Skip to main content
U.S. Secret Service logo

Photographer (Forensics)

U.S. Secret Service
6 days ago
Full-time
On-site
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
$85,447 - $85,447 USD yearly
Photography & Videography

Duties

The selectee will serve as a Photographer (Forensics) in the Office of Field Operations, Forensic Services Division. Typical work assignments include:

  • Collecting photographic imagery data for 3-D model design and technical simulation training development; using various complex software systems to process images into 360 degree panoramic and outputs images in a variety to align different uses.
  • Providing protective survey photography to enhance the safety and security of stakeholders.
  • Providing photograph/visual imagery utilizing drone technology to assist in investigative and protective applications, case work, and legal implications.
  • Participating in complex research projects to develop new prototypes and photographic techniques (i.e., using macro/microphotography, laser, infrared, ultraviolet, x-ray and low light photography and designs and constructs of new equipment (i.e. new cameras, lenses, light sources, filters, and processing equipment).
Apply for this exciting opportunity to impact the Secret Service mission by supporting the investigative and protection Mission.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service
If selected for this position, you will be required to:
  • Obtain and maintain a Top Secret Tier 5 clearance. For more information visit OPM Mythbuster Page.
  • Submit a credit check after a conditional offer of employment has been accepted.
  • Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment and random drug testing while you occupy the position.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial 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 or trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

To be considered qualified for this position you must meet the following qualification requirements for the respective grade level in which you are applying.

You qualify for the GS-11 level if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-10 level performing duties such as:

  • Selecting appropriate photographic equipment and composition techniques to capture various types of images.
  • Photographing people, events, facilities, equipment, or field activities.
  • Using digital imaging software to process photographic images or visual files.
You qualify for the GS-12 level if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level performing duties such as:
  • Carrying out forensic photographic assignments of subjects in various types of environments.
  • Producing photographic or visual imagery products for use in investigations or other official purposes.
  • Advising stakeholders on photographic requirements to meet organizational needs.


Time-in-Grade Requirements: Under competitive merit promotion procedures, any individual who is currently holding, or who has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under a non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet "time-in-grade" requirements (have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade of the grade for which you are applying). Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to current competitive service employees applying for a Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. NOTE: All current or former Federal employees must provide a copy of their SF-50, "Notice of Personnel Action" that indicates proof of status and time-in-grade eligibility. The SF-50 must include your position, title, series, grade, step, tenure (1 or 2), and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). You may need to submit more than one SF-50 to comply.

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.

Current or Former Political Appointees: 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.

Education

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

Additional information

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.

If you receive a conditional offer of employment 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 entry on duty. 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 Β§ 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R Β§ 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 HRsupport@usss.dhs.gov.

More than one selection may be made from this announcement if additional identical vacancies in the same title, series, grade and unit occur.

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

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).

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.