Polygraph Examiner

Security and Counterintelligence is responsible for the protection of NSA/CSS information, people and facilities worldwide. In support of this mission, Polygraph Examiners help ensure that only trustworthy individuals receive access to classified information by using structured polygraph examinations, including interviews and interrogations, to obtain information in making adjudicative decisions. Polygraph Examiners are required to successfully complete the National Center for Credibility Assessment's Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (PDD) Course. Examiners must be able to travel to Columbia, South Carolina for a 12-week period. After completing training, the responsibilities of a Polygraph Examiner include, but are not limited to: - Applying principles and methods of physiological response assessment (e.g., polygraph assessment), including test techniques, scoring methods, and regulations - Applying techniques of interviewing, elicitation, debriefing, and/or interrogation in a systematic manner - Preparing accurate and complete reports that document processes, outcomes, and findings - Creating a product based on analysis of security and/or counterintelligence data - Travel opportunities may be available and required to complete mission needs - Upon successful completion of the National Center for Credibility Assessment PDD Course and required NSA-specific polygraph training, polygraph examiners are eligible for federal supplement pay, which is a significant increase to base pay. NOTE: - Continued assignment to the Polygraph Examiner work role is contingent upon completion of the National Center for Credibility Assessment's PDD Course, as well as any associated requirements (including continuing education needed to maintain certification). - Candidates hired for this position will be required to complete a four-year commitment to the Polygraph Examiner work role.

Job Summary

Polygraph Examiners apply the principles and methods of physiological detection of deception to Agency employees and affiliates to determine their eligibility for Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) access. These polygraph assessments are conducted by Polygraph Examiners in support of Personnel Security's comprehensive Personnel Security processing program, designed to ensure a trusted workforce. Polygraph Examiners conduct polygraph assessments for initial clearance eligibility, continued access, and special issues with a personnel security suitability or counterintelligence nexus.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. A degree in any field is acceptable. ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience. FULL PERFORMANCE Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience. Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: security, law enforcement, behavioral science, investigations, interrogations, polygraph, or a related field. Experience must also include gathering, analyzing, or synthesizing information.

Competencies

The ideal candidate has a desire for continual learning with excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills who is: - Able to work as an individual, and in a team and/or classroom environment - Well-organized and able to handle multiple assignments - Able to handle and adapt to constructing feedback - A strong written and oral communicator - Able to deal with conflict or difficult situations and topics - Present a mature, professional demeanor and appearance Knowledge and relevant experience in one or more of the following is desired: - Behavioral Science - Counseling - Security - Law Enforcement - Counterintelligence Investigations - Polygraph Although any degree is acceptable, a degree in Criminology, Behavioral Science, Law Enforcement, Psychology, or Political Science is preferred. Candidates must be: - Able to maintain certification by completing a minimum of 80 hours of continuing education every two years. - In possession of a 4-year degree or greater from an accredited college or university

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position. Salary Range: $60,348 - $139,166 (Entry, Full Performance) Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position. Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience. Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package. Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible), with the option to participate in a 5/4/9 work schedule. Travel may be required. DCIPS Trial Period: If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.

How to apply

Apply soonest, as job postings can close earlier than stated end dates due to changes in requirements. It is important to review and note the minimum qualifications, as only those applicants who meet the required qualifications will be contacted to continue the employment process. Please populate the resume tool to showcase any relevant work experience and education related to the position and answer any applicable screening questions. Information collected will be used to determine eligibility, and failure to provide accurate information may result in disqualification for this position. A confirmation email will be sent after submission of the first application and also after any future updates to submitted applications. **Due to time sensitive communications regarding applications, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. For job vacancies that include stated testing requirements, also include the following: @uwe.nsa.gov, @nsa.gov, and @pearson.com** U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. NSA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process.
The following four narrative questions provide an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. (Please attach in application) 1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience. 2. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes. 3. How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired. 4. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.

DCIPS Disclaimer

**VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS** Thank you for your service! The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions at NSA are in the Excepted Service under Title 10, United States Codes (U.S.C.), Section 1601 appointment authority. Veterans' Preference In accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, "DoD Civilian Personnel Management System: Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System Employment and Placement," NSA applies veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5, U.S.C., to eligible candidates. If you are claiming veterans' preference, you are required to provide acceptable documentation of your preference eligibility upon application. Acceptable documentation includes: - DD-214: "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions (Copy 4); OR - Certification of Service: A written document on letterhead from the appropriate branch of the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The certification should include the military service dates, including the expected discharge or release date; AND - Standard Form 15 (SF-15) Application for 10-point Veteran Preference (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf). If you are claiming a service-connected disability of 30 percent or more, the documentation you provide must specifically demonstrate this level of disability; AND - VA Letter of Disability (for 10pt and Sole Survivorship rating) You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center, or online (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/). **Failure to provide sufficient documentation of veterans' preference eligibility may preclude NSA from identifying you as a preference eligible candidate during the hiring selection process.