Alternate Special Security Officer - National Security Research Oversight Office

National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Colorado; On-site; USD 100,400 - 180,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Disability insurance

Pension

403(b) with employer match

Life/AD&D

PTO/sick leave

Holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Relocation options

Job summary

National Renewable Energy Laboratory seeks an experienced Alternate Special Security Officer to lead on-site security operations for SCIF construction and to ensure DOE/SCIF policy compliance. The role evolves to support NSRO security programs across the site and collaborates with OLP.

The candidate will manage security procedures, training, incident reporting, and liaison with government agencies, contractors, and NLR management to safeguard classified materials.

Qualifications

• Active DOE clearance with SCI access (polygraph may be required).
• U.S. citizenship required; ability to obtain SCI access and pass polygraph tests.

Responsibilities

• Serve as on-site authority for construction security operations and site access controls.
• Supervise and coordinate security technicians and access personnel.
• Review drawings to verify security requirements compliance and maintain documentation.

Skills

Security operations

Policy writing

Training & mentoring

SCIF construction knowledge

Interagency liaison

Investigation reporting

Compliance with ICDs

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

PhD

Juris Doctor

Job description

Overview

Posting Title: Alternate Special Security Officer - National Security Research Oversight Office. Location: CO - Golden. Position Type: Regular. Hours Per Week: 40.

The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) is the nation\'s primary laboratory for energy systems research and development. We are a mission-driven organization with strong collaborations across industry, academia, and other national laboratories, focusing on affordable and secure energy solutions. We offer robust professional development opportunities and a competitive benefits package.

The National Security Research Oversight Office (NSRO) enables and oversees NLR\'s portfolio of national security work in accordance with DOE and other governmental requirements. NLR is seeking an individual experienced in special security operations to join NSRO as an Alternate Special Security Officer (ASSO). This position reports to the NSRO Director and supports the Special Security Officer (SSO). The role includes initially serving as a Site Security Manager (SSM) and leading on-site security operations for the construction of a SCIF, acting as a primary liaison between customers, construction teams, and security personnel to ensure compliance with ICD 705 requirements, CSPs, and design standards. Upon project completion, you will assume the responsibilities of an ASSO across the site, collaborating with the Office of Laboratory Protection (OLP) to support NSRO operations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary on-site authority for construction security operations and construction site access controls.
• Supervise, train, and coordinate daily activities of Construction Surveillance Technicians (CSTs) and Access Control Specialists.
• Review construction drawings, blueprints, and project documentation to verify adherence to approved security requirements.
• Oversee site audits and ensure all required documentation is properly maintained.
• Act as a point of contact for SCIFs and related NSRO responsibilities.
• Provide training and oversight to personnel to ensure adherence to security protocols.
• Establish and maintain liaison with government agencies, external customers, NREL managers, employees, and contractors to ensure compliance with national policy.
• Collaborate with OLP to design, implement, and refine security programs, policies, and procedures for safeguarding classified and proprietary materials.
• Act as a security specialist for SCIF-related activities including document control, PHYSEC, IA, PERSEC, OPSEC, and COMSEC.
• Draft and maintain SOPs and Emergency Action Plans for SCIFs in coordination with OLP.
• Support investigation of security violations, prepare reports, and recommend preventative and corrective measures.
• Oversee receipt, processing, distribution, and tracking of classified documentation in physical and electronic forms as required by policy.
• Implement and manage visitor control procedures in compliance with local and national security policy.
• Collaborate with DOE/IN, DOE, OLP and NLR Research Operations to ensure alignment with NSRO policy and support emerging operational needs, including new facility development.
• Work with Research Operations to integrate NSRO policies with operations and new facilities.
• Evaluate complex SCI risks and develop appropriate mitigations.
• Provide significant experience in training and mentoring teams unfamiliar with secure operations and policies.
• Demonstrate ability to write clear and concise policies, training documents, investigative or formal reports, and operational documents.
• Maintain background knowledge related to SCI regulations, facilities, and SCI control systems; knowledge of SCIF construction requirements.
• Demonstrate exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage concurrent priorities; strong analytical skills and customer service experience; and the ability to interpret and implement complex instructions.
• Provide outstanding verbal and written communication skills and apply previous COMSEC experience.

Qualifications

• Basic Qualifications — Relevant Bachelor\'s Degree with 9+ years of related experience (or equivalent); or relevant Master\'s Degree with 7+ years; or relevant PhD with 4+ years; or relevant JD with 4+ years; or equivalent education/experience. Applies extensive technical expertise and contributes to new concepts, techniques, and standards; internal subject matter expert; extensive knowledge of laws, regulations, and procedures related to the field.
• Additional Required Qualifications — Active DOE Q, DOE TS, or other agency TS security clearance with ability to obtain SCI access (polygraph may be required); U.S. citizenship required (with limited exceptions); ability to pass periodic full-scope polygraph tests; minimum 6 years of SSO/CSSO experience in DOE/DoD or similar oversight; knowledge of security regulations including 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM), EO 12333/13526, and ICDs (700 series); ability to collaborate with NLR managers and partners to implement security strategies; willingness to travel up to 10%; ability to respond to after-hours alarms.
• Preferred Qualifications — Significant experience training and mentoring teams; direct experience in designing and constructing SCIFs; demonstrated ability to write clear policies, training documents, reports, and operational documents; knowledge of SCI regulations and SCIF construction requirements; exceptional organizational and communication skills; previous COMSEC experience.

Other Information

• Job Application Submission Window: The anticipated closing window is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.
• Salary: Annual Salary Range (Professional IV) $100,400 - $180,700, commensurate with education and experience.
• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, disability, pension, 403(b) with employer match, life/AD&D, PTO/sick leave, holidays, tuition reimbursement, and potential awards; relocation options may be available.

Legal and Compliance

• Badging: DOE access restrictions; ability to obtain and maintain a PIV card as required by HSPD-12; background investigation requirements; polygraph eligibility.
• Drug Free Workplace: Mandatory pre-employment drug testing with marijuana testing where permitted by law.
• Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or other protected status.