Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Department of State | Date published 03/23/23 | 10-minute read
Have you heard of the Diplomatic Security Service? If not, check out this information sent straight to UB, with stories and experiences written by a UB alumni-turned Special Agent as well as a Security Engineer Officer. If this article piques your interest, stay tuned! The DSS is planning on holding a live virtual informational session in late April/early May. Keep checking your Handshake Events for all of the great connections you might make!
What is the Diplomatic Security Service?
The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is the law enforcement and security arm of the U.S. Department of State. Our personnel include security engineers, security technical specialists, diplomatic couriers, civil servants and more than 2,000 special agents.
What do Special Agents do?
DSS special agents are sworn federal law enforcement officers, armed with arrest authority, and members of the U.S. Foreign Service. They are located in more foreign countries than any other law enforcement organization, serving at more than 270 U.S. embassies and consulates. DSS special agents protect State Department people, facilities, and information. Their responsibilities include investigating transnational crime, protecting the U.S. Secretary of State and visiting foreign dignitaries, providing security for U.S. athletes at international sporting events, securing U.S. diplomatic posts, and advising ambassadors on all security matters. A few highlights of special agents’ work include returning more than 300 fugitives annually; training and equipping foreign law enforcement partners to counter terrorism in their respective regions; and global investigations that have deterred sex traffickers, human smugglers, money launderers, and others.
What roles are there for those with a more technical background?
Many of DSS’s initiatives would not be possible without the dedication of security engineering officers (SEOs) and security technical specialists (STSs). SEOs administer and manage the technical and cyber security programs that counter acts of espionage and crime; protect State Department personnel, information, and facilities; and serve as technical security subject matter experts. Similarly, STSs provide technical support, install and maintain technical security systems.
What is it like to work as a Special Agent? – from SA Werner Tsin:
“The career of a Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agent is as varied as the backgrounds of those who fulfill the duties. Many of the most successful DSS Agents I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years have had backgrounds ranging from recent college or graduate school graduates, to teachers and lawyers, to former Foreign Service Officers and Peace Corps volunteers, to prior local or state law enforcement officers, and military veterans. The diversity of our agents is a strong suit for us as an agency. No matter your background, an ability to adapt, think quickly, and act decisively is key,especially since DSS Special Agents are often given a great deal of authority and responsibility very early in their careers.
Every job or career has its pros and cons, but it’s all about your motivations. My priority was to provide for my family, not only financially, but with life experiences, especially for my children who have had invaluable experiences overseas (whether they realize it yet, or not). Stability can be a challenge, but there are ways to make it work. If you are someone who likes to change what you are doing every few years, then you would be very comfortable as a DSS Special Agent. There is no doubt that as a DSS Special Agent you will get to do amazing things all around the U.S., and the world, and often have a front row seat to history in the making.”
Werner Tsin began his career with the Diplomatic Security Service in 2009. His first assignment was in the New York Field Office as a criminal investigator and a protection liaison officer specializing in airport operations. He then went on to be an Assistant Shift Leader on the Secretary of State’s Protective Detail (SD) and conducted protective operations around the world for both Secretary Clinton and Secretary Kerry. He also served as an Assistant Regional Security Officer (ARSO) at Embassy Lusaka, Zambia, Consulate Erbil, Iraq, and Embassy Jakarta, Indonesia. Werner currently is assigned to the Buffalo Resident Office.
Prior to joining the U.S. Department of State, Werner was a Postal Inspector with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in the New York Division. He was also a New York City Police Officer for five years and was a U.S. Army Infantryman for 12 years, including a combat tour in Iraq. Werner earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Born and raised in New York City, Werner speaks some Mandarin Chinese and French.
What is it like to work as a SEO? – from SEO Jason Haskins
“After working as a product development engineer for a few years, I was interested in finding a position in the government after a trip to Washington, D.C.. I went on USAJobs.gov and typed in “Engineer” and was fascinated by the security engineering officer description. I had no knowledge of the U.S. Department of State or the mission of Diplomatic Security; I also did not have any overseas travel or foreign language experience. I read about the Foreign Service and thought this was an opportunity to serve the country, use my engineering degree, and finally see the world. I had nothing to lose so I applied. I have now worked for DS since 2010.
It’s been a great career where I lived overseas for seven years and have visited about forty countries for either work at one of the Department’s facilities or for personal travel. Security Engineering Officers support the Department by keeping our people, property, and information safe for diplomacy by using technology. We support all the systems from the security doors at the street entrance to surveillance cameras to the internal alarm systems that protect secure offices. Engineers will also provide guidance and recommendations to protect classified information.
My favorite part of the job is that the Foreign Service requires you to change assignments every two or three years. I worked for four years in Eastern Europe, then transferred to Africa, then our Training Directorate in D.C., and now the DSS Recruitment Unit. We are constantly adapting and learning new skills.
The Foreign Service is great for those looking to travel, see a lot of places and support the U.S. government’s foreign policy goals. DSS is hiring for special agents, engineers, and technicians. The Foreign Service has great opportunities, visit careers.state.gov to learn more!”
What are some benefits of working in the Foreign Service?
As a member of the Foreign Service special agents, diplomatic couriers, SEOs, and STSs are eligible for:
- Education and training –ranging from leadership and management, technical systems/new technologies, external training/graduate programs
- Generous federal benefits –including a federal retirement plan, vacation and sick leave, and life and health insurance.
- Special pay and expense reimbursement related to status and/or overseas assignments –moving expenses, danger pay (location dependent), rest and recuperation leave, paid housing or a housing allowance, and paid education for dependent children (K-12).
- A full list of benefits and training opportunities are available at careers.state.gov/ds. Make sure you scroll down toward the bottom of the page, click on the job title, then click on “Learn More.”
Qualification, requirements and how to apply!
- All special agents must be U.S. citizens, at least 20 years old (to apply), at least 21 years of age (to be appointed), eligible for Top Secret clearance, be able to serve anywhere in the world and have a U.S. driver’s license. They must also have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and be able to testify in court.
- Additional requirements for Security Engineering Officers and Security Technical Specialists:
- SEOs must have a Bachelor or Master of Science degree from an ABET-accredited engineering, physics, computer science, or cybersecurity program. STSs must have a high school diploma or equivalent, in addition to three years specialized work experience.
- To learn more about Diplomatic Security Service Careers, contact DSS Recruitment at DSSCareers@state.gov.
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