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Scif Security Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Contractor Program Security Officer (CPSO) HLM Associates (www.hlma.net) is currently seeking a ... SCIF Management and Daily Oversight: * Own and manage proper administration of SCIF security ...

$105 - $125/hr

Coordinate physical security initiatives, including SCIF build support, visitor control, escorting ... Requirements of the Alternate Facility Security Officer (AFSO) include: * Active TS/SCI clearance ...

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Notify the Special Security Officer of any alarm issues with Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF). * Assist with instructing department personnel in security practices and procedures ...

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Scif Security Officer information

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How much do scif security officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for scif security officer in the United States is $17.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a SCIF Security Officer?

SCIF Security Officers are professionals responsible for overseeing the security and compliance of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs). They ensure that all physical, technical, and procedural safeguards are in place to protect classified information within these secure environments. Their duties include monitoring access, enforcing security policies, conducting inspections, and ensuring adherence to government regulations. SCIF Security Officers play a critical role in preventing unauthorized access and safeguarding national security interests.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a SCIF Security Officer?

To thrive as a SCIF Security Officer, you need a thorough understanding of physical security protocols, classified information handling, and compliance with federal security regulations, often supported by security clearance and relevant experience. Familiarity with access control systems, surveillance equipment, and Department of Defense (DoD) security directives is typically required. Attention to detail, integrity, and strong communication skills are essential soft skills for effectively enforcing security measures and coordinating with personnel. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining the integrity and safety of sensitive information and ensuring regulatory compliance in secure environments.

What are some common challenges faced by SCIF Security Officers and how can they be addressed?

SCIF Security Officers often face challenges such as maintaining strict access control, ensuring continuous compliance with security protocols, and staying updated on evolving government regulations. These challenges are typically managed by conducting regular training, maintaining detailed logs of personnel and activities, and collaborating closely with both IT and facility management teams. Proactive communication and ongoing vigilance are essential for mitigating security risks and responding quickly to potential breaches.

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

AspectScif Security OfficerSecurity Guard
CredentialsSecurity clearance, background check, possibly specialized trainingBasic security training, no clearance typically required
Work EnvironmentSecure government or military facilities, sensitive areasVarious settings including malls, events, private properties
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, defense contractorsPrivate security companies, retail, events

The main difference between a Scif Security Officer and a Security Guard lies in the level of clearance, specialized training, and the secure environment they operate in. Scif Security Officers are trained to handle sensitive information and access controlled areas, whereas Security Guards typically focus on general security tasks in public or private settings.

More about Scif Security Officer jobs
Infographic showing various Scif Security Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,678 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

SCIF Security Specialist 4

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Los Alamos National Laboratory rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 121 rated laboratories


Job description

Description
Job Title SCIF Security Specialist 4
Location Washington, DC, US
Organization Name SSO-4/Remote SCIF Operations
Minimum Salary
Maximum Salary
This position is open for external candidates only to apply.
What You Will Do
This is an onsite position stationed in Washington, DC.
The Sensitive and Special Operations Division (SSO) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated SCIF Security Specialist 4 to provide expert-level security leadership in support of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) and Field Intelligence Element (FIE) operations. This position reports to the SSO-4 Security Manager and serves as the Laboratory's principal security representative for assigned SCIFs, providing strategic oversight and technical leadership to ensure compliance with Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Intelligence Community (IC), and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) security requirements.
This position serves as a Special Security Officer (SSO) or Program Security Officer (PSO) responsible for the secure operation, accreditation, and oversight of SCIFs and associated intelligence activities. The selected individual will independently interpret and implement complex security policies, develop security programs, lead risk assessments and corrective actions, and serve as the primary interface with DOE Headquarters, DOE Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence (DOE-IN), federal oversight organizations, Intelligence Community partners, and external program sponsors.
As the senior security authority for assigned facilities, this position exercises a high degree of independent judgment and serves as a trusted advisor to Laboratory management, customers, and sponsors on all matters related to SCIF operations, security compliance, and safeguards. This position requires expert knowledge of Intelligence Community Directives (ICDs), DOE Orders, and national security policies governing classified operations, with significant responsibility for protecting national security information, personnel, facilities, and operations.
This position provides internal and external customer support where the consequence of error is exceptionally high and directly impacts the protection of national security interests.
Key Responsibilities
  • Serve as the designated Special Security Officer (SSO) or Program Security Officer (PSO) for assigned SCIFs and/or Special Access Programs (SAPs).
  • Develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive SCIF and SAP security and safeguards programs, including physical security, personnel security, information security, computer security, classified matter management (CREM/ACREM), and SCIF operations.
  • Provide strategic leadership and technical expertise for SCIF accreditation, facility operations, and compliance with DOE, NNSA, Intelligence Community, and Laboratory requirements.
  • Serve as the Laboratory interface with DOE-IN, DOE Headquarters, Intelligence Community representatives, federal oversight organizations, and external program sponsors regarding SCIF operations, accreditation, policies, and security requirements.
  • Interpret, develop, and implement Laboratory security policies, procedures, standards, training, and corrective actions supporting SCIF and SAP operations.
  • Lead security risk assessments, vulnerability analyses, and mitigation planning to ensure appropriate protection of personnel, facilities, information, and operations.
  • Independently plan, direct, and conduct complex security audits, inspections, self-assessments, and compliance reviews, providing executive-level briefings on findings, risks, and corrective actions.
  • Lead investigations into complex security incidents and coordinate with Laboratory and federal security organizations to identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and assess effectiveness.
  • Provide expert guidance and authoritative interpretation of DOE Orders, Intelligence Community Directives, and Laboratory safeguards and security requirements.
  • Coordinate facility modifications, accreditation activities, construction projects, and operational changes affecting SCIFs and Limited Area facilities.
  • Develop and maintain facility security plans, classification guidance, self-assessments, corrective action plans, and other security documentation.
  • Mentor and provide technical leadership to security professionals while serving as a subject matter expert for SCIF operations and safeguards programs.
  • Travel regularly, approximately quarterly or more frequently as mission needs dictate, to support organizational priorities and business need.

#ShiftWork
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:

  • Expert knowledge and demonstrated experience across multiple security disciplines, including SCIF operations, physical security, information security, computer security, personnel security, classified matter management (CREM/ACREM), and security compliance.
  • Extensive experience serving as a Special Security Officer (SSO), Program Security Officer (PSO), or equivalent senior security role supporting Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities and/or Special Access Programs.
  • Expert knowledge of DOE, NNSA, and Intelligence Community security policies, directives, and safeguards requirements, with demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex regulatory guidance.
  • Demonstrated experience leading SCIF accreditation activities, facility operations, and security compliance programs.
  • Extensive experience interacting with DOE Headquarters, DOE Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence (DOE-IN), Intelligence Community organizations, federal oversight personnel, and sponsor representatives.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently resolve complex security issues requiring interpretation of federal security policy and implementation of corrective actions.
  • Extensive experience planning, directing, and conducting security audits, inspections, vulnerability assessments, and self-assessments.
  • Demonstrated experience developing security policies, procedures, standards, corrective actions, and security training programs.
  • Expert knowledge of security database systems, documentation management, and electronic records management.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to prepare and present security briefings and reports to senior Laboratory leadership, federal officials, and external stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain DOE Q and SCI clearances, which typically requires U.S. citizenship.
  • You may be required to be on-call for duty at minimum of one week each month (24/7 including holidays). When on-call, you must be able to respond to the worksite within one hour.
Education/Experience: Position requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 12 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience. At this level a graduate degree is desired, specifically in security management, business, public administration, or a related field is desirable.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Extensive experience administering security programs in compliance with one or more of the following:
  • Intelligence Community Directives (ICDs)
  • Director of Central Intelligence Directives (DCIDs)
  • National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM)
  • DOE Orders related to Safeguards and Security
  • Demonstrated experience leading DOE-IN, NNSA, or Intelligence Community inspections, assessments, and accreditation activities.
  • Experience authoring or interpreting classification guides, facility security plans, security procedures, corrective action plans, and self-assessment reports.
  • Extensive experience supporting Communications Security (COMSEC) programs and telecommunications security requirements.
  • Demonstrated experience providing technical leadership, mentoring security professionals, and coordinating cross-organizational security activities.
  • Active DOE Q Clearance with SCI access.

Note to Applicants: In addition to your resume or CV, please include a detailed cover letter addressing how you meet the minimum requirements and applicable desired qualifications.
This position requires occasional travel and work outside normal business hours. The selected candidate will participate in a 24/7 on-call rotation and must be able to report to the worksite within one hour when on call.
Work Environment:
Work Location : This is an onsite position stationed in Washington, DC.
Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.
Note to Applicants:
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
  • PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Free basic life and disability insurance
  • Paid childbirth and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
  • Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
Clearance: Q/SCI (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.
Employment Status Full Time
Appointment Type Regular
Regular

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