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Nuclear Security Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nuclear Security Officer

Richland, WA ยท On-site

$52.15/hr

C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES The Nuclear Security Officer (NSO) is responsible to ensure physically checking buildings and rooms to determine if they are secure and in order. Responsibilities ...

Nuclear Security Officer - Armed

Wiscasset, ME ยท On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

The Nuclear Security Professional provides physical protection of nuclear power generating facilities against intrusion and acts of sabotage. The Security Professional conducts stationary guarding as ...

Nuclear Security Officer - Armed

Wiscasset, ME ยท On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

The Nuclear Security Professional provides physical protection of nuclear power generating facilities against intrusion and acts of sabotage. The Security Professional conducts stationary guarding as ...

Nuclear Security Officer - Armed

CT ยท On-site

$58K - $74K/yr

The Nuclear Security Professional provides physical protection of nuclear power generating facilities against intrusion and acts of sabotage. The Security Professional conducts stationary guarding as ...

Subject matter expert for several nuclear security locations. * Responsible for program management of the Weapons Storage Security System (WS3) projects for all of USAFEs nuclear security programs.

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How much do nuclear security officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear security officer in the United States is $25.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Nuclear Security Officer vs Security Guard?

AspectNuclear Security OfficerSecurity Guard
CredentialsSecurity license, specialized training in nuclear securityGeneral security license, basic training
Work EnvironmentNuclear facilities, high-security areasVarious locations including commercial, retail, and industrial sites
Employer & IndustryNuclear power plants, government agenciesPrivate security companies, retail stores, corporate buildings
Job FocusPreventing theft, sabotage, and unauthorized access in nuclear settingsMonitoring premises, controlling access, ensuring safety

The main difference between a Nuclear Security Officer and a Security Guard lies in their specialized training, work environment, and security focus. Nuclear Security Officers work in high-security nuclear facilities, requiring specific credentials and training to prevent threats to sensitive materials. Security Guards typically work in broader settings with general security duties. Both roles are essential for safety but differ significantly in scope and specialization.

What are some common challenges Nuclear Security Officers face during their shifts, and how are these addressed?

Nuclear Security Officers often encounter challenges such as maintaining vigilance during long shifts, responding to rapidly evolving security threats, and adapting to strict regulatory protocols. To address these, officers receive extensive training in situational awareness, teamwork, and emergency response procedures. Regular drills and collaboration with law enforcement and technical staff help ensure readiness and foster a supportive environment. The role requires both physical and mental resilience, but most facilities provide ongoing training and wellness resources to support officers in meeting these demands.

What are Nuclear Security Officers?

Nuclear Security Officers are specialized security professionals responsible for protecting nuclear power plants and related facilities from threats such as sabotage, theft, or unauthorized access. They monitor surveillance equipment, control access to sensitive areas, and respond to potential security incidents according to strict protocols. Their role is critical in ensuring the safety of the public and the integrity of nuclear materials. These officers undergo extensive background checks, training, and must meet rigorous fitness and psychological standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Nuclear Security Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nuclear Security Officer, you need a solid understanding of security protocols, physical protection systems, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a background in law enforcement or the military and relevant certifications. Familiarity with surveillance technology, access control systems, and emergency response procedures is typically required. Vigilance, strong judgment, and effective communication are critical soft skills for responding to threats and collaborating with team members. These competencies are vital to ensure the safety and integrity of nuclear facilities, protecting them from potential security breaches or incidents.

What Does a Nuclear Security Officer Do?

As a nuclear security officer, you patrol an assigned area throughout your shift. When in your office, your duties continue as you monitor CCTV and other surveillance and alarm systems. Your responsibilities also require you to participate in emergency management plans in the event of criminal activity, safety violations, or misconduct. Finally, you control access to the site and write shift reports that include your observations. The minimum qualifications are often a high school diploma or GED certificate, and many jobs require you to have excellent observation and decision-making skills. You also need excellent physical stamina to deal with emergency situations.

What cities are hiring for Nuclear Security Officer jobs? Cities with the most Nuclear Security Officer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Security Officer jobs? The most popular types of Nuclear Security Officer jobs are:
What states have the most Nuclear Security Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Nuclear Security Officer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Nuclear Security Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,714 per year, or $25.8 per hour.
Nuclear Security Officer

Nuclear Security Officer

Energy Northwest

Richland, WA โ€ข On-site

$52.15/hr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY
An armed, uniformed individual, whose primary duties are the protection of special nuclear material from theft, and protection of a nuclear plant against radiological sabotage. The ability to demonstrate physical fitness for assigned security duties as required by the 10CFR Part 73, Appendix B.I.C.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
The Nuclear Security Officer (NSO) is responsible to ensure physically checking buildings and rooms to determine if they are secure and in order. Responsibilities include tactical armed responder duties and alarm assessment. Act as a surveillance sentry and vital door guard. Operate reader and communication equipment. Perform armed escort and response duties. Conduct vehicle, personnel, and material searches for the detection of firearms, explosives, and incendiary devices. The individual must be able to perform and demonstrate the ability to complete physical training qualifications to maintain access. May be required to withstand occasions of extreme physical exertion when responding to alarms and during drills. Must be able to work any shift and overtime as required.
Will work with the following equipment, tools, machinery, and material: X-ray machines, 2-way radios, firearms, capstun, ammunition, handcuffs, response equipment (body armor, body bunkers, gas mask, tactical vest, mobile defensive barrier, gas canister, and other pertinent security equipment), alarm panels, hand-held metal detectors, badges, dosimeters, vehicle search mirror, flashlights, cameras, monitors, intrusion detection system, and other standard security and office equipment.
REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
  • A high school diploma or GED is required.
  • Must be 21 years of age.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
  • Must be able to meet requirements to lawfully possess or receive firearms and ammunition in performance of Nuclear Security Officer duties.

Continuing Qualifications to maintain position:
  • Successful completion of Plant Access, Safeguards, and Respiratory Protection training.
  • Must successfully pass initial and subsequent medical, physical fitness, psychological, cognitive, personality, and security training imposed by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission and/or Energy Northwest.

PAY RATE:
This a bargaining unit position starting at $33.77 per hour with a step progression every 6 months until you reach the top pay rate of $52.15 per hour at 24 months.
Pre-Employment Requirements:
  • Must have high school diploma or GED

  • Must be 21 years of age

  • Possess a valid driver's license

  • Pass a drug and alcohol test

  • Pass all physical requirements including a psychological examination

  • Be able to obtain and maintain unescorted access

Mandatory Job Requirements:
The following are representative examples of mandatory Nuclear Security Officer employment requirements:
  • Work 12-hour rotating shifts, days and nights, including weekends and holidays.

  • Carry weapons and are required to complete and pass periodic firearm testing.

  • Maintain stringent fitness requirements and are required to complete and pass an annual fitness agility test.

  • Complete and pass a yearly medical qualification examination.

  • Obtain and maintain unescorted access.

  • Be clean-shaven and meet grooming standards.

  • Wear the uniform issued by Energy Northwest.

  • Subject to random alcohol and drug testing.

  • Subject to periodic background and credit screening.

  • Must successfully complete ongoing classroom training, weapons training, and on-the-job training.

The following qualifications are desirable for the Nuclear Security Officer position:
Military or Security-related Work Experience
Criminal Justice or Law Enforcement Degree or Work Experience
Employment Background Investigation:
Energy Northwest Nuclear Security Officers are required to carry weapons; therefore, we will conduct a thorough background investigation, which will include fingerprinting sent to the FBI.
If you have been convicted of the misdemeanor crime of Domestic Violence, you will not be able to lawfully possess or receive firearms or ammunition for any purpose.
You must provide a 10-year work history with no gaps (must explain what you have been doing for the last 10 years).
This position is represented by United Steel Workers (USW Local 12-369).
No relocation assistance.
BENEFITS
Energy Northwest (EN) offers a highly competitive and substantial benefits package which allows employees (and their families) to enroll in medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Other voluntary benefits include flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, supplemental life insurances, credit monitoring, and identity theft insurance. EN offers three retirement programs to qualifying employees including a matching 401(k) deferred compensation plan, the Washington State Pension Plan (PERS), a company-provided contribution into an HRA VEBA account each pay period, and a 457(b) savings plan. Employees will also accrue 160 hours of personal time per year and receive nine paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
Other available compensation includes our annual At-Risk Compensation program and various monetary recognition programs, when approved. Stipends are available to qualifying positions, after incumbent successfully completes required training.
Posting closes at 11:59 PM the day before the listed end date.
The application process is completed in stages. Once you have applied, please watch your email and your Workday account notifications for required next steps in order to move forward in the process.
See below for approximate dates and locations for the application process. Candidates who move from one stage to the next will be specifically notified.
7/7 - 7/29 APPLICATION AND SUBSEQUENT QUESTIONNAIRE COMPLETION Once you have applied in Workday, selected candidates will receive a series of questionnaires to complete prior to moving to the next stage. Please watch your email and your Workday account notifications for these.
8/17 - 8/20 COGNITIVE/PHYSICAL AGILITY TESTING AND INTERVIEWS will be conducted. You will need to be available all day on one of these days for cognitive and physical agility testing, which will be conducted in person in Richland, WA. Interviews will be conducted directly after successful completion of the cognitive and physical agility tests.
The agility test is a Physical Performance Test, which consists of: 1. Sit Up--complete 22 sit-ups in 60 seconds; 2. Arm Lift--must achieve an average score of 50 lbs of force on 3 tries; 3. Leg Endurance--minimum standard is 88 revolutions within 60 seconds pedaling a preset bicycle; 4. Horizontal ladder coordination test. (Wear running shoes and comfortable clothing when participating in this test.)
8/24 - 8/28 CONTINGENT OFFERS contingent on your ability to successfully complete the remaining items of the pre-employment testing, which include medical evaluations.
NOTE: Please be aware that more candidates are receiving conditional offers of employment than there are positions available, since it is anticipated that some candidates may be unsuccessful in the final pre-employment testing and/or may choose to withdraw. If more candidates successfully complete the final pre-employment testing than there are positions available, final offers will be based upon an assessment of the candidates' performance throughout all phases of the selection process.
9/7 - 9/18 PHYSICALS
Medical Testing and Physicals consist of: 1. Fasting blood test; 2. Vision test to include intraocular eye pressure; 3. Hearing test; 4. EKG; 5. Pulmonary Function Test; 6. Urinalysis; 7. Physical examination will be completed by a physician at Lourdes Occupational Health Center in Pasco, WA, unless a candidate is from out-of-area which will result in this being conducted near your residence if at all possible.
Due to the tight schedule, there is no flexibility for rescheduling physicals in the event of a "no-show." It is your responsibility to ensure you are available on the dates mentioned above. You will need to be available approximately 1.5 hours one of these days for this process.
9/21 - 9/24 TEMPORARY HIRE & PRE-EMPLOYMENT TESTING
NOTE: You will be paid during this period. Expect to be available 4-6 days during this timeframe.
Pre-employment testing will include Fitness for Duty (drug and alcohol testing), MMPI (Psychological evaluation and interview) and General Employee Training (computer-based testing).
9/24 - 9/28 FINAL OFFERS MADE
Final offers will be based upon an assessment of the candidates' performance throughout all phases of the selection process. A probationary period of 6 months will be conducted; this will determine your continued full-time employment.
10/12 EXPECTED FULL-TIME START DATE
Congratulations! You successfully completed all phases of the application/employment process. This will be your official start date of training. Benefits will be effective January 1, 2026.
If you have any questions, you may contact Energy Northwest:
  • Megan Mittleider (509) 377-4763

  • Anne Younes at (509) 372-5198

This is a bargaining unit position and the hourly pay rate is:
$33.77
Pay In Lieu of Benefits Amount:
$0.50
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate due to race, color, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, national origin, veteran status or on the basis of disability.
Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal