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Afso Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... an AFSO, Security Specialist, CPSO, or related security support roleExperience supporting Insider Threat Program activitiesCompletion of all Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency FSO ...

Facility Security Officer

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$180 - $230/hr

Significant industrial security experience under the NISP, including time as an appointed FSO or AFSO * Track record standing up or dramatically scaling a security program, ideally at a startup or ...

Security Spec II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$67K - $114K/yr

As a Security Specialist II you will work with the FSO, Assistant FSO (AFSO) all levels of leadership, and both internal and external customers to support a variety of interesting and dynamic ...

Prior experience in an AFSO, Security Specialist, CPSO, or related security support role * Experience supporting Insider Threat Program activities * Completion of all Defense Counterintelligence and ...

SUPERVISOR II

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$7.8K - $9.7K/mo

Under the direction of the Division Director in the Expanded Learning Division (EXLD), the responsibilities of the Supervisor II over the Administrative and Fiscal Services Office (AFSO) include ...

Security Specialist III

Poway, CA · On-site

$73K - $128K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for an Alternate Facility Security Officer (AFSO) to join our Industrial Security Team in Poway, CA. Under limited supervision, this position is responsible for ...

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Showing results 1-20

Afso information

See California salary details

$47.9K

$75.7K

$108.6K

How much do afso jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for afso in California is $75,651.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,800.00 and $99,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an AFSO?

An Alternate Facility Security Officer (AFSO) assists the Facility Security Officer (FSO) in managing a company's security program, ensuring compliance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM). They handle security clearances, personnel training, and safeguard classified information. The AFSO supports security investigations, policy implementation, and communication with government agencies like the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA).

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an AFSO?

As an Afso, your daily responsibilities usually include monitoring compliance with security regulations, maintaining accurate security records, and managing access control for personnel and visitors. You'll assist the Facility Security Officer in implementing company security programs, conducting briefings, coordinating security training for staff, and responding to potential security incidents. Regular collaboration with internal departments and external agencies is also common to ensure seamless communication and compliance. This role often requires flexibility and the ability to address both routine and urgent security matters as they arise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the AFSO position, and why are they important?

To excel as an Afso (Assistant Facility Security Officer), you need a solid understanding of industrial security regulations, risk assessment, and facility security protocols, typically supported by relevant clearance and compliance certifications like DoD's NISPOM or FSO training. Familiarity with security management software, visitor control systems, and incident reporting tools is essential to maintain compliance and safeguard assets. Strong attention to detail, integrity, and effective communication skills help you coordinate with security teams and respond swiftly to emerging security concerns. These skills are vital to ensure security compliance, protect organizational assets, and foster a safe environment.

What job categories do people searching Afso jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Afso jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Afso job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,651 per year, or $36.4 per hour.

Assistant Facilities Security Officer (AFSO)

Berriehill Research

Santa Barbara, CA

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

The Strategic Operations, Analysis and Research (SOAR) of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a highly motivated and organized Assistant Facilities Security Officer (AFSO) to join our security program in support of U.S. Department of War programs in Santa Barbara, CA. The right candidate will have previous experience as an FSO, AFSO, CPSO, Security Manager or military security manager. This person should have experience working with federal / government agencies or defense contractors.  The qualified candidate must have an active DoD security clearance at the Secret level and must be able to obtain a Top-Secret clearance.

Essential Functions:

  • Assist with security in-processing for all new employees including orientation for company policies and clearance application submissions for uncleared employees
  • Submit visit access requests (VARs) using Defense Information Systems for Security (DISS)
  • Assist with performing status checks on current investigations, determining upcoming reinvestigations dates, and relaying the information back to the employee
  • Assisting the Facilities Security Officer (FSO) with conducting security self-inspections, physical security surveys, and threat/vulnerability assessments.
  • Assist FSO with document control, inventory, and safeguarding of documents
  • Assist the FSO with conducting and presenting security presentations to staff members
  • Security Education: track and ensure trainings are current
  • COMSEC: administer COMSEC account including single secure phone

Required Qualifications:

  • High school diploma and 6-8 years of related experience OR a Bachelor’s degree with 0-2 years of experience
  • Must have an active Secret security clearance and must be able to obtain a Top-Secret clearance
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite software
  • Experience working with federal/government agencies or defense contractors
  • Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments
  • Ability to multi-task and work successfully in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to communicate in a professional manner

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Top Secret clearance
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent and five to seven years of related experience.  Experience can consist of any time spent as an FSO, AFSO, CPSO, Security Manager, or military security manager
  • Previous working knowledge of DISS and SF86s
  • Previous working knowledge of NBIS
  • Previous working knowledge of DD254s
  • Working experience with Access Commander

 

Compensation & Benefits: Pay Ranges: From $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year based on years of experience, degree and any special skills and knowledge that you may bring to the position. We mostly reserve the upper half of our compensation bands for internal growth. During all call with one of our recruiters or hiring managers, they can further clarify the salary range and total compensation. ARA offers competitive benefits that address our employees’ needs now and in the future. Learn more about each of our benefits at https://www.ara.com/benefits/

 

COMPANY INFORMATION:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2000 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership fosters greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.

Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the ­­­Assistant Facility Security Officer (AFSO) position.