Physical Security Specialist

National Laboratory of the Rockies•Golden, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Physical Security Specialist serves as the subject matter expert for the National Laboratory of the Rockies’ Lock and Key Program while supporting 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 Department of Energy requirements, government security guidelines, and NLR policies and procedures, and serves as a technical resource to security, facilities, and other stakeholders. The position is based at NLR in Golden, Colorado, and is listed as regular, with a 40-hour workweek. It includes a six-month probationary period with dedicated support and training. Alongside lock and key program duties, the specialist processes visitors and badges, verifies identity and authorization, supports varied access needs, and maintains accurate, protected security records. Applicants must be U.S. citizens at the time of application and must be able to obtain and maintain a federal PIV card, including a favorable background investigation.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and at least 6 years of experience, or a relevant associate’s degree or comparable certification program and at least 4 years of experience; equivalent relevant education/experience is also stated.
Must meet educational requirements before the employment start date.
Must be a U.S. citizen at the time of application; the position requires access to sensitive information, government facilities, and/or government information systems restricted to U.S. citizens.
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.
Solid communication, interpersonal, project management, and customer relations skills.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card, which includes a favorable background investigation.
Must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing 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 accountability for them.
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 insurance
Dental insurance
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
Potential eligibility for performance-, merit-, and achievement-based awards with a monetary component
Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement
Professional development opportunities