Physical Security Specialist

Joshua J. Rivera

*** ******* ***** **********, ** 22602

E-mail: *******@*******.*** - Phone: 703-***-****

QUALIFICATIONS

Having 38 years as a security professional with the ability to rapidly learn and apply Diplomatic Security (DS), legislative, and Department/Interagency security programs, project management, operations, technical consulting, security countermeasures, and Risk Management. Performed training briefings at the Bangkok International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) – Bangkok Thailand, and Budapest ILEA – Budapest Hungary. Have provided expertise to over 27 Embassies, Consulates, American Presence post, and other off sites for the past ten years with Diplomatic Security.

As a physical security specialist, plan, organize, manage, and coordinate a broad portfolio of high-profile, high-priority physical security countermeasures projects at selected overseas posts within a specified geographic region. Keen Knowledge on physical security conditions at each assigned post, knowing the number and impact of physical security deficiencies relative to standards and implementing mitigation strategies to address vulnerabilities in the East Asia Pacific region.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

November 2015 – Present

U.S. Department of State (DoS), Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS)

Office of Physical Security Programs (PSP), Project Coordination Division (PCD)

East Asia Pacific Region (EAP), Physical Security Specialist (PSC - GS-13)

Distinguished Performance Award, December 2016, for outstanding work providing expertise for several projects in Turkey. Assumed Acting Section Chief, Senior Desk Officer duties and responsibilities from October 2018 until April 2019 and again from October 2022 through October 2023.

As Acting Section Chief for High Threat High Risk post in the Foreign Service, directed a diverse team within the High Threat, High Risk (HTP) regional group. Assigned tasks and optimized workload by expertise, adjusting priorities to ensure prompt achievement of objectives. Communicated PCD’s strategy, mission, and values, embedding them into the section’s operations. Vetted all correspondence, waiver requests, and security inquiries at posts, including proposals for upgrades and shifts in threat levels. Tracked project progress through site surveys and direct engagement, maintaining a current internal site for team awareness.

As a desk officer for Eastern Asia Pacific post in the Foreign Service, advised leadership on physical security strategies in response to attacks or emergencies. Reported milestone progress and ensured team engagement in goal setting. Aligned PCD strategies with DS and Overseas Building Operations (OBO) units, particularly DS International Programs (IP), and maximized goal integration. Demonstrated robust analytical ability with PSP and Department security standards, including waivers and exceptions. Managed waiver and exception requests for desk operations. Draft and review waiver requests, and security inquiries from posts, Foreign Affairs agencies, and RSOs.

Cultivate productive collaboration with counterparts supporting Department objectives in my area. Communicate clearly to advise, brief, interpret, liaise, and represent the office in interagency forums. Collaborates with RSOs overseas to assess physical security at Government facilities and residences. Advises Department management and overseas RSOs on countermeasures policies, standards, programs, and operations, addressing challenges as they arise. Appraises and recommends protective measures by gauging site-specific threats, current standards, and local resources.

As an authority in physical security, I routinely present in-person and written briefings for Department leadership, oversight entities, and senior U.S. Government officials as a desk officer. I possess detailed knowledge of compliance levels at assigned posts regarding residential security standards. I advise on residential security measures for RSOs overseas, monitor annual security budgets, and ensure alignment with Departmental funding schedules.

Served as principal PSP/PCD contact for RSOs regarding the Department’s Soft Target/Overseas Schools Security Program (OSSGP). Coordinated OSSGP funding requests with RSOs and relevant OBO units. Coordinated design reviews of OBO projects to ensure OSPB compliance for adherence to standards. I provide policy guidance to security officers, specialists, and contractors on meeting legal and regulatory security requirements in various overseas settings. I approve project drawings and plans to ensure adherence to security standards, identifying necessary measures to protect each construction effort.

Ensure the implementation of OSPB standards and statutory mandates, such as Public Law 106-113 (SECCA), at overseas posts. Set project priorities, authorize final approvals, and craft security policies to guard national security data, COM personnel, and facilities abroad. Convey recommendations to the post and OBO for remedial strategies and for ranking identified gaps. Draft and review waiver requests, and security inquiries from posts, Foreign Affairs agencies, and RSOs. Cultivate productive collaboration with counterparts supporting Department objectives in my area. Communicate clearly to advise, brief, interpret, liaise, and represent the office in interagency forums.

Respond to internal requests—taskers, briefing papers, talking points, memoranda, and SCORE documentation—for Senior DS Leadership, often under time constraints. This involves risk assessments from two external DS-contracted sources. Supplied essential documents, including SCORE cards, white papers, and waiver/exception analyses outlining deficiencies with approved mitigations.

June 2009 – 2015: Federal Bureau of Investigation (Contract, Keane Federal/NTT Data Federal)

Physical Security Specialist / Emergency Preparedness Coordinator / COOP Coordinator /COMSEC Custodian

Handled and support four Security Program Areas (Physical Security, Emergency Preparedness, COMSEC, and COOP). Emergency Preparedness Program Coordinator, Collateral Duty Environmental Safety Official (CDESHO) OSHA Certified. Responsible for reviewing proposed SCIF construction drawings for buildouts and commenting and/or correcting per DCID 6/9 and ICD 705 requirements. Conducted site surveys during SCIF construction to ensure adherence to ICD 705 standards. Also conduct site surveys to determine the feasibility of establishing Temporary Secure Working Areas (TSWAs)

1999-2007: US Department of State DS/PSP/FSD/PCB (Contract, IMSI)

EDUCATION

2015 – MS/PhD – Life Christian University – Theology – four classes left MS/four classes left PhD

1990 – AAS Degree – Northern Virgina Community College – Police Science/Security Administration.

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