Access Control Officer (ACO) - ATL3-RZ

Cencore-LLC-1; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

CenCore is seeking an Access Control Officer to support protection of facilities, assets, personnel, and information. You will control access to restricted areas, verify credentials, and conduct screening to uphold security standards while delivering professional customer service to employees and visitors.

The role involves patrolling, incident response, and collaboration with security teams to maintain secure operations and compliance with protocols.

Qualifications

• Secret clearance is required for this role.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain/maintain clearance are required.
• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Experience as an Access Control Officer or in related security roles is required.
• Knowledge of access control procedures and security technologies is required.

Responsibilities

• Control access to facilities and restricted areas following security protocols.
• Verify identifications, credentials, and clearances to permit access.
• Operate access control and security technologies (biometric devices, CCTV, alarms).
• Monitor cameras and alarms to prevent unauthorized activity and respond to incidents.
• Screen for prohibited devices or materials at checkpoints.
• Escort visitors and non-cleared personnel in sensitive areas as needed.
• Assist with evacuations, drills, and emergency response activities.
• Document incidents, maintain logs, and report concerns to management.

Skills

Secret clearance

US citizenship

High school diploma

Access control experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Access control systems

Biometric devices

CCTV

Alarm systems

Handheld screening devices

Job description

• Location CONFIDENTIAL,Augusta, GA, 30909,United States
• Base Pay $34.00 - $38.00 / Hour
• Job Category Access Control, Physical Security, Security
• Industry National Security, Defense, Security Services
• Employee Type FT Non-Exempt
• Required Degree High school
• Manage Others No

CenCore is seeking an Access Control Officer to support the protection of sensitive facilities, assets, personnel, and information. This role controls access to restricted areas, verifies credentials and clearance levels, conducts screening for prohibited devices or materials, escorts non-cleared personnel, monitors security systems, and responds to security incidents in accordance with established protocols.

The ideal candidate is dependable, professional, and able to enforce security procedures while providing a strong customer service experience for employees, visitors, vendors, clients, and other site personnel.

Key Responsibilities

• Control access to designated facilities, sensitive areas, and classified or restricted information in accordance with established security protocols and clearance requirements.
• Verify personnel identification, credentials, and clearances to ensure only authorized individuals are granted access.
• Operate access control systems, biometric devices, handheld screening equipment, and other security technologies.
• Monitor security cameras, alarm systems, and surveillance equipment to identify and help prevent unauthorized activity or security breaches.
• Conduct screening for prohibited devices, items, or materials at established screening checkpoints.
• Escort visitors, vendors, and non-cleared personnel in sensitive areas during construction, maintenance, or other critical work tasks.
• Assist with site evacuations, training drills, and emergency response activities, including high-risk emergency situations.
• Conduct periodic patrols, including walking routes and stair/ramp use, to verify physical security barriers and access control compliance.
• Respond to and report security incidents, breaches, concerns, or suspicious activity in coordination with security personnel, management, and government representatives.
• Maintain accurate documentation, access control records, incident reports, activity logs, and security records.
• Support improvements to access control processes, procedures, and security measures.
• Provide professional customer service while consistently enforcing security standards.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive or classified information.
• Participate in required security training and remain current on applicable procedures, protocols, and best practices.
• Comply with company policies, federal regulations, clearance requirements, and site-specific security procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Secret clearance required.
• U.S. citizenship required; must be able to provide a valid U.S. Passport Book or Passport Card.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience as an Access Control Officer, Security Officer, Physical Security Officer, or in a related security role.
• Knowledge of access control procedures, physical security protocols, screening standards, and security technologies.
• Ability to stand and conduct screening activities with handheld detectors or devices for extended periods, up to 12 hours with scheduled breaks.
• Ability to conduct routine indoor and outdoor foot patrols in varying weather conditions, including patrols that may take up to two hours during an 8- to 12-hour shift.
• Ability to professionally enforce standard operating procedures, including denying entry when prohibited items or materials are identified.
• Ability to work independently, make sound decisions under pressure, and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and holdover shifts when required to maintain minimum staffing levels.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment in a secure environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional relevant security certifications, training, or coursework.
• Experience supporting cleared facilities, government sites, secure construction environments, data centers, or critical infrastructure.
• Experience using access control systems, biometric devices, CCTV, alarm systems, handheld screening devices, or other physical security technologies.
• Experience conducting visitor control, escorting, screening, patrol, or incident response functions.
• Security awareness and sound judgment
• Strong attention to detail
• Observation and reporting
• Clear verbal and written communication
• Professional customer service
• Conflict de-escalation and procedure enforcement
• Integrity and confidentiality
• Reliability and punctuality
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to remain calm and focused in high-stress environments

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Work is performed on-site in a secure facility environment that may include access control posts, screening checkpoints, patrol routes, interior areas, exterior areas, construction or maintenance areas, and other controlled spaces.
• Must be able to walk approximately 3–5 miles during a shift.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods, including up to 60 minutes at a time and prolonged standing during screening or post duties.
• Must be able to climb stairs and/or ramps frequently and ladders occasionally.
• Must be able to conduct patrols inside and outside in varying weather conditions.
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs. / 22.5 kg.
• Must be able to occasionally push or pull 50–75 lbs. / 22.5–34 kg. with an assistive device.
• Must have normal visual acuity, including near, far, and peripheral vision with correction as needed.
• Normal color vision may be required for certain site duties.
• Must be able to work in a high-stress environment and respond appropriately during emergencies, drills, security incidents, or access disputes.

Company Overview

At CenCore, we deliver security solutions that support critical national security missions. We specialize in designing, building, securing, and maintaining advanced technology environments at the intersection of emerging technology and national security. We are seeking a dependable, cleared professional to join our team in support of secure physical security operations.

Compensation Overview

Eligible employees may enroll in company-sponsored medical, dental, and vision benefits in accordance with plan terms and enrollment requirements. The company contributes toward employee healthcare premiums, subject to plan provisions.

Employees are also eligible to participate in the company's 401(k) retirement savings plan, including employer matching contributions in accordance with plan guidelines and eligibility requirements.

Paid time off, sick leave, and holiday benefits are provided in accordance with company policy, applicable contract requirements, and federal, state, and local laws. Benefit eligibility and accrual rates may vary based on position, location, and length of service.

The company is committed to equitable pay practices and does not seek or rely on an applicant's wage history when making compensation decisions.

Benefits may be modified from time to time in accordance with company policy and applicable law.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CenCore is an equal opportunity employer. We hire based on merit and qualifications and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.