Posting TitleSecurity Protective Force Officer

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LocationCO - Golden

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Position TypeRegular

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Hours Per Week40

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Working at NRELNREL 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 NREL, where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NREL 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 NREL, 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.

Job Description

The Protective Force Officer (PFO) plays a vital role in the NREL 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) Operations group at NREL.

NREL operates as a free-flow campus, welcoming staff and visitors to its facilities. While non-armed, PFOs employ de-escalation strategies to mitigate threats, ensure safety, and respond professionally to emergencies and incidents. Using a customer-focused approach, they oversee the recovery and reconstitution of normal operations. PFOs provide campus security and emergency preparedness services in alignment with applicable laws, Department of Energy (DOE) requirements, and NREL’s contractual obligations.

For insight of what it would be like to be a part of the Laboratory Protection team, click here.

Shift Schedules and Eligibility - Laboratory Protection operates three shifts:

•       SHIFT 1: 11:00 PM – 7:30 AM (Night Shift)

•       SHIFT 2: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM (Day Shift)

•       SHIFT 3: 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM (Swing/Evening Shift)

Shift assignment will be determined based on team needs. This position is eligible for overtime and training opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

Security & Patrol Operations:

Conduct regular patrols to maintain campus safety and deter unauthorized activities.Monitor and control ingress/egress of vehicles, personnel, and property.Respond promptly to alarms, infractions, and emergencies, assessing situations and collaborating with subject matter experts.Enforce lab security procedures, federal laws, DOE orders, and departmental policies.Ensure facilities are secured using key and equipment controls for locks, doors, windows, and access areas.

Emergency Response:

Assist Central Monitoring Stations (CMS) operators as needed to dispatch emergency protocols (e.g., fire/gas alarms, medical incidents).Receive and/or relay emergency directives  radio or telephone communication systems.Leverage first aid certifications (First Aid/AED/CPR), FEMA/NIMS incident command methods and follow emergency management during emergencies. Respond to life safety alarms via Emergency Notification System (ENS) sheets and SOPs.

Surveillance & Technology Utilization:

Operate CCTV systems for situational awareness and incident response as needed.Document and maintain proper accountability for tools and keys.

Reporting & Team Collaboration:

Submit detailed reports concerning incidents, observations, and shift activities.Perform effectively as part of a team, ensuring respect and professionalism.Provide support to NREL staff, visitors, guests, and external agencies as needed.

Additional Responsibilities:

Facilitate access control at NREL via badge checks, vehicle inspections, and hosting protocols for visitors and foreign nationals.Conduct periodic vehicle and foot patrols for observation and reporting.Maintain certifications and qualifications, including Red Cross and FEMA training.Support overall Laboratory Protection mission objectives through additional duties as assigned.

Employment in this position is contingent upon successful completion of:

Medical evaluation and behavioral health screening, as required by 10 CFR Part 1046.A pre-employment background investigation, which may include:Social Security traceSex offender registry checkFederal and state criminal background checksMotor vehicle record verificationEducational verificationDrug screeningObtaining 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.

Join the Laboratory Protection team and be part of NREL’s mission to ensure a secure, inclusive, and dynamic work environment for staff, visitors, and collaborators.

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Basic QualificationsHigh School Diploma or equivalent and 1 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Or, relevant Associate’s Degree or certification program of comparable scope or equivalent relevant education/experience. Considerable knowledge of the job. Substantial understanding of general aspects of the job with a broad understanding of the detailed aspects of the job. Intermediate skills in applicable software packages and office equipment. Basic project administration skills. Ability to prioritize work. Proficient written and verbal communication skills. Very good 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 of one year of experience in security, safety, emergency response or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

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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 II / Annual Salary Range: $43,700 - $69,900

NREL 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 SummaryBenefits 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*. NREL 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 RequirementNREL 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

NREL 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 NREL, 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 NREL 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.

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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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