What You Will Do
This position will be filled at either the Operations Support Specialist 1 or Operations Support Specialist 2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
Operations Support Specialist 1 | $60,500 - $93,600
The High Performance Computing (HPC) Division is seeking a highly organized, self-motivated, and proficient multi-tasker to join our team as an Operations Support Specialist. The successful candidate will serve as the Vault Type Room (VTR) custodian for several high-security facilities housing high performance computing platforms, while also providing broader operational, facility, security, and access support across HPC facilities. This critical role helps ensure the security, operational integrity, and readiness of classified computing environments that support national security missions.
In this position, the selected individual will manage security-related activities and oversight of VTRs, including verification of training for VTR users, updating VTR documentation, managing user access, supporting annual VTR evaluations and recertification activities, and coordinating with crafts personnel and non-users. This individual will also support access control activities for designated HPC spaces and perform key-watch duties as assigned. Additional responsibilities will include supporting Facility Security Representative (FSR) efforts, coordinating and supporting facility tours, participating in facility space walk-downs, and helping track facility-related requests and actions for the HPC Division. The individual may also support emergent facility, security, and operational issues across assigned HPC facilities.
This role requires excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities. The successful candidate will interact with a variety of organizations, including security, facilities, crafts personnel, HPC staff, responsible associate lab directorate, and other stakeholders, while maintaining strict security protocols in a dynamic, fast-paced computing environment that supports world-class scientific research at extreme scale.
Operations Support Specialist 2 | $72,800 - $115,400
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level this individual will provide advanced operational, facility, and security support and take on expanded responsibilities including leading process improvement initiatives, coordinating complex multi-facility security and operational projects, and providing functional guidance to less experienced team members. Responsibilities may include providing enhanced coordination for VTR custodial activities, access control, FSR efforts, key-watch activities, facility tours, space walk-downs, and other facility and security support activities across multiple HPC facilities.
This individual will work under limited direction, receiving general instructions on new assignments, with work evaluated upon completion to ensure objectives have been met. This individual will have greater impact on operational efficiency, contribute to policy and procedure development, and may provide oversight and coordination for emergent security, facility, or operational issues across multiple HPC facilities. The individual will also identify opportunities to improve processes, coordination, documentation, and operational readiness and will serve as a functional resource for facility and security-related activities within the HPC Division.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
VTR Custodian and Security Operations:
- Basic knowledge of classified matter management, vault operations, access controls, and applicable DOE and Laboratory security requirements.
- Ability to follow procedures for access verification, training validation, and security recordkeeping.
Organization and Time Management:
- Ability to organize tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities with guidance as needed.
- Demonstrated dependability and ability to resolve routine problems, seek guidance, and suggest process improvements.
Communication and Collaboration:
- Effective written, verbal, and listening skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to provide customer service, work collaboratively, and communicate established requirements clearly.
Technical and Business Systems:
- Basic knowledge of standard office software and ability to learn Laboratory business systems.
- Ability to prepare routine documents, maintain accurate records, and follow applicable Laboratory policies, safety requirements, and work procedures.
Additional Job Requirements for Operations Support Specialist 2:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
- Advanced knowledge of Laboratory security policies, procedures, and requirements
- Demonstrated experience leading operational projects or initiatives
- Proven ability to work under limited direction and manage work with minimal oversight
- Experience providing guidance and direction to less experienced personnel
- Ability to coordinate and review procedures, scope, and process development for security operations
- Experience conducting issues management, root cause analysis, and developing corrective actions
- Demonstrated ability to assess complex situations requiring evaluation of multiple intangible factors
Education/Experience at Operations Support Specialist 1 level:
Position requires an Associates Degree in a relevant field and two years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation
.
Education/Experience at Operations Support Specialist 2 level:
Position requires a Associate's Degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution and four years of directly related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Clearance:
Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q Clearance, which typically requires US Citizenship, is required for this position.
Desired Qualifications:
Security and Facility Operations:
- Previous experience as a Vault Type Room custodian
- Experience working with protective force to update post orders and coordinate security operations
- Knowledge of badge reader systems such as Argus, Apollo, or equivalent access control systems
- Familiarity with industry, regulatory, or Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) codes and standards
Laboratory Knowledge:
- Knowledge of Los Alamos National Laboratory organizational structure, policies, and procedures
- Familiarity with Laboratory business systems and reporting tools
- Understanding of HPC Division operations and mission
Facility Coordination:
- Experience submitting and tracking facility-related requests with the Facility Operations Division
- Experience coordinating space allocations, remodels, or facility upgrades
Work Location:
The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
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 2 years.
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.
Application Materials:
Along with your resume, please provide a comprehensive cover letter that details how you meet the minimum requirements and any of the desired qualifications for this position.
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)
- Onsite gyms and wellness programs
- 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 (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.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
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.
