Home / Federal careers / GS-0086
Security Clerical and Assistance
Performs security support work including visitor processing, badge issuance, and security administrative support.
What GS-0086 pays
2025 base rates, before locality. Most federal employees add a locality adjustment on top.
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-3 | $27,434 | $28,349 | $29,264 | $30,179 | $31,094 | $32,009 | $32,924 | $33,839 | $34,754 | $35,660 |
| GS-4 | $30,795 | $31,822 | $32,849 | $33,876 | $34,903 | $35,930 | $36,957 | $37,984 | $39,011 | $40,038 |
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-6 | $38,407 | $39,687 | $40,967 | $42,247 | $43,527 | $44,807 | $46,087 | $47,367 | $48,647 | $49,927 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
Base pay only. Locality pay adds 15 to 40 percent or more depending on where the job sits. Source: OPM 2025 General Schedule.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for GS-0086, as written.
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Clerical and Administrative Support Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements: There are no Individual Occupational Requirements for this series.
Experience and Education Requirements by Grade Level:
| Grade | General Experience | Specialized Experience | Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1 | None | None | None |
| GS-2 | 3 months | None | High school diploma or equivalent |
| GS-3 | 6 months | None | 1 year above high school |
| GS-4 | 1 year | None | 2 years above high school |
| GS-5 | None | 1 year at GS-4 level | 4 years above high school |
| GS-6+ | None | 1 year at next lower grade | Generally not applicable |
General Experience: Progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work that indicates ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position to be filled.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled.
Education: One year of full-time academic study equals 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or approximately 36 weeks at 20+ classroom hours per week. Education above high school is generally acceptable through GS-5; graduate education is rarely creditable above this level.
Combining Education and Experience: For grades GS-3 through GS-5, applicants may substitute education for experience. Express both as percentages; combined must equal at least 100%.
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- No positive education requirement here, so qualifying experience can stand in for the education.
How to qualify for GS-0086
1Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
2Find Your Grade Level
Grade follows the scope and complexity of the work you can document against the announcement, not the rank you held. OPM does not use military rank or pay when it evaluates specialized experience. Roughly: GS-5 entry, GS-7/9 junior, GS-11/12 journey, GS-13 and up senior.
3Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages. USAJOBS has enforced that limit since 27 September 2025 and will not accept a longer resume from a Title 5 agency posting, so the space has to answer every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact details, and the accomplishments with numbers on them.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that map to this series
Physical Security Specialist
GS-0086 Security Clerical and Assistance covers security assistant roles that are a fast federal entry point while a 5814 builds toward a GS-0080 specialist position.
Skills that carry over: Security records, Access credentialing, Program support, Clearance processing.
Usually opens at: GS-5, GS-6, GS-7.
Fatality Management Specialist
Chain-of-custody discipline and handling of sensitive material align with GS-0086 Security Clerical and Assistance positions.
Skills that carry over: Chain of custody, Sensitive material handling, Process compliance, Documentation.
Usually opens at: GS-4, GS-5, GS-6.
Human Intelligence Specialist
Security clerical and assistance roles offer a clearance-leveraged entry point into personnel-security organizations.
Skills that carry over: Clearance processing, Records management, Customer support.
Usually opens at: GS-5, GS-6, GS-7.
Your record can qualify you even when your code is not on this list. The crosswalk is a starting point, not the gate.
Typical duties
- Process visitors and badges
- Maintain security records
- Assist with clearance processing
- Operate security equipment
- Provide administrative support
- Answer security inquiries
Key competencies
Records Management
Skill in maintaining security files and databases.
Badge Processing
Ability to process identification badges and access credentials.
Visitor Control
Skill in managing visitor registration and access.
Data Entry
Ability to accurately enter and retrieve security information.
Customer Service
Skill in assisting employees and visitors with security matters.
Confidentiality
Understanding of handling sensitive security information.
Office Systems
Proficiency in security management software and databases.
Communication
Ability to answer inquiries about security procedures.
Attention to Detail
Skill in accurately processing security documents.
Scheduling
Ability to coordinate security briefings and appointments.
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about GS-0086
What is a Security Clerical and Assistance position?
A GS-0086 Security Clerical and Assistance position provides administrative support for security programs. These specialists process visitor requests, issue badges, maintain security records, and support security operations at federal facilities and military installations.
How much does a Security Assistant make?
Security Assistants earn between $27,434 (GS-3 Step 1) and $49,927 (GS-6 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most positions are GS-4/5/6, earning $30,795-$49,927 annually plus locality adjustments of 15-30% depending on location.
What are the requirements for GS-0086 positions?
Entry-level positions require general clerical experience or relevant education. Higher grades need experience with visitor processing systems, badge issuance, security databases, and administrative procedures. Familiarity with security protocols and handling sensitive information is essential.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0086?
Yes, military administrative experience supports these positions. Personnel specialists, unit clerks, and those who worked in S-2/G-2 shops have relevant experience. Any experience processing security paperwork, visitor requests, or maintaining security records in the military qualifies for these positions.
What is the career progression for Security Clerical and Assistance?
Security Assistants progress from GS-3/4 (entry) through GS-5/6/7 (senior). Many advance to GS-0080 Security Specialist positions with additional experience and training. The clerical track provides a foundation for broader security careers.
How do I apply for GS-0086 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Security Assistant' or '0086' series. Positions exist at federal buildings, military bases, and agencies with visitor access programs. Your federal resume should highlight administrative skills, customer service experience, and familiarity with security procedures. Attention to detail is crucial.
Ready to apply for GS-0086?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.