Access Control Officer MD (Top Secret w/Poly)

Description

This full-time Access Control Officer position supports a high-security environment in Annapolis Junction, Maryland. The role is responsible for controlling access to restricted areas, verifying credentials and required clearances, screening for prohibited items, monitoring alarms and surveillance systems, conducting patrols, escorting authorized visitors, and responding to incidents in accordance with site procedures, customer requirements, and applicable security standards. Candidates must meet the stated minimum qualifications and complete the formal application process to be considered.

Key Responsibilities

• Control access to designated facilities, sensitive areas, and classified information in accordance with security protocols and clearance requirements.
• Verify employee, visitor, and vendor identification, credentials, and authorizations before granting entry.
• Operate access control systems, badge readers, biometric devices, handheld screening equipment, and related security technology.
• Monitor cameras, alarms, and surveillance systems to identify and respond to suspicious activity or potential security breaches.
• Conduct screening for prohibited items, devices, and materials at established checkpoints.
• Escort visitors and non-cleared personnel in sensitive areas during construction, maintenance, and other critical activities.
• Assist with site evacuations, emergency response activities, drills, and other security events, including active threat scenarios when required.
• Perform routine foot patrols, including walking and stair climbing, to verify physical security barriers and compliance with site procedures.
• Document access control activity, incidents, inspections, and security logs accurately and completely.
• Partner with site leadership, security teams, and government representatives to report and resolve incidents promptly.
• Support continuous improvement of access control processes, procedures, and site security measures.
• Provide professional customer service while consistently enforcing security standards and protecting sensitive information.
• Complete required training and comply with company policies, federal regulations, and clearance-related requirements at all times.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Active Top Secret clearance required; Full Scope Polygraph preferred.
  Candidates must be able to meet customer and site access requirements, including any additional clearance processing required for the assignment.
• High school diploma or equivalent; additional security training or certifications are a plus.
• Experience in access control, physical security, screening, or a related protective services role.
• Knowledge of access control systems, physical security procedures, alarm systems, and surveillance technology.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, conduct screening activities, and perform foot patrols indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to walk long distances during a shift and work independently during patrols and screening assignments.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow standard operating procedures precisely.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with employees, visitors, clients, and vendors.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, resolve conflicts professionally, and enforce screening and access policies consistently.
• Sound judgment, reliability, and the ability to prioritize tasks and make decisions in a fast-paced, high-security environment.
• Flexibility to work day, night, weekend, holiday, and extended shifts as needed to maintain minimum staffing levels.
• High ethical standards, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk approximately 3 to 5 miles during a shift.
• Ability to stand for up to 60 minutes at a time and remain on your feet for extended periods.
• Occasional climbing of ladders.
• Frequent climbing of stairs and ramps.
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• Occasional pushing or pulling of 50 to 75 pounds with an assistive device.
• Normal near, far, and peripheral vision, with correction if applicable.
• Normal color vision where required for job duties.