Foreign Service Diplomatic Courier

**Duties**:
Foreign Service Diplomatic Couriers assist in worldwide security programs that provide secure transportation services for Department of State classified diplomatic pouches. Diplomatic Couriers safeguard and escort diplomatic pouches containing classified and sensitive material between U.S. diplomatic missions overseas and the Department of State. The Department carries out this mission at more than 275 embassies and consulates around the world, offices in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area, and other locations in the United States.

Diplomatic Couriers spend most of their career in a constant state of travel. Couriers are assigned to regional offices and travel from these postings to constituent embassies and consulates in the region.

Diplomatic Courier duties may include the supervision of subordinate staff and the actual performance of some, or all, of the following functions:
Safeguarding Classified Material:

- Performs travel and transports classified material
- Escorts other couriers/provides security for shipments for extended periods of time
- Provides container watch and security for shipments
- Performs pouching
- Operates light-duty motor vehicles, such as medium-sized cargo vans including the ability to operate a vehicle on the flight line
- Operates warehouse material handling equipment
- Loads and unloads vehicles, material handling equipment, containers, and pallets
- Assesses risks and identifies contingencies
- Assists posts with diplomatic pouch questions
- Provides administrative support within the office

Planning:

- Develops travel plans
- Arranges logistic operations support
- Coordinates with Embassies/Consulates
- Negotiates prices and delivery schedules with vendors
- Develops pouch escort schedules
- Prepares for work in extreme environmental conditions, including heat, cold, and/or noise
- Maintains records
- Performs financial tasks
- Provides customer service contingency: based on current information, desk officer briefings and past experience, develops contingency plans in advance to overcome issues or obstacles encountered while transporting/safeguarding classified material

Managing:

- Establishes working relationships
- Demonstrates commitment to EEO principles
- Communicates with others
- Follows security procedures
- Resolves disputes
- Assists Regional Diplomatic Courier Offices/hubs
- Works with other government offices
- Drafts trip and other reports
- Improves cultural sensitivity and language capability
- Trains others
- Seeks professional development
- Supervises and evaluates staff (at senior job levels)

Other Duties as Assigned

**Requirements**:
**Conditions of Employment**:

- Be a U.S. citizen and available for worldwide service.*
- Be able to obtain/maintain Top Secret Security Clearance and TS/SCI access.
- Be able to obtain appropriate Foreign Service Medical Clearance.
- Be at least 20 years old to apply; at least 21 years old to be appointed.
- Be appointed prior to age 60 (preference eligible veterans excepted).**:

- Possess and maintain a valid/current U.S. Driver’s License.
- Be Able to obtain a favorable Suitability determination.**

**Essential Physical Requirements**:
Some of the essential functions of the Diplomatic Courier have a physically demanding component. A Courier must meet the following physical requirements:

- Vision: Ability to see objects that are near, far, or at night.
- Hearing: Ability to hear speech or other sounds, including sufficient sensitivity to hear sounds of low volume or in noisy environments.
- Speaking: Ability to speak clearly enough so others will understand, including speaking to groups.
- Mobility: Ability to walk moderate distances, climb stairs, or access work stations and vehicles.
- Running: Ability to run short distances, up to 250 feet.
- Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 70 lbs., as well as climb ladders or balance.
- Torso Flexibility: Ability to bend, stretch, stoop, twist, or reach.
- Dexterity: Ability to manipulate small objects with hands or fingers.
- Physical Endurance: Ability to perform movements repeatedly or continually, including the ability to stand for extended periods or take frequent extended trips by plane or other vehicles.
- Mental Endurance: Ability to maintain attention for extended periods or work long hours.
- Tolerance for Extreme Environmental Conditions: Ability to tolerate heat, cold, noise, or pollution.
- Lifting: Ability to lift pouches of 70 pounds waist high and hold for 10 seconds without assistance.
- Climbing: Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and other inclines.
- Crawling: Ability to crawl under, around, or over objects.

The Diplomatic Courier Standards Form can be found at DS Diplomatic Courier Supplemental Physical Standards Form.

**Qualifications**:
**Experience**
- Experience in office operations in a government agency or a business, or an industrial firm servicing a client or client organization, demonstrating initiativ