Observatory Security Leader

National Radio Astronomy Observatory; Socorro (NM); On-site; USD 99,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off (vacation and holidays)

Medical, dental & vision plans

Retirement plan

Total Rewards information

Job summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) seeks a Security Manager to oversee observatory-wide security operations and compliance. The role may be based in Albuquerque, NM, Socorro, NM, or other NRAO locations in Charlottesville, VA or Green Bank, WV.

Responsibilities include developing security documentation, managing clearance processes, coordinating with government agencies, and leading security training and audits to ensure regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Strong presentation skills to be able to present information in an effective, comprehensive manner.
• Strong verbal communication skills in order to communicate objectives and solutions.
• Strong technical writing skills.
• Must be able to work effectively as a member of the ES&S team and with all levels of the Observatory.
• Ability and willingness to earn technician level board certification (or higher) is required (PSP, etc.) with satisfactory progress toward certification being demonstrated annually.
• Strong PC skills and knowledge of database management data entry procedures.
• Ability to collect and report data. Ability to multi-task and prioritize projects.
• Knowledge of project management principles. Must be able to operate a personal computer.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day security guidance and support to management, project personnel, contractors, and government representatives concerning personnel security, and facility security
• Serve as the primary point of contact for government security officials and partner organizations regarding program security matters.
• Develop, review, update, and maintain security documentation including Standard Operating Procedures, security plans, classification guidance, visitor procedures, and emergency response documentation.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations and directives.
• Support security compliance reviews, self-inspections, audits, and corrective action tracking.
• Conduct security awareness briefings, annual refresher training, and specialized security training sessions for employees and contractors.
• Assist leadership with risk assessments, mitigation strategies, and implementation of security best practices.
• Manage personnel security processes including clearance verification, access authorization tracking, visitor control, badging, and onboarding/offboarding procedures.
• Conduct security in-briefings, debriefings, and recurring security awareness training.
• Maintain security records and documentation in accordance with government and institutional requirements.
• Coordinate with federal agencies and contracting organizations regarding personnel clearances and access eligibility.
• Investigate, document, and report security incidents, violations, or suspicious activities and recommend corrective actions.
• Support foreign national visitor processing and escort procedures in accordance with institutional and federal requirements.
• Support physical security operations for Observatory facilities including access control systems, intrusion detection systems, key control, CCTV systems, and visitor management.
• Support administration and facility accreditation requirements where applicable.
• Coordinate with Facilities, Engineering, IT, and external contractors regarding security-related construction and renovation projects.
• Serve as the Representative or security liaison for facility security projects including upgrades to controlled or restricted areas.
• Conduct routine facility inspections and security assessments to identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with applicable standards.
• Respond to after-hours alarms, emergency conditions, and security-related incidents as required.
• Support implementation and maintenance of emergency response procedures, evacuation plans, and continuity of operations activities.
• Maintain accountability for security equipment, locks, keys, and access credentials. Coordinate with Facilities and Emergency Management personnel regarding site emergencies, incident response, and security-related hazards.
• Participate in emergency exercises, drills, and incident response planning.
• Support development and implementation of security-related emergency procedures.
• Assist with workplace violence prevention, threat assessment, and incident reporting programs.
• Other duties as assigned

Education

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Public Safety, Emergency Management, or related field

Job description

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) seeks a Security Manager to oversee observatory-wide security operations and compliance. The role may be based in Albuquerque, NM, Socorro, NM, or other NRAO locations in Charlottesville, VA or Green Bank, WV.

Responsibilities include developing security documentation, managing clearance processes, coordinating with government agencies, and leading security training and audits to ensure regulatory compliance.