Security Officer - Specialist III - Night Shift

National Laboratory of the Rockies; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 51,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Pension benefits

403(b) employer match

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

National Laboratory of the Rockies is seeking a Security Officer – Specialist III for the Night Shift to protect a high‑risk research campus in Golden, CO. The role supports patrols, entry control, incident response, CMS operations, and staff training within a mission‑driven environment.

The position requires US citizenship, a strong security background, and ability to lead in the absence of supervision. A six‑month probation and competitive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent with 4+ years of experience, or an Associate’s Degree with 2+ years of experience.
• US Citizenship and ability to work on Government access controlled systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Model NLR values through leadership, mentorship and accountability.
• Meet training standards within 90 days and mentor others after 6 months.
• Conduct patrols with independence and judgment for site readiness.
• Perform entry control with consistent, sound decision making.
• Respond to alarms with situational awareness and independence.
• Establish incident command and support response operations.
• Perform CMS duties to monitor and coordinate incidents.
• Provide professional customer service and effective radio communications.
• Prepare clear incident reports and manage visitor processing.

Skills

Written & verbal comms

Teamwork

Project administration

Security awareness

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate’s Degree or certification program

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Posting Title

Security Officer - Specialist III - Night Shift

Location

CO - Golden

Position Type

Regular

Hours Per Week

40

Working at NLR

NLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation’s primary laboratory for energy systems research and development.

Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth.

At NLR, you’ll find a mission-driven environment supported by state-of-the‑art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.

To set our new team members up for success, this position includes a six‑month probationary period. This is a collaborative time to ensure successful long‑term fit, providing dedicated support and training as you become acquainted with your role and our organization.

Job Description

The Security Officer (SO) plays a vital role in the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) community, focusing on the detection, deterrence, and prevention of threats and hazards to maintain a safe and supportive work environment. This position resides within the Laboratory Protection (LP) group at NLR. As a Security Officer - Specialist III, you will apply advanced industry experience of security protocols and procedures with independent judgment to perform operational responsibilities and mentor other officers. This position may be assigned to lead the shift in the absence of a supervisor. We are looking to hire SO III’s for the Night Shift (Shift 1).

To set our new team members up for success, this position includes a six‑month probationary period. This is a collaborative time to ensure successful long‑term fit, providing dedicated support and training as you become acquainted with your role and our organization.

Salary: Qualified and successful candidates will receive a job offer with an annual salary between $60-72k.

Shift Schedule andPay Differential:

Shift1: 11p.m.– 7:30a.m.(additional 12% shiftpay differential)

Shift assignment is determined based on team needs. This position is eligible for overtime.

Key Responsibilities:

• NLR Values: Model NLR Values through leadership, mentorship, and accountability. Reinforces professionalism, resiliency, and respect through daily actions and coaching of others.

• Training: Meet established training standards within 90 days. Consistently apply training concepts and operational expectations to field operations. After 6 months in the role, lead field training for newly hired staff and mentor others in the continued implementation of updated patrol and response protocols.

• Patrol Operations: Conduct patrols with a high level of independence, vigilance, and judgment, actively contributing to site awareness and operational readiness.

• Entry Control: Perform entry control with a high level of independence, consistency and judgment while effectively managing routine and non‑routine access issues.

• Alarm Response: Respond to alarms with a high level of independence, judgment, and situational awareness, especially in uncertain conditions.

• Incident Response and Command: Responds to incidents with a high level of independence, judgment, and situational awareness, while supporting effective scene management. Reliably establish and manage incident command using sound judgment, including in incidents with heightened life, safety, or property risks.

• CMS Operations: Perform Central Monitoring Station (CMS) duties with a high level of independence, judgment, and situational awareness to support effective monitoring, coordination, and incident response.

• Customer Service: Provide customer service with a high level of professionalism, judgment, and composure, including during difficult or sensitive interactions.

• Radio Communications: Use radio communications with a high level of clarity, discipline, and judgment, including during high‑pressure situations.

• Report Writing: Produce high-quality, clear, and precise incident reports and communicate effectively across audiences.

• SEB Operations: Perform visitor processing with a high level of independence and judgment, maintaining professionalism and security standards in routine and non‑routine situations.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Maintain First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
• Support overall Laboratory Protection mission objectives through additional duties as assigned.

Employment in this position is contingent upon successful completion:

• Medical evaluation and behavioral health screening, as required by 10 CFR Part 1046.
• A pre-employment background investigation, which may include:
  • Social Security trace
  • Sex offender registry check
  • Federal and state criminal background checks
  • Motor vehicle record verification
  • Educational verification
  • Drug screening
• Obtaining credentials in accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12, which requires additional National Agency Checks with Indices background investigation and fingerprinting.
• Proof of a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license.

Basic Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent and 4 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Or, relevant Associate’s Degree or certification program of comparable scope and 2 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Full knowledge of specialized focused business support functions. Complete understanding of the general and detailed aspects of the business support activities, and their practical applications to problems and situations ordinarily encountered. Fully competent in applicable software packages and office equipment. Demonstrated project administration skills. Full knowledge of specific principles, procedures and practices related to supported fields and disciplines. Strong written and verbal communication skills, team and interpersonal skills.

Government Access Controlled Systems – US Citizenship
Eligibility requirements: This position will require access to sensitive information, Government facilities, and/or Government information systems restricted to individuals with US citizenship. Only applicants that are US Citizens at the time of application will be considered.

* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

A minimum of4 yearsof experience in security, safety, emergencyresponseor related field.

Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)

Job Profile: Specialist III / Annual Salary Range: $51,200 - $81,900

NLR takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits Summary

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short*- and long-term disability insurance; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays; and tuition reimbursement*. NLR employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.

* Based on eligibility rules

Badging Requirement

NLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.

Drug Free Workplace

NLR is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.

If you are offered employment at NLR, you must pass a pre‑employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre‑employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre‑employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Reasonable Accommodations

E -Verify ** -Verify www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.