Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26372
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Teri Nightingale
Employee Development & Retention Lead
teri.nightingale@montana.edu
Classification Title Program/Project Lead
Working Title Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) Security & Facility Specialist
Brief Position Overview
The Montana State University Applied Research Laboratory ( ARL ) Security & Facility Specialist will be responsible for the management of classified facility operations at the ARL to ensure adherence to the National Industrial Security Program Operations Manual ( NISPOM ) and other federal laws, policies, and regulations, as well as Montana State University ( MSU ) and ARL procedures. Working both autonomously and collaboratively with other members of the ARL team, this individual will be responsible for working with sensitive information, hiring, training, and supervision of security staff, serving as an Assistant Facility Security Officer ( AFSO ), and overseeing and supporting a wide range of critical functions at the ARL in compliance with all applicable federal laws, policies, and regulations. This individual must be able to obtain and maintain a SECRET (or higher) DOD National Security Clearance or other Federal Government agency security clearance, as further described in the Special Requirements of this job posting.
Position Number 4C5612
Department Applied Research Laboratory
Division Office of Research and Economic Development
Appointment Type Professional
Contract Term Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA Exempt
Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE 1.0
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary Starting at $75,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type LOA
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
As part of Montana State University's Institute for National Security Research and Education ( INSRE ), the Applied Research Laboratory ( ARL ) provides secure, state of the art research space available for use by university faculty, students, and industry partners to work on classified research activities applicable to United States national security focus areas.
Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of the Security & Facility Specialist will include, but are not limited to, the following:
NISP (National Industrial Security Program) Security Functions
Manage Applied Research Laboratory ( ARL ) security operations directed by the MSU Facility Security Officer ( FSO ) in compliance with all federal laws, policies and regulations including 32 CFR 117, the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual ( NISPOM ), and all Montana State University ( MSU ) policies and standard practices and procedures.
Report all security-related Classified IT incidents to the Information System Security Manager ( ISSM ), Insider Threat concerns to the Insider Threat Program Senior Official ( ITPSO ), and all classified security matters to the FSO .
Respond to after-hours ARL intrusion alarm events as a key member of the Security Staff in accordance with the MSU ARL security procedures.
Conduct security-related tasks such as escort duty, badging operations, property inspections, facility security sweeps, security audits and self-inspections, etc.
Support classified inventories, destruction, audits and inspections as directed by the FSO .
Conduct cleared employee onboarding, including fingerprinting operations in support of security clearance processing, provide the MSU Initial Security Briefing, Classified Non-Disclosure activities, and other federal government Non-Disclosure Agreements.
Deliver security awareness training to uncleared and cleared personnel in accordance with government regulations. Assist employees with the completion of security clearance paperwork and other security-related related needs. Conduct foreign travel briefing / debriefing for all cleared employees engaging in foreign travel.
Under the supervision of the MSU FSO , serve as an Assistant Facility Security Officer ( AFSO ) supporting security program operations. Maintain access to the Defense Information System for Security ( DISS ) and perform clearance verifications as a part of the badging process. Receive, review and coordinate classified Visit Access Requests ( VAR ) in DISS for incoming classified visits, meetings, and conferences.
Conduct classified courier duties, including collecting, transporting, and safeguarding classified materials as required.
Serve as the ARL Key and Lock custodian managing accountability with the key and lock control register, issuing and receiving keys, performing required inventories and audits.
Perform other security functions as required to support ARL Operations.
ARL Facility Functions
Hire, manage, schedule, and train security staff team in alignment with MSU Human Resources processes and policies. Complete all student new hire processes, ensuring all employment documentation and trainings are complete and compliant.
Schedule and host ARL meetings and other events in coordination with the ARL Team Lead, supporting internal MSU stakeholders and external customers to advance the MSU Research mission and Economic Development mission.
Professionally represent MSU by providing hospitality to ARL visitors, conducting ARL facility tours, providing training and orientation presentations, and other customer support activities as required.
Open and/or close the ARL to ensure security compliance with current security procedures, or as directed by the FSO .
Oversee the daily facility operations at the ARL , including supporting the INSRE and ARL leadership with Program Development events, scheduling ARL maintenance activities, lawn care, snow removal, facility cleaning, and ensuring adequate office/building supplies are on hand.
Accurately organize and manage all purchase and inventory tracking records in accordance with State of Montana and MSU guidelines, as well as other all other required recordkeeping for ARL such as training, building access, incident response, etc.
Conduct ARL Emergency Actions Procedures in accordance with standard operating procedures. Conduct accountability and reporting for ARL personnel, serve as the primary point of contact for first responders during emergency events during duty hours. Facilitate emergency responder access in response to various emergency events ensuring compliant safeguarding of classified materials.
Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Must be able to obtain and maintain an active SECRET (or higher) DOD National Security Clearance or other Federal Government agency security clearance.
Demonstrated experience working with and protecting sensitive information such as PII , Controlled Unclassified Information, Classified Information, or other information with explicit federal or state government security and access control requirements.
Demonstrated experience working with NISPOM security-related processes, or previous DOD or related civilian experience as a Security Support Specialist / Assistant FSA , or related equivalent experience.
Experience with Montana State or other university Human Resources processes.
Demonstrated experience managing facility operations coordinating with contractors, vendors or other personnel to sustain an operational facility.
Demonstrated experience using Microsoft applications such as Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc. to track and manage business-related tasks and data.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Possess an active federal government security clearance.
Demonstrated experience hiring and supervising employees.
Demonstrated experience working with Government Contracting Activities or Cognizant Security Agency-directed tasks within the federal government.
Experience working with university research programs.
The Successful Candidate Will
Represent the ARL in a professional manner at all times with Applied Research Lab staff, MSU departments, and key stakeholders to create a positive, productive environment.
Operate autonomously within scope of responsibilities; be a self-starter who can work independently to identify, plan, organize, and execute projects and tasks.
Be highly detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to rapidly respond to inquiries and requests.
Utilize excellent written and verbal communication skills with all internal and external personnel.
Consistently exercise good judgment, and flexibility; maintain confidentiality of records and safeguard sensitive information at all times.
Be motivated and take initiative to grow your understanding of security-related regulations and best practices to continue to bring new information and capabilities to the team and your role.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
This position is contingent upon continued funding.
This position will be on-site at Montana State University.
In accordance with 32 CFR 2001, pursuant to EO 13526: Due to the requirement for this position to independently access federal government-accredited classified spaces (e.g. vaults, restricted and closed areas), and having routine access to National Security Information and other materials supporting Montana State University Classified Research, the individual in this position must be able to obtain and maintain, a SECRET (or higher) DOD National Security Clearance or other Federal Government agency security clearance.
Must possess currently or be eligible to obtain a valid State of Montana Driver's license and have an acceptable driving record (less than 12 points), or have other reliable means of transportation. Must have access to a vehicle to use for work (mileage will be reimbursed), and have minimum vehicle liability insurance. Do NOT send a copy of the driver's license.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties? Yes
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search.
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on May 1, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
