How to hire a nuclear security officer

How to hire a nuclear security officer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step nuclear security officer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a nuclear security officer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new nuclear security officer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a nuclear security officer, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A nuclear security officer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, nuclear security officers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of nuclear security officer salaries for various roles:

   Type of Nuclear Security Officer	Description	Hourly rate
   Nuclear Security Officer	Security guards and gaming surveillance officers patrol and protect property against theft, vandalism, terrorism, and illegal activity.	$13-23
   Non-Commissioned Officer	A non-commissioned officer (NCO) is responsible for maintaining peace and order during military operations and training. Non-commissioned officers' duties include leading soldiers' training for military operations, responding to the soldiers' concerns that involve their physical and mental well-being, and utilizing military equipment and tools properly while following strict regulatory procedures... Show more	$37-68
   Officer	An officer is responsible for managing the daily operations of the assigned area, ensuring its peace and security by monitoring and reporting unusual and suspicious activities. Officers are the ones enforcing strict safety protocols and procedures to maintain the order within the premises... Show more	$12-49

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Safety Violations
   • Patrol
   • Emergency Situations
   • NRC
   • Nuclear Regulatory
   • Nuclear Facility
   • Nuclear Power
   • CCTV
   • Metal Detectors
   • Security Plan
   • Nuclear Plant
   • Intrusion Detection
   • Security Systems
   • Responder

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Train to be a first responder and train in CPR.
   • Enforce laws as directed under 10 CFR 73.55
   • Compose reports, perform other duties as specified in U.S. 10 CFR and post orders.
   • Process employees and visitors through metal, and explosive detectors, and attend CCTV where require.
   • Perform the duties of an arm responder (NSO) pertaining to plant protection and public safety.
   • Monitor CCTV for unusual or unauthorize activity.

   More nuclear security officer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your nuclear security officer job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A nuclear security officer can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, nuclear security officers' average salary in mississippi is 45% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level nuclear security officers 40% less than senior-level nuclear security officers.
   • Certifications. A nuclear security officer with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a nuclear security officer's salary.

   Average nuclear security officer salary

   $37,784yearly

   $18.17 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level nuclear security officer salary

   $29,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 23, 2026

   Average nuclear security officer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$41,946	$20
   2	Illinois	$38,691	$19
   3	Pennsylvania	$34,910	$17
   4	Texas	$34,751	$17
   5	Alabama	$31,663	$15

   Average nuclear security officer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Constellation Energy Partners	$51,130	$24.58	11
   2	Exelon	$49,220	$23.66
   3	Dominion Energy	$41,868	$20.13	11
   4	Entergy	$38,803	$18.66	7
   5	Us Navy	$38,666	$18.59	486
   6	Energy Inc.	$37,618	$18.09
   7	Southern	$36,525	$17.56	3
   8	Edison International	$36,135	$17.37	3
   9	Tennessee Valley Authority	$35,834	$17.23
   10	Allied Universal	$35,774	$17.20
   11	G4s Secure Solutions International Inc.	$35,698	$17.16
   12	G4S	$35,318	$16.98	16

4. Writing a nuclear security officer job description

   A nuclear security officer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a nuclear security officer job description:

   Nuclear security officer job description example

   Allied Universal , North America's leading security and facility services company, provides rewarding careers that give you a sense of purpose. While working in a dynamic, diverse and inclusive workplace, you will be part of a team that fuels a culture that will reflect in our communities and customers we serve. We offer medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, 401K, employee assistance programs, company discounts, perks and more for all full-time positions!
   
   Allied Universal has security jobs and are seeking to fill the position for an Nuclear ISFSI Security Officer - Armed. The Nuclear ISFSI Security Officer - Armed will provide physical protection of nuclear Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI) facilities against intrusion and acts of sabotage. This Security Officer will conduct ISFSI surveillance, control access and/or egress of personnel, vehicles, and materials, monitor plant surveillance equipment and alarm systems, compose reports, and deter criminal activity, misconduct, and safety violations. The role will also respond to medical, fire, and hazard emergencies as required.
   
   ***** This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with a starting pay rate of $20.56 hourly during training increasing to $32.73 hourly upon completion of training. Position includes an excellent benefits package. Training lasts approximately 12-16 weeks. *****
   **ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:**
   
   + Maintain compliance with all site policies, procedures, and directives
   
   + Assess alarms, investigate, and report suspicious activities and/or circumstances
   
   + Identify safety and/or fire hazards and make recommendations for improvement
   
   **BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:**
   
   + **Formal Education, Licenses, and Certifications Required:**
   
   + Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
   
   + Pass any State-required training or other qualifications for licensing
   
   + Must possess a current and valid driver's license
   
   + Meet any applicable state, county, and municipal requirements for Security Officers
   
   + Must possess current state issued firearms license (not applicable in state of Maine)
   
   + Licensing requirements are subject to state and/or local laws and regulations and may be required prior to employment
   
   + **Type and Length of Specific Experience Required:**
   
   + If previously employed, meaningful and verifiable work history
   
   **Allied Universal is an Equal Opportunity Employer.** All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or relationship/association with a protected veteran, or any other basis or characteristic protected by law. For more information: www.aus.com
   
   If you have any questions regarding Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Diversity and Inclusion, have difficulty using the online system and require an alternate method to apply, or require an accommodation at any time during the recruitment and/or employment process, please contact our local Human Resources department. To find an office near you, please visit: www.aus.com/offices .
   
   **Allied Universal is an Equal Opportunity Employer.** All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or relationship/association with a protected veteran, or any other basis or characteristic protected by law. For more information: www.aus.com
   
   If you have any questions regarding Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Diversity and Inclusion, have difficulty using the online system and require an alternate method to apply, or require an accommodation at any time during the recruitment and/or employment process, please contact our local Human Resources department. To find an office near you, please visit: www.aus.com/offices .
   
   
   **Location:** United States-Maine-Town of Wiscasset
   
   **Job Category:** Security Officer, Armed Security

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right nuclear security officer for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your nuclear security officer job on Zippia to find and recruit nuclear security officer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit nuclear security officers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new nuclear security officer

   Once you've decided on a perfect nuclear security officer candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new nuclear security officer first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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