Job Description

​Who are we?

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) operates three Federally Funded Research and Development Centers supporting federal decision making – two serving the Department of War and one serving the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President of the United States. IDA assists the United States Government in addressing important national security issues, particularly those requiring scientific and technical expertise. IDA takes great pride in the high caliber and timeliness of its analyses, which are produced in an atmosphere that encourages independent thinking and objective results.

The Institute of Defense Analyses (IDA) has an immediate career opening for a Security Officer. The scheduled shift for this position is Sunday - Thursday (10:30 pm - 6:30 am).

Our primary sponsor is the Department of War and the classified work that is done at IDA must be kept secure. Our Security Officers are the first line of defense against leaks of classified information and for maintaining a safe and orderly work environment for our employees. This is a great opportunity to make a difference in the national defense community.

When you work on the security team at IDA, you work for IDA and not a contractor. We have our own in-house security which means that your job is stable and consistent. There’s a strong team dynamic and level of mutual respect.

What will you do in this role?

The IDA Security Officers are responsible for the physical security at the IDA Systems and Analyses Center in Alexandria, VA. This position is a physical security role in which security guards are required to observe and report as they patrol the premises and monitor CCTV feeds. Through instruction and on-the-job training, you will become familiar with all normal and emergency IDA Security Officer Procedures, each duty post assignment, and the physical layout of the facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Visually check for appropriate security access badges.
• Escort scheduled, unscheduled, and uncleared personnel or visitors around the facility.
• Perform checks of safes containing classified documents; look for safety hazards, security violations, or unauthorized activity; and report to the appropriate supervisor.
• Pick up bagged classified waste weighing up to 10 pounds from various locations in the IDA facility for transport to the disintegrator room. Accomplish the destruction of the material via the disintegrator and other required methods of destruction while adhering to stated procedures.
• Maintain and update the shift log and prepare special reports.
• Maintain stationary posts and/or physically patrol all areas of the building (interior and exterior) including the parking garage.
• Issue and maintain records. Retrieve badges using the appropriate program and logs.
• Perform the duties of the Shift Supervisor as necessary, to include operating the Console Command Center.
• Perform Receptionist duties for numerous IDA facilities, using computerized visitor control system.

What you need?

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Active Secret Security Clearance or above.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least one year of work experience, preferably in physical security, but not a requirement.
• Ability to use computer technology with proficiency to include: Microsoft office products, security badge creation software, and other security databases and programs.
• Great customer service attitude, ability to effectively communicate and follow instructions.
• Willingness and availability to work other shifts or overtime as needed to support 24/7 operations.
• Successful completion of criminal background is required.

Why work at IDA?

• Comprehensive benefits including diverse health insurance options, generous 10% contribution to retirement, parental leave, 20 days paid time off (which increases with tenure), and relocation reimbursement.
• Mission-oriented work at a non-profit that supports and protects our warfighters; as a non-profit, IDA employees are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL).
• Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications.
• A strong employee and corporate culture of work-life balance, including commitment to average 40-hour work weeks through flex time, partial telework options, and expectation of communication only during core business hours.
• A brand-new facility located in Alexandria’s high-tech corridor in Potomac Yard; amenities include a gym, and close proximity to local dining and shopping.
• Easy access to Potomac Yard Metro stop and Potomac Yard DASH bus stop. Employer contributes $315/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.

Compensation

We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data-driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $42,291 - $67,666. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent’s experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.