background check/security clearance: Dept. of Interior

Uzumaki Naruto | 2011-06-26 | Uzumaki Naruto

[uzumaki_naruto]

Hi:

I was wondering if anyone can help me out. It seems most of the jobs in Bureau of Land Management (DOI) require:

background check/security clearance.

Some of them require SF-86 which includes travel history.

I was born in Hong Kong (left young for Canada to escape communism), then came to US and ended up being citizen here. I still have citizenship status in HK and Canada (sorry Freepers, don't get mad at me).

I traveled alot back to Canada, up to 5 times per year on very short trips (long weekend to 1-week trips), spending up to 1 month in Canada per year. The SF-86 does not have enough space for them. I don't go back to HK very often (once in 2-3 years for 1 week or so) and basically know no one there except for my sibling who went back to work after finishing studies in Canada.

BLM is not DoD. I know that extensive foreign travel is bad in getting DoD clearance.

Canada is a friendly country. HK is iffy as it's now part of PRC.

I am not looking to work in any sensitive DoD or DoE labs, but one of the BLM positions is a pretty good fit.

USA is my home now, and I am a proud citizen, but do you think those foreign travel back to HK and Canada will hurt me? If I knew beforehand, I would not travel so much. I rather take many short trips than one big one.

If it's SF-86, 7 years of travel history would be more than 40 trips.

The thing is, if my current employer finds out that I am applying for a job, I am toast. I am sure when the background investigation comes, they'll contact my employer. I hate to lose my current job and not get the BLM job at the same time for reasons of "foreign preference/foreign influence".

Does anyone know of the policy in DOI/BLM? If it's DoD clearance, I think my chances may not be so good. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks!!!!

[driftdiver]

The foreign travel shouldn’t be a big problem. If you look close there should be instructions saying you can add additional information on an attached paper.

They won’t necessarily contact your current employer but they will verify employment. Lots of ways for them to do that.

I’d say getting the position is probably a long shot though.

BTW, legal immigrants aren’t a problem.

[T-Bird45]

SF-86 = tell all or forget getting the job. The BI for a non-DOD is not the proctoscope that it is for DOD but not disclosing material information completely will sink your application.

[Perdogg]

This is kind of odd for the DOI. I thought that an agency had to sponsor a candidate before an SF86. Maybe they want to get the paperwork started if they hire you.

[Palter]

DSS treats a naturalized citizen just the same as an ordinary citizen.

As for the background check. Yeah, they will contact your current employer, so have a plan.

Dattebayo

[uzumaki_naruto]

Perdogg: I think at some point, I need to fill out SF-86.

Everyone: thanks for your replies!

[Captain7seas]

Apparently with the confirmation of Comrad Panetta as Sec. of Defense background checks have been suspended.

[fire4effect]

1. A good freeper has no business trolling for these types of government jobs.

2. The department of the interior has no business running these types of extensive background checks. Another waste of money.

[Palter]

-Snicker-

The nomenklatura always get a pass.

[preamble]

uh. I would stay away from all federal government jobs.
The red tape and bureacracy is not worth it.
You better love the job and feel it is your unique calling.

because of 9/11 and the chance some person could hack into
federal systems, almost everyone has to get an extensive background
check.
including talking to your former landlords, neighbors, etc.

[driftdiver]

ready...fire...aim?

[fire4effect]

>>>>>because of 9/11 and the chance some person could hack into
federal systems, almost everyone has to get an extensive background
check.
including talking to your former landlords, neighbors, etc.>>>>

I do not think this is really necessary. This is just another excuse to expand the scope, size, and expense of government.

[Myrddin]

I have 2 employees that have been in the process for a TS clearance since last August. One just threw in the towel and took a job with
Google. Too bad. He’s a great team player and mentor to his co-workers. The other one is hanging in. It is very inconvenient to have staff on
the unclassified and classified sides of a project. It’s a necessary situation to have enough developer bandwidth to meet deadlines and keep the uncleared staff productive and engaged.

[Tainan]

Fill out the form as honestly and completely as you can. There will probably be a notation to attach an extra page if necessary...do so. It is to your advantage;reason being is that this will be reviewed by a government drone...maybe GS-8 or 9. Their eyes will glaze over and begin to lose focus after the first 2 minutes.

Also, speak with a pronounced and precise British accent. This will establish you, in their mind, as an ally and not a red dog Chinese irritant to their job.

In case you're wondering, I am completely serious in my suggestions. I have dealt with minor bureaucrats such as these for 30+ yrs. Good Fortune.
(gloss over the Canaduh part as much as possible, eh)