicants must provide an official college transcript. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. For example, specific courses accepted for college-level credit by an accredited U.S. college or university, or foreign education evaluated by an organization recognized for accreditation by the Department of Education as education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. college or university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information. * Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Submit a copy of your agency notice, copy of your most recent performance appraisal (with at least a satisfactory rating), and your most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. * Are you a Veteran? Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or notice form. If a DD-214 is not available, submit certification from the Armed Forces that list the beginning and ending dates of active service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out the SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. Click here for more veterans' information. * Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title, Type of appointment (Schedule a, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee) Agency, beginning and ending dates of your appointment. If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.