A Protective Force Officer (PFO) is the most visible contributor within the NREL Community to detecting, deterring, and denying threats and hazards in support of a safe and supportive work environment.  

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

This position is located within the NREL Office Laboratory Protection (LP) Operations group. NREL is a free-flow campus with staff and visitors regularly checking in at our gates and buildings. Though non-armed, PFOs utilize de-escalation tactics to mitigate threats and ensure safety. PFOs respond to emergencies and incidents, and using a customer service approach, see them through to recovery and reconstitution of normal operations. 

PFOs are an integral part of the NREL campus providing security and emergency preparedness protection services in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, Department of Energy (DOE) Orders, and contractual requirements.

PFOs conduct security and response operations by:

• Patrolling NREL premises regularly to maintain safety, establish a supportive presence, and protects facilities to deter, detect or prevent illegal/unauthorized activities.
• Monitors egress and ingress of vehicles, personnel, and/or property entering or leaving the lab/facilities.
• Responds in an effective and timely manner to safeguards and security, and/or life, safety system alarms, infractions, and emergencies. Investigating and assessing the situation, then providing appropriate support and solutions to each situation.
• Enforce applicable rules and regulations as outlined in lab level procedures.
• Maintains a working knowledge of all applicable security orders, federal laws, and DOE orders. Maintains training and qualifications required for duty.
• Understands and implements departmental and lab policies/procedures governing post and patrol operations
• Accountable to Shift Supervisors and Protective Force Group Manager.
• Ensuring facilities are secure utilizing key and equipment control (locks, doors, windows, controlled access areas, etc).
• Utilizing C-Cure Monitoring Station for door alarms and Ocularis surveillance cameras and computer programs to identify alarms, disruptions, and unlawful acts.
• Submitting reports of incidents, observations, shift reports, and daily activities.
• Performing as a member of a team, with diversity, inclusivity and respect at the forefront.
• Providing support and assistance in a professional manner to NREL Community, guests and visitors, as well as outside federal and state response agencies.

Additional tasks include:

• Uphold and honor the NREL mission statement as well as the Laboratory Protection mission statement.
• Provide security and emergency preparedness protection services on a day-to-day basis.
• Control access to NREL grounds through entrance gates, badge checks, vehicle searches, and hosting visitors and foreign nationals.
• Conduct vehicle and foot patrol to observe and report.
• Earn and maintain Red Cross Training, Life Safety qualifications, FEMA and other federal trainings.
• Respond to emergencies utilizing certifications (First Aid/AED/CPR), understanding of a Fire Control Panel (FACP), and initiating incident command (FEMA/NIMS).
• Effectively communicate routinely with staff, management, visitors and contractors.
• Operate a Central Monitoring Station as a dispatch, utilizing emergency protocol for fire or gas alarms, medical emergencies, utility disruptions, etc., and operate CCTV electronic surveillance security systems.
• Communicate with various entities through Microsoft Teams and SharePoint, as well as monitor life safety alarm points through Outlook notifications.
• Follow Emergency Notification System (ENS) sheets and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to facilitate notification and internal/external responses.
• Establish tool and key control through documentation and accountability.
• Additional duties, as assigned and required, in support of overall mission objectives.

Laboratory Protection has 3 shifts (Night, Day, and Swing/Evening Shift):

• SHIFT 1 (11:00pm-7:30am) 
• SHIFT 2 (7:00am-3:30pm) 
• SHIFT 3 (3:00pm-11:30pm) 

Position eligible for overtime and training.

Shift determination will be made based on the needs of the team.

Should an offer be made, employment is contingent upon:

• Medical evaluation and certification, as well as behavioral health screen, in accordance with the requirements of 10 CFR Part 1046.
• Pre-employment (background investigation, which may include Social Security trace, Sex Offender, Federal & State Criminal, Motor Vehicle Record, Education Verification, and drug screen).
• Ability to obtain a credential in accordance with the requirements of Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12, including an additional National Agency Checks with Indices background investigation and fingerprinting. 
• Proof of a valid and current operators license for a motor vehicle. 

Basic Qualifications

• High 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.