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Assistant Facilities Security Officer (AFSO)

Applied Research Associates, Inc.

Santa Barbara, CAJob$75–90K/yrSeen 4w ago

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At a glance

Compensation
$75–90K/yr
Location
Santa Barbara, CA
Work Authorization
Not specified

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Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

Active Secret Security ClearanceAbility To Obtain Top-Secret ClearanceTop Secret clearance

Job overview

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is hiring an Assistant Facilities Security Officer (AFSO). The Strategic Operations, Analysis and Research (SOAR) division of Applied Research Associates seeks a motivated Assistant Facilities Security Officer to support U.S. Department of War programs in Santa Barbara. The role involves security in‑processing, document control, COMSEC administration, and assisting the Facilities Security Officer with inspections and training, requiring prior security management experience and a Secret clearance.

Key focus areas include Assist with security in‑processing for new employees and clearance applications, Submit visit access requests using Defense Information Systems for Security (DISS), and Perform status checks on investigations and relay upcoming reinvestigation dates.

Successful candidates bring High School Diploma, Active Secret Security Clearance, and Ability To Obtain Top‑Secret Clearance. Important skills include Microsoft Office Suite, Work Independently, Multi‑Tasking, Professional Communication, Team Player, and Functional Expert. Preferred (not required): Defense Information Systems for Security (DISS), SF86, NBIS, and DD254.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Microsoft Office SuiteDefense Information Systems for Security (DISS)SF86NBISDD254Access CommanderCOMSEC Account ManagementWork IndependentlyMulti‑TaskingProfessional CommunicationTeam PlayerFunctional ExpertLoyaltyDedicationEnthusiasmDetail OrientedSelf‑StarterSecurity Self-InspectionsPhysical Security SurveysThreat/Vulnerability AssessmentsDocument ControlCOMSEC Account AdministrationSecurity PresentationsLoyalDedicatedEnthusiasticAbility to Work IndependentlyAbility to Multi-Task

Qualifications

High School DiplomaBachelor's DegreeHigh School Diploma and 6-8 Years Experience or Bachelor's Degree and 0-2 Years Experience0-8 Years Relevant AFSO Security Manager or Military Security Manager ExperienceActive Secret Security ClearanceAbility to Obtain Top-Secret ClearanceTop Secret Clearance

Full job description

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.

Qualifications

Behaviors

Required

  • Team Player: Works well as a member of a group

  • Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject

  • Loyal: Shows firm and constant support to a cause

  • Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

  • Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest

  • Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Motivations

Required

  • Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help

  • Job Security: Inspired to perform well by the knowledge that your job is safe

  • Growth Opportunities: Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility

  • Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks

Education

Required

  • High School or better

Preferred

  • Bachelors or better

Experience

Required

  • 0-8 years: Relevant AFSO, SPSO, security manager or military security manager experience

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.

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