Polygraph Examiner | National Security Agency

 

Polygraph Examiner
Location: Fort Meade, MD
Job Posting: 1206963
Salary: $53,105 - $122,459
Closing Date: May 25, 2023

Responsibilities

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 Basic 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 Basic Course and required NSA-specific polygraph training, polygraph examiners are eligible for federal supplement pay, which is significant increase to base pay.

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.

Degree in Criminology, Behavioral Science, Law Enforcement, Psychology, or Political Science is preferred, but a degree in any field is acceptable.

Continued assignment to the Polygraph Examiner work role is contingent upon completion of the National Center for Credibility Assessment's Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (PDD) program as well as any associated requirements (including continuing education needed to maintain certification). Relevant experience must be in security, law enforcement, behavioral science, counterintelligence investigations, polygraph, or a related field.

ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL

Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience.

Experience in security, law enforcement, behavioral science, counterintelligence investigations, polygraph, or a related field is desired.

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 security, law enforcement, behavioral science, counterintelligence investigations, polygraph, or a related field. Certification as a special agent or equivalent investigative certification (CIA investigator and/or OPM investigator) is preferred.


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

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

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: $53,105 - $122,459 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance)

This position is hiring for Maryland.

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday- Friday with basic 8 hr/ day work requirements between 0600 and 1800 (flexible). Travel may be required.

On-the job training, internal NSA Courses, and external training will be made available based on the need and experience of the selectee.


How to apply

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.

Due to time sensitive communications regarding your application, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. Please review the job posting thoroughly to ensure you meet the described qualifications and are aware of all associated requirements. To apply for this position, please click the 'Apply' button located at the top right of this posting. After completing the application for the first time, or reviewing previously entered information, and clicking the 'Submit' button, you will receive a confirmation email. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as job postings could close earlier than the closing date due to sufficient number of applicants, or the position is no longer available. You may be asked a series of questions depending on the position you apply for. Your responses will be used as part of the application screening process and will assist in determining your eligibility for the position. Be sure to showcase within your resume those experiences relevant to this position. Failure to provide the required information or providing inaccurate information will result in your application not being considered for this position. Only those applicants who meet all position qualifications, may be contacted to begin employment processing. Please remain diligent in monitoring email and your SPAM folder. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate. Please visit our Diversity link for more information.

This position is a Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under 10 U.S.C. 1601. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility.

DCIPS Disclaimer

The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority.