Operations Lieutenant/Watch Commander - job 1 of 2

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$133,950 - $164,028 annually

This is the lowest to highest salary range in good faith we believe would pay for this role at the time of this posting.  An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

We have an opening for a Protective Force Operations Lieutenant/Watch Commander.  As principal shift manager and security incident commander, you will have primary responsibility for the oversight and management of armed uniformed staff involved with the physical security of LLNL and facility operations for a 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, operation at two sites (Sites 200 and 300); and will be the subject matter expert and leader for response to a variety of security incidents (e.g., active shooter, barricaded suspects, theft or sabotage of nuclear material, etc.).  You will oversee members of a collective bargaining agreement.  These positions are in the Protective Force Division (PFD) within the Security Organization (SO).

You will

• Oversee and manage PFD shift operations; assure operational compliance with Department of Energy (DOE) orders, 10 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1046 Physical Protection of Security Interests and 10 CFR 1047 Limited Arrest Authority and Use of Force by Protective Force (PF) Officers, State and local laws, collective bargaining agreements and work rules, LLNS/LLNL policies and procedures; and resolve issues crossing all LLNL security disciplines to ensure the physical protection of special nuclear material, biological select agents and toxins, classified matter, government property, and personnel.
• Mentor Sergeants and Officers, and in conjunction with the Central Alarm Station (CAS) Supervisors, assist Operators to develop their technical and tactical competencies and expertise; ensure shift is in a constant state of operational readiness by implementing a continual training and testing regimen; develop, conduct and participate in tabletop drills; and conduct and participate in emergency response training and testing.
• As the Security Incident Commander, resolve security problems Laboratory-wide; provide oversight, execution, and direction for operational personnel, local law enforcement (when involved), and other personnel directly or indirectly involved in tactical operations; detain personnel, order escalation of force, arrests, use deadly force, and deny site access.
• Interpret DOE orders, Federal, State and local laws, LLNL policies and procedures, and PFD work rules to develop policies and procedures that can have a high impact Laboratory-wide; provide guidance to management on field implementation of DOE orders and personnel; write/develop PFD policies and procedures; analyze and provide input to SO policies and procedures and the Site Security Plan; develop and implement tactical plans, security plans, policies, and procedures and on-shift training for PFD Operations personnel; collaborate with other Directorates to create reports that could have an impact on national security (e.g., Biological Agents Site-specific Security Risk Assessment Report).
• Assist SO’s Security Planning & Analysis Group with threat-based risk assessments for selected facilities; review the security posture; identify evolving threats; and define PF roles and responsibilities; provide tactical expertise to ensure testing scenarios are viable.
• Execute memorandums of understanding with Sandia National Laboratories/California, San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, and Livermore Police Department, for contingency response planning, coordination, and mutual aid assistance for emergencies and day-to-day security operations.
• Collaborate with the Physical and Technical Security Division on a variety of issues that impact the physical security of S200 and S300 (e.g., proper placement of security cameras Laboratory-wide; and expertise on a variety of equipment [thermal imaging equipment, explosives detection equipment, etc.]).
• Manage uniformed staff to include hiring, supervising, mentoring, career development, disciplinary actions, training, performance appraisals, providing ranking recommendations; monitor and recommend on-shift strength levels; commit staffing and equipment for specialized operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship and comprehensive background investigation.
• BS/BA in security, law enforcement, or related field or an equivalent combination of education, training and related experience with an armed protective force, traffic management and enforcement strategies; security emergency response; experience and skills using lethal and non-lethal weapons and weaponless defense.
• Ability to successfully complete all DOE requirements to include an 8-week basic academy; obtaining and maintaining medical certification; physical fitness, firearms, and training requirements as outlined in 10 CFR 1046 and DOE orders.
• Demonstrate analytical skills and extensive knowledge, in-depth understanding and  experience applying government regulations, security procedures, Federal and State law and vehicle codes; thorough working knowledge of all security disciplines, including the protection strategy, various security conditions and related implementing actions, compensatory measures, physical security systems, traffic safety, access control, alarm functions, emergency response plans and rules, to develop and execute security policy and guidance.
• Experience leading, managing, and coordinating a variety of security-related activities; strong decision-making skills; strong organizational skills to independently manage competing priorities and complete multiple projects/assignments.
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to direct, negotiate, influence, and coordinate with all levels of management and local law enforcement agencies; experience developing and writing policies, procedure, reports, implementation plans, correspondence.
• Experience working independently, without substantial direction, and in a team setting to identify, develop, and execute sound solutions for highly complex security and sensitive issues.
• Demonstrate interpersonal skills and experience interacting with a wide spectrum of personnel, exercising a high degree of mature judgment, discretion, and tact in handling issues of a sensitive and confidential nature.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications; learning ability to use available technology (portable radios, smartphones, tablets, video monitoring systems, etc.)

Qualifications We Desire

• Knowledge of LLNL’s mission and program goals
• Experience leading and/or supervising an armed DOE protective force
• Knowledge, understanding and experience applying DOE Orders and the 10 CFR

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Site 300

Site 300 is an experimental test site operated by LLNL.  Situated on 7,000 acres in rural foothills approximately six miles southwest of downtown Tracy and 15 miles southeast of Livermore, Site 300 hosts approximately 200 employees with expertise in such fields as engineering, chemistry, biology, and environmental restoration. Employees assigned to work at Site 300 may be exposed to the organism that causes San Joaquin Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis).

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

Pre-Placement Medical Exam

A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.