Facility Security Officer

Montana State University

Bozeman (MT)

On-site

USD 110,000 - 140,000

Full time

32 hours ago

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Job summary

Montana State University’s Applied Research Laboratory seeks a Facility Security Officer (FSO) to manage MSU’s classified programs and security posture in compliance with NISPOM and ICD directives. The role leads security staff, maintains clearances, and coordinates with government agencies.

The ideal candidate will hold an active TOP SECRET/SCI DOW or equivalent clearance, oversee personnel security, and ensure safeguarding of sensitive information across ARL operations in a dynamic research

Qualifications

Must be able to obtain an active TOP SECRET / SCI DOW clearance or equivalent.
Demonstrated experience hiring and supervising employees.
Experience with NISPOM security processes and related guidelines.
Experience handling sensitive information (PII, classified or controlled data).
Experience coordinating with US Government agencies and contracting offices.
Proven ability to implement and sustain security programs in a complex environment.

Responsibilities

Serve as Facility Security Officer with responsibility for MSU’s classified programs.
Manage MSU’s national security program under NISPOM, ICD directives and related laws.
Lead security personnel and ensure adherence to federal requirements and MSU policies.
Hire, train, schedule, and supervise security staff within HR processes.
Oversee and maintain MSU facility clearance and related accreditations.

Skills

TOP SECRET clearance

Supervising employees

NISPOM compliance

Handling sensitive information

Government liaison

Security program oversight

Tools

DISS

NBIS

NISS

CDSE

SWFT

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Position Information

Announcement Number

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27145

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

The Facility Security Officer ( FSO ) is tasked with ensuring Montana State University ( MSU ) is in compliance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual ( NISPOM ) requirements, and is pivotal in maintaining the security of MSU’s Applied Research Laboratory ( ARL ) facility. This position is responsible for overseeing and implementing security protocols, procedures, and practices in alignment with NISPOM guidelines, including but not limited to personnel security clearances, physical security measures, and classified information handling procedures. This entails conducting security briefings, managing access control systems, conducting security inspections and audits, and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and directives. Working both autonomously and collaboratively with other members of the ARL team, this individual will be responsible for working with sensitive information, hiring, training, and supervision of security staff, and overseeing and supporting a wide range of critical functions at the ARL in compliance with all applicable federal laws, policies, and regulations. Additionally, the FSO will serve as the primary liaison with government security agencies, providing support during security assessments, investigations, and audits. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to adapt to evolving security requirements will be essential in effectively managing security operations and protecting sensitive information within the ARL and throughout the MSU research enterprise.
This individual must currently hold and maintain a TOP SECRET / SCI DOW National Security Clearance or other Federal Government agency equivalent security clearance, as further described in the Special Requirements of this job posting.

Position Number

Position Number 4C7722

Department

Department Applied Research Laboratory

Division

Division Office of Research and Economic Development

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Professional

Contract Term

Contract Term Fiscal Year

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Union Affiliation

Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligible

Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

Contract Type

Contract Type LOA

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type

Recruitment Type Open

General Statement

As part of the Montana State University ( MSU ) research and economic development enterprise, the Applied Research Laboratory ( ARL ) provides secure, state of the art research space available for use by university faculty, students, and industry partners to work on classified research activities applicable to United States national security focus areas.

Duties and Responsibilities

Serve as Facility Security Officer ( FSO ) with overall responsibility for management and operations of MSU’s classified programs under the authority of the MSU Senior Management Official ( SMO ).
Manage MSU’s national security program under 32 CFR 117 (National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual ( NISPOM )), Intelligence Community Directives ( ICD 704 and 705) and other USG levied laws, regulations, and security requirements.
Manage and direct government agency security compliance requirements and sustainment of MSU’s Facility Clearance and national security accreditations through the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency ( DCSA ), DOW , DOE , DOS , DHS , IC and other their associated cognizant authorities.
Organize, train, equip and lead ARL security personnel to ensure adherence to Federal Government security requirements, processes, and procedures.
Hire, manage, schedule, and train security staff team in alignment with MSU Human Resources processes and policies. Complete all student new hire processes, ensuring all employment documentation and trainings are complete and compliant.
Appoint, manage, and oversee Assistant Facility Security Officer(s) ( AFSO ), the Insider Threat Program Senior Official ( ITPSO ), the Information System Security Manager ( ISSM ) and Information System Security Officers ( ISSO ).
Develop and maintain compliant Standard Practice Procedures ( SPP ), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), exhibits and associated required documentation necessary to successfully maintain MSU’s Facility Clearance, safeguarding requirements and cleared employee training and education.
Conduct ARL Emergency Actions Procedures in accordance with standard operating procedures. Conduct accountability and reporting for ARL personnel, serve as the primary point of contact for first responders during emergency events during duty hours. Facilitate emergency responder access in response to various emergency events ensuring compliant safeguarding of classified materials.
Support cleared MSU research faculty, staff, and students with a need-to-know who require access to classified information systems and classified information.
Oversee and manage MSU personnel security clearance program; maintain personnel security systems of record accounts ( SWFT , DISS , NBIS , CDSE , etc.), conduct electronic fingerprinting operations and manage the personnel security clearance ( PCL ) process for MSU employees and MSU consultants who require security clearances to support classified contracts.
Serve as the USG system of record manager for the security information and data management systems ( DISS , NBIS , NISS , NCAISS , eFOCI, CDSE , etc.) required for processing, training, and managing the MSU facility clearance in support of classified research efforts.
Conduct annual self-inspections and coordinate SMO reviews; provide presentations on the classified program to MSU leadership and guests as required. Facilitate Federal Government Security Reviews, spot inspections and visits and coordinate related activities representing MSU to the Federal Government.
Conduct and oversee security-related tasks such as escort duty, courier duties, badging operations, property inspections, facility security sweeps, inventories, Security Executive Agent Directive ( SEAD ) 3 reporting requirements, classified destructions, security audits, and respond to after-hours ARL intrusion alarm events in accordance with the MSU ARL security procedures.
Support classified non-disclosure activities, and other federal government Non-Disclosure Agreements.
Oversee classified information system development, implementation, and sustainment; oversee inspections and audits on information systems and facility physical security operations directly supporting classified research at the ARL and any newly accredited MSU space(s).
Coordinate with the INSRE and ARL leadership teams to ensure that overall security, maintenance, appearance, scheduling and functionality of the ARL are optimal.
Work closely with INSRE Director of National Security Programs and the Associate Director of Operations for contracts, building operations, and personnel requirements.
Provide operational leadership for the ARL as the go to person for all ARL occupants; ensure that critical occupant inquiries are addressed appropriately.
Perform other security functions as required to support ARL Operations.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

Must be able to obtain an active TOP SECRET / SCI DOW National Security Clearance or other Federal Government agency equivalent security clearance.
Demonstrated experience hiring and supervising employees.
Demonstrated experience working with NISPOM security-related processes, or previous DOW or related civilian experience as an FSO or Assistant FSO .
Demonstrated experience working with and protecting sensitive information such as PII , Controlled Unclassified Information, Classified Information, or other information with explicit federal or state government security and access control requirements.
Demonstrated experience coordinating with US Government agencies, contractors, vendors and higher education sponsored programs office in managing contracts, subcontracts, subawards and DD‑254 issuance and flow downs.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

Currently hold an active TOP SECRET / SCI DOW National Security Clearance or other Federal Government agency equivalent security clearance.
Demonstrated experience working with Government Contracting Activities or Cognizant Security Agency‑directed tasks within the federal government.
Proven history as a sought‑after team member with outstanding record and demonstrated experience as a leader/manager.

The Successful Candidate Will

Represent the Applied Research Lab ( ARL ) in a professional manner at all times with ARL staff, MSU departments, and key stakeholders to create a positive, productive environment.
Operate autonomously within scope of responsibilities; be a self‑starter who can work independently to identify, plan, organize, and execute projects and tasks.
Be highly detail‑oriented and organized, with the ability to rapidly respond to inquiries and requests.
Utilize excellent written and verbal communication skills with all internal and external personnel.
Consistently exercise good judgment, and flexibility; maintain confidentiality of records and safeguard sensitive information at all times.
Be motivated and take initiative to grow your understanding of security‑related regulations and best practices to continue to bring new information and capabilities to the team and your role.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

This position is Bozeman-based, and is contingent upon continued funding.
Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.)
In accordance with 32 CFR 2001, pursuant to EO 13526: Due to the requirement for this position to independently access federal government‑accredited classified spaces (e.g. vaults, restricted and closed areas), and having routine access to national security information and other materials supporting Montana State University classified research, the individual in this position must currently hold and maintain a TOP SECRET / SCI DOW National Security Clearance or other Federal Government agency equivalent security clearance.This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties?

This position has supervisory duties? Yes

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date

Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search

Screening of applications will begin on November 5, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

Required Documents