What You Will Do
The Chemistry Division (C-DO) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Staff Operations Manager 3 (SOM-3) to serve as a senior leader within the Division Office. Chemistry Division supports LANL's core national security missions through world-class capabilities in chemical science, materials science, nuclear and radiochemistry, isotope science, and chemical engineering.
As a key member of the Division management team, the SOM-3 is responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing administrative, operational, personnel, and programmatic support activities to ensure efficient, compliant, and mission-aligned execution across a large, complex scientific organization. This role requires sound judgment, executive-level communication skills, and the ability to work effectively across scientific, operational, and institutional boundaries.
Key Responsibilities
Serve as a trusted advisor to Division leadership on business, operational, personnel, and programmatic matters.
Participate in and/or lead strategic planning, strategic staffing, and organizational operations.
Represent Division management as a liaison to Laboratory, Directorate, and institutional partners.
Develop, recommend, and implement systems, processes, policies, and procedures supporting operational excellence.
Lead continuous process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, consistency, and compliance.
Partner with ALD-level Staff Operations Managers to ensure consistent implementation of institutional policies and practices.
Lead, mentor, and supervise administrative, operational, and professional staff.
Support staffing plans, hiring, performance management, compensation reviews, and employee relations.
Oversee division-level administrative and operational support functions.
Coordinate facilities, space utilization, safety, security, environmental compliance, quality assurance, and contractor assurance activities.
Support budget development, execution, and financial planning aligned with division priorities.
Prepare analyses, briefings, and recommendations on complex operational issues.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Expert-level experience in at least four operational or administrative domains such as human resources, financial management, policy implementation, safety and compliance operations, strategic planning, project or program management, or space planning.
Demonstrated success managing complex initiatives with competing priorities.
Proven ability to build collaboration and consensus across organizational boundaries.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Bachelor's degree and a minimum of eight years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to obtain a Q-level security clearance.
Desired Qualifications:
Proficiency with LANL business systems such as Oracle, Time & Labor, Concur, iProcurement, Ariba, and OBI.
Advanced knowledge of document and records management.
Strong understanding of space management and laboratory infrastructure.
Experience supporting high-hazard or safety-critical operational environments.
Familiarity with Chemistry Division scientif
Work Environment:
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 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)
§ 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 (https://directives.nnsa.doe.gov/supplemental-directive/sd-0206-0002) . 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 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 (https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0472.2-BOrder-A/@Aimages/file) 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 (https://int.lanl.gov/policy/documents/P701.pdf) for applicant eligibility requirements.
Incentive Compensation Program: Position is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. You must be in an eligible position for a minimum of 3 months, before July 1st and remain in an eligible position as of the end of the fiscal year, September 30th. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.
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.
