NREL is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development.

Join NREL, where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NREL stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth.

At NREL, you’ll find a mission-driven environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.

Job Description

The Supervisor of the Central Monitoring Station at NREL will lead Emergency Communication Specialists (ECS) and provide oversight of Protective Force Security Officers as needed or directed. Primary duties include managing CMS operations to ensure the safety and security of NREL’s workers, visitors, facilities, and environment, while fostering a positive and professional culture. The role serves as a conduit of information between emergency response efforts and the NREL community and supports special projects or program assistance as assigned.

Key Responsibilities:

Central Monitoring Station (CMS) Operations Supervision:

Manage daily CMS operations, ensuring continuous and accurate monitoring of fire/life safety alarms, security systems, surveillance systems, and emergency communications.
Supervise ECS personnel to ensure prompt response to emergencies, adherence to monitoring protocols, accurate incident notifications, and shift reporting compliance.
Oversee proper handling of service requests—including emergency and non-emergency calls—and ensure escalation processes are timely and effective.
Provide operational and technical support for testing and validating CMS systems (e.g., ACM, CCTV, access control, and radios).

Protective Force Security Officer Supervision:

Provide direct oversight of Protective Force personnel, including post coverage and operational compliance, as collateral duties when authorized or directed.
Assign, monitor, and document duties like facility patrols, safety escorts, access control, incident response, and key services, as needed.
Conduct periodic field observations and provide feedback to improve officer effectiveness.
Support scheduling, shift coverage management, and personnel recognition efforts.

Incident Response and Emergency Operations:

Act as the onsite lead during emergencies for both CMS and Protective Force teams, ensuring coordinated response with internal and external stakeholders.
Conduct incident assessments, document findings, and issue timely notifications to DOE representatives, NREL leadership, and other stakeholders.
Manage after-action reviews and implement improvements to emergency response protocols where necessary.

Safety and Security Oversight:

Promote NREL’s safety culture, ensuring all personnel adhere to policies and exercising stop-work authority when necessary.
Coordinate access control measures for visitors, contractors, and personnel outside typical operating hours.
Ensure documentation of patrol checks, system validations, and compliance with DOE security standards.

Training and Development:

Ensure CMS and Protective Force personnel complete mandatory training (e.g., annual certifications, drills, refreshers).
Supervise cross-team exercises to align security operations and emergency response between teams.
Provide onboarding support for new personnel tailored to CMS and Protective Force requirements.

Scheduling and Operational Management:

Coordinate and approve schedules, time-off requests, and staffing alignment for both CMS and Protective Force personnel as operational needs dictate.
Maintain documentation of shift reports, incident records, post logs, and personnel reports, ensuring accuracy and accessibility.

Leadership and Relationship-Building:

Foster a collaborative, professional culture emphasizing psychological safety, accountability, and excellence.
Build effective relationships with external partners (DOE, emergency services, local responders) and internal teams to meet broader organizational goals.

Special Projects and Program Assistance:

Support specialized initiatives and provide assistance for program-related tasks as assigned, ensuring timely and effective completion.

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Basic Qualifications

Previous supervisory experience may be required. Certification and/or degree in specified field is required. Knowledge of legal and ethical management issues and practices. Strong understanding of applicable field of expertise. Strong task management and budgeting skills. Good interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, problem-solving and negotiation skills. Demonstrated ability to make appropriate decisions regarding day-to-day work activities. Promotes and models ethical and professional interpersonal and business behaviors. Demonstrated ability to effectively lead, motivate and direct personnel with diverse skills, work styles and values.

* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent.
Minimum of seven years of experience in security operations, emergency response, or related areas, including the use of dispatch, radio systems, and computer networks.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 tools and a willingness to learn specialized software.
Ability to handle confidential information, prioritize emergent situations, and remain calm under pressure.
Completion of certifications within six months of hire, such as IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, or an NENA/APCO equivalent.
Knowledge of DOE O 151.1D Comprehensive Emergency Management System (desired).
Demonstrated leadership experience in areas like coaching, decision-making, and managing schedules or performance.
This role integrates comprehensive CMS supervision with collateral Protective Force oversight and administrative responsibilities, enhancing NREL’s overall safety and emergency readiness framework.

Preferred Qualifications

· Proven experience in emergency communication operations, including managing or supervising a Central Monitoring Station (CMS) or related 24/7 monitoring center.

· Prior supervisory or leadership experience in emergency response, law enforcement, military, or security operations.

· Familiarity with advanced alarm monitoring systems, access control systems (e.g., C-Cure, ACM), CCTV systems, and other security-related technologies.

· Experience in developing, implementing, or overseeing security protocols, incident response plans, and emergency communication strategies.

· Knowledge of Department of Energy (DOE) regulations, including DOE O 151.1D (Comprehensive Emergency Management System), or similar government agency requirements.

· Demonstrated ability to manage and train personnel in high-pressure environments, including conducting drills, certifications, and cross-functional exercises.

· Experience handling confidential or sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

· Proficiency in multi-tasking and prioritizing responsibilities during emergency and non-emergency situations.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills, including creating detailed reports, shift logs, and documenting incident responses.

· Familiarity with federal, state, or local security compliance standards and best practices in emergency management.

· Previous work experience with specialized security certifications such as NENA, APCO, IS-100, IS-200, or IS-700 is a plus.

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Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)

Job Profile: Manager I / Annual Salary Range: $74,900 - $123,600

NREL takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits Summary

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short*- and long-term disability insurance; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays; and tuition reimbursement*. NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.

* Based on eligibility rules

Badging Requirement

NREL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.

Drug Free Workplace

NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.

If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

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Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Reasonable Accommodations

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