Posting Title

Physical Security Specialist

Location

CO - Golden

Position Type

Regular

Hours Per Week

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

Laboratory Protection’s Access Control team facilitates secure access to NLR facilities for employees, visitors, guests, partners, subcontractors, and VIPs while supporting the protection of NLR personnel, facilities, and operations. We are seeking an experienced and motivated Physical Security Specialist to serve as the subject matter expert for NLR’s Lock and Key Program while providing support to Access Control and Badge Office operations.

The successful candidate will provide technical expertise and program oversight for the secure control, issuance, tracking, maintenance, and accountability of facility keys, locks, and interchangeable core systems. This position will ensure compliance with applicable DOE requirements, government security guidelines, and NLR policies and procedures while serving as a technical resource to security, facilities, and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities include:

Lock & Key Program

Serve as the SME for NLR’s Lock and Key Program and maintain program policies, procedures, and standards.

Issue, recover, and maintain accountability for facility keys.

Conduct periodic audits and inventories and investigate lost, stolen, or compromised keys.

Collaborate with Laboratory Protection, Facilities, and other stakeholders to address physical security requirements and improve processes.

Identify and recommend improvements to strengthen physical security and reduce unauthorized access.

Coordinate locksmithing services, repairs, projects, and vendor activities as needed.

Develop and maintain in-house locksmithing capabilities and obtain professional locksmith certification if not already certified.

Access Control & Security Support

Process visitors and issue badges in accordance with established security policies and procedures.
Verify identification, sponsorship, and access authorization for visitors and other personnel.
Support vendor, construction, delivery, group visit, and VIP access requirements.
Provide access-control and badging support as needed to maintain operational coverage.
Maintain accurate security records and protect sensitive information associated with access control and key management.

Basic Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent and 6 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Or, relevant Associate's Degree or certification program of comparable scope and 4 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Full knowledge of specialized focused support functions. Complete acquaintance with and understanding of the general and detailed aspects of the supported activities, and their practical applications to problems and situations ordinarily encountered. Proficient in research techniques and practices. Solid communication, interpersonal, project management and customer relations skills.

* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

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.
Experience in physical security, access control, key control, or a related security discipline
Demonstrated ability to interpret and implement security policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements
Experience maintaining accurate records, inventories, and accountability of a lock and key program or other security related equipment
Ability to exercise sound judgement when addressing security concerns, discrepancies, and potential vulnerabilities
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with employees, contractors, visitors, facilities personnel, and security stakeholders
Ability to work independently, prioritize competing requirements and take ownership of assigned programs and responsibilities
Experience navigating Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Qualifications

Professional locksmith certification or equivalent demonstrated locksmithing experience
Experience administering a government, or laboratory lock and key program
Experience with interchangeable core systems, master key systems, rekeying, and key hierarchy management
Experience interpreting or implementing DOE, federal, or other government physical security requirements
Experience conducting physical key audits, inventories, or assessments
Experience coordinating locksmith, facilities, security, or other technical contractors
Experience with access control systems, badging, visitor management, or credential administration
Experience working in a DOE national laboratory, federal facility, defense, or other regulated security environment.

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: Facilities Technician III / Annual Salary Range: $57,900 - $95,500

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.

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NLR you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

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

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National Laboratory of the Rockies