COMSEC Custodian

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Air Cyberspace Services Centre (AirCySC) as the COMSEC Custodian based at RAF Marham. The successful candidate will work alongside the Alt COMSEC Custodian, and Air Wing personnel, within the COMSEC Vault. The team will ensure the appropriate management and controls are in place for all Cryptographic material on account and operate in support of RAF Marham Air Base and Air Wing outputs.

Additional training can/will be provided to help broaden knowledge and understanding of cryptographic services. The role will be part of Digital Support Flight based at RAF Marham.

In this full-time role, you will have a strong background in customer service, be self-motivated, collaborative, dynamic and pay close attention to detail.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

The Cryptographic Custodian responsibilities are summarised below:

• Conduct the responsibilities of RAF Marham COMSEC Custodian, responsible to the Station Commander for the receipt, safe custody, distribution to authorised holders, detailed registration, accounting and final disposal of all COMSEC material held on their personnel charge at RAF Marham.
• You are to ensure compliance with policy for the management and accountability on MJDI of Cryptographic equipment and hold responsibility for items held by you on inventory.
• To be thoroughly familiar with current COMSEC regulations relating to COMSEC material supplied to RAF Marham.
• Ensure that sufficient stocks of Cryptographic material are maintained in order to meet the needs of the Stn, but you are only to issue the bare minimum that is required to carry out the task.
• Carry out the duty of ‘On-Call Custodian’ as per the personnel roster and act as the COMSEC Custodian when completing the duty. Allowances will be paid for this activity.
• Check and sign for COMSEC material addressed to RAF Marham, immediately on receipt or take action of the CODES system in reconciling vouchers.
• Make prompt and accurate entries of all amendments issued to COMSEC publications and ensure that proper destruction is carried out for any residue.
• Maintain the Cryptographic listings on CODES, ensuring that each items storage location is correct on the system and cross checked against the Holders monthly check sheets.
• Maintain the Cryptographic Authorisation Database.
• Act as witness to the routine destruction of COMSEC material.
• Carry out the routine destruction of COMSEC material as authorised.
• Issue COMSEC material on loan to authorised holders and provide them with Holders Orders.
• Managing Crypto Authorisation signature certificates and database by ensuring all COMSEC users are current. They are to ensure all Crypto Authorised personnel hold current vetting clearances. Promulgate a monthly list of expired/due to lapse Crypto Authorised personnel and send to Holders or Sqn Adjutants.
• Ensure that the storage arrangements for COMSEC material accord at least with the minimum-security standards laid down in policy, and that correct handling procedures are applied to preclude loss or physical compromise. Attention is to be given to COMSEC material on loan and where possible, you are to inspect COMSEC storage facilities at deployment locations.
• Maintain current plans for the evacuation and protection of the COMSEC material, in the event of fire, disaster or other emergency in accordance with policy.
• Report immediately to the Station Commander, any suspected or actual physical compromise, loss or unauthorised destruction of COMSEC material and take initial reporting action in accordance with policy, completing any follow-up as necessary. The Station Security Officer is also to be notified.
• Assist with the distribution of Cryptographic items weighing up to 25kg.
• Be available to attend specific residential courses required to carry out your duties. These include but are not exclusive to the Crypto Custodian Course, and any future Crypto exploitation courses such as LKMS.
• The role is based at RAF Marham, with occasional travel to RRH Neatishead and a possibility to attend Crypto working groups internationally, (this would be optional).
• In this role, you will provide cryptographic assistance to the Lightning Delivery Team (LDT), CAFHQ, F-35 Squadrons, and QE Carriers regarding F-35 systems. You will maintain the Bearer of Opportunity server, ensuring operational links to QEC and Squadrons, and configure Forward Operating Bases (FOBs). You will also obtain a read-only ALIS account to access CMMS for electronic checks on cryptographic assets embedded within F-35 aircraft. Security and compliance will be a key focus, as you will maintain control of entry lists to secure storage areas, ensuring only authorised personnel have access. You will also react and report to the HoE and AIR FLC regarding any breaches of COMSEC or physical security and be conversant with evacuation and protection plans for COMSEC material in emergencies.
• The custodial team must be prepared to offer technical assistance to LTNG Sqns and the QECC.
• Any additional tasks as directed by OC DSS / OC DSF.

Person specification

An employee may be required to carry out other duties within the scope of the grade and within the limits of their skill, competence, and training.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before appointment. This post requires Developed Vetting (DV) clearance and is restricted to sole UK nationals only to enable the confident attainment, maintenance and assurance of F-35 Programme Special Access Program (SAP) clearances. These clearances are a prerequisite for access to the F-35 Enclave and SAP-restricted facilities within it, including the Alternate Crypto Cell, which are essential to the duties of this role.

The following experience and qualifications are required for this role:

Essential

• Ability to organise and prioritise work in the face of competing demands.
• Attention to Detail.

Desirable

Whilst there will be opportunities to learn in the role, prior knowledge or training in the following areas are beneficial:

• Previous experience with cryptographic services within the MOD.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Leadership
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £30,740, Ministry of Defence contributes £8,905 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Free onsite parking.
• Access to gym facilities.
• On site cafeteria and coffee facilities.
• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service.
• In addition to 8 public holidays per year, you will also receive leave for HM Queen’s birthday.
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

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