Secretary III - Preliminary Background Coordinator (NWS 00896)

Job Title: Secretary III - Preliminary Background Coordinator (NWS 00896)

North Wind Services is actively seeking individuals who can contribute to national security within the science, technology, and engineering fields as part of our supplemental labor team at vital federal research and development installations supporting the Department of Energy. NWS has an established history of contributing to the success of their customer's mission. Available employment opportunities may range from administrative and logistical support to advanced technical positions.

Qualified applicants must be a US citizen, at least 18 years of age, and able to meet pre-employment requirements including any required physical, drug screen, and/or background investigation to satisfy clearance requirements from the Department of Energy.

Successful candidates will be employees of NWS, a premier government contractor charged with employing highly motivated and well-qualified personnel who can advance the missions of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, CA. Though employed by NWS, the employee will take day-to-day directions from technical personnel employed directly by the research laboratories. Pay, benefits, Human Resource, and Employment Management functions are provided by NWS.

The Operations and Business Directorate has an opening in the Security Organization's Information and Personnel Security Division for a Secretary III - Preliminary Background Coordinator to work in the Central Clearance Processor Group within the Information and Personnel Security Division. Under limited supervision, the successful candidate will perform advanced, complex administrative duties in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities. The successful candidate will apply Department of Energy (DOE) order requirements to resolve complex issues, interpret policy, develop recommendations, and establish procedures related to visitor control, clearance processing, and security awareness. This position also requires a high level of customer service and frequent interaction with personnel at all levels within the Laboratory, the Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration/Albuquerque (DOE/NNSA) complex, the Livermore Site Office (DOE/NNSA), and external organizations. The successful candidate reports to the Clearance Processing Group Leader.

The successful candidate will be required to pass various on-site training modules to pursue work assignments. This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

Essential Duties
- Review incoming requests for pre-clearance and pre-employment background investigations and determine processing requirements.
- Receive and screen clearance- or access-related forms, such as the Questionnaire for National Security Positions, Site Access Security Questionnaire, employment application forms, and classified visit requests, to ensure all information is accurate and complete; request additional information as needed.
- Perform data entry and track and monitor the processing of forms to ensure compliance with established timelines.
- Update the Livermore Electronic Access Portal (LEAP), which tracks clearance and access information for employees, subcontractors, classified visitors, and guests.
- Represent management in gathering, clarifying, and disseminating information, and coordinate activities while serving as a resource on Central Clearance policies and procedures.
- Compile, review, validate, and present discrepancies on monthly invoices related to completed background investigations.
- Prepare, coordinate, and compile complex administrative reports, spreadsheets, documents, and correspondence for supervisor approval.
- Represent the team in interactions with individuals and organizations external to the Laboratory to support successful completion of assignments, such as pre-employment vendors, the Office of Personnel Management, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) Master Vendor, and Human Resources.
- Serve as a liaison between the LLNL population and DOE/NNSA to clarify and resolve clearance-related issues, and assist DOE/NNSA with requests for information.
- Research, analyze, and recommend improvements to internal administrative procedures and systems to increase operational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
- Advanced administrative experience, including strong typing, editing, grammar, and proofreading skills, with exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact tactfully and effectively with a diverse range of individuals and disciplines while maintaining productive working relationships.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise a high degree of discretion, mature judgment, diplomacy, and tact when handling sensitive matters.
- Strong leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to lead projects through completion.
- Advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills, including the ability to anticipate issues, identify solutions, and recommend and implement appropriate actions to address complex problems.
- Experience compiling, tracking, monitoring, resolving, and reporting data and results.
- Experience working in a service-oriented environment and applying customer service skills to build and maintain effective working relationships with employees, clients, and Laboratory service departments.
- Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage and complete complex projects independently, prioritize workload, and handle multiple tasks with frequent interruptions while meeting critical deadlines.
- Advanced proficiency with computers and office software, including word processing, spreadsheets, and database applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Desired Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
- Working knowledge of LEAP.
- Experience with or familiarity with Central Clearance policies and procedures.
- Experience using web-based applications.

Special Requirements
Pre-Placement Medical Exam: A job-related pre-placement medical examination may be required.
Pre-employment drug test: External applicants selected for this position will be required to pass a post offer, pre-employment drug test.
Anticipated Government Clearance Level: Q (position will be cleared to this level). Applicants selected will be subject to a federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. In addition, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold multiple citizenships (U.S. and another country), you may be required to renounce your non-U.S. citizenship before a DOE L or Q clearance will be processed/granted.

North Wind offers a competitive pay and benefits package to include health, life, and disability insurance benefits, 401(k) with company match, generous paid leave, and tuition reimbursement for eligible employees. As a company, we are committed to employee wellness, professional development, and work-life balance. We value safety, reliability, and commitment to our people! For more information about our benefits or hiring philosophy, visit the North Wind Career Opportunities Page.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The nature of those accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact our Helpline 1-208-528-8714 for assistance.

North Wind is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, religion, or other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.