Physical Security Specialist

National Laboratory of the Rockies•Golden, CO

23h•$57,900 - $95,500•Onsite

About The Position

The Physical Security Specialist serves as the subject matter expert for NLR’s Lock and Key Program and supports Access Control and Badge Office operations. The role provides technical expertise and program oversight for the secure control, issuance, tracking, maintenance, and accountability of facility keys, locks, and interchangeable core systems. It ensures compliance with applicable DOE requirements, government security guidelines, and NLR policies and procedures, and serves as a technical resource to security, facilities, and other stakeholders. The Access Control team facilitates secure access to NLR facilities for employees, visitors, guests, partners, subcontractors, and VIPs while helping protect NLR personnel, facilities, and operations. The specialist supports visitor processing and badging, verifies identification and access authorization, and provides operational coverage as needed. The position is based in Golden, Colorado, and is listed as regular, 40 hours per week. It includes a six-month probationary period with dedicated support and training.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and six or more years of experience, or equivalent relevant education/experience; alternatively, a relevant associate’s degree or comparable certification program and four or more years of experience, or equivalent relevant education/experience.
Must meet educational requirements before the employment start date.
Must be a U.S. citizen at the time of application because the position requires access to sensitive information, government facilities, and/or government information systems.
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 judgment when addressing security concerns, discrepancies, and potential vulnerabilities.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to interact effectively 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.
Full knowledge of specialized focused support functions and complete acquaintance with and understanding of general and detailed aspects of supported activities and their practical application to ordinarily encountered problems and situations.
Proficiency in research techniques and practices, and solid communication, interpersonal, project management, and customer relations skills.
Ability to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card, including a favorable background investigation.
Must pass a pre-employment drug test before starting employment.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Serve as the subject matter expert for NLR’s Lock and Key Program and maintain program policies, procedures, and standards.
Issue and recover facility keys and maintain key accountability.
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.
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.

Benefits

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.
Tuition reimbursement, subject to eligibility rules.
Potential eligibility for performance-, merit-, and achievement-based awards that include a monetary component; awards are not guaranteed.
Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.