NR

Director - Site Operations

Salary
$172.7K–$310.9K
USD
Moves you to
United States
Support
Relocation support
Posted
Sep 29, 2026
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Posting Title

Director - Site Operations

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Location

CO - Golden

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Position Type

Regular

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Hours Per Week

40

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Working at NLR

NLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development.

Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth.

At NLR, you'll find a mission-driven environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.



Job Description

The Site Operations Director position reports directly to the Associate Laboratory Director of Facilities and Operations.  The successful candidate must have significant knowledge and experience in operations and facility management and will provide strategic direction, leadership, and management for the Site Operations organization. 


The Site Operations Director manages the Site wide budget, initiating and enforcing organization-wide policies and procedures that support the infrastructure at NLR to accomplish research.   The successful candidate for this position will have an outstanding record of accomplishment and will be comfortable tackling issues impacting growth and operational execution. 

 

The Site Operations Director will also play a key role in the direction, management, and safety of the business, including the ability to provide leadership and direction for an organization of approximately 150 staff with technical management of numerous full-time and other revolving subcontractors including:

  • Facility operations and maintenance.
  • Facility and infrastructure engineering.
  • Work Planning & Control.
  • Project management and construction.
  • Campus planning and utility infrastructure modeling and forecasting.
  • Space planning and move management.
  • Real property leasing and management; real property condition assessment and inventory.
  • Shipping and Receiving Operations.
  • Personal Property management.
  • Stockroom and warehouse operations.
  • Machine shops.
  • Grounds, cafeteria, shuttle and charter transportation, and janitorial services.
  • Government vehicle/fleet management.

These functions service more than 3500 staff located at five primary locations encompassing 650 acres, 50+ buildings, and associate infrastructure and test pads and provide direction and resources to ensure operational efficiency.

The Site Operations Director position requires excellent communication, decision-making, project management and planning skills with an unquestionably high ethical standard and attention to reputation and compliance risks.  Demonstrated ability to collaborate with constituents at all levels in the organization, attention to detail, talent development, and succession planning for the Site Operations organization.

 

Additionally, this position must sustain and build an effective working relationship with the Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Critical Materials and Energy Innovation (CMEI), Office of Engineering and Construction Management (OECM) organizations and respond to requests for information and provide DOE required reports.


A successful leader at NLR embodies the following personal competencies:


  • Courage: Act decisively to tackle difficult problems and persevere in the face of adversity.
  • Critical Decision Making: Make sound choices in a timely manner.
  • Credibility: Earn and maintain trust by influencing with integrity, honesty, and transparency.
  • Coaching: Provide guidance and support to help others develop, learn, and grow.
  • Compassion: Show genuine interest, sensitivity, and empathy to employees’ needs.
  • Communication: Speak, write and listen clearly and consistently.

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Basic Qualifications

Previous management and budget administration experience required. Program strategy, development and implementation experience required. Degree in appropriate field is required. Extensive knowledge of the renewable energy industry, as appropriate, as well as regulations, principles, procedures and practices of relevant discipline(s). Solves variety of multi-dimensional problems in absence of guidelines or precedents. Models and embeds NLR values. Keeps abreast of key issues affecting respective Center/Office industry discipline(s). Builds effective teams; creates strong morale and spirit; shares wins and successes. Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and direct personnel with diverse skills, work styles and values, both directly and through subordinate management.

* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

  • Extensive knowledge of the laws, regulations, principles, procedures, and practices of relevant discipline. Superior interpersonal skills as well as excellent communication (oral and written) skills.
  • Superior budgeting and negotiating skills.
  • Ability to exemplify leadership skills through actions and words.
  • Ability to collaborate with individuals at all levels of the organization.
  • Understanding of the use and capability of specialized software applications, including: project management real property condition assessment and inventory databases (e.g., FIMS and CAIS); maintenance work control systems (e.g., FM:Systems); space management systems; and computer aided design systems (e.g., Autocad).
  • Ability to generate project management resource loaded schedules, work breakdown structures, and project status reports.


Additional technical requirements include the understanding of:


  • Building systems and structures, building codes, systems furniture, and infrastructure (utility distribution systems, roadways)
  • Preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance practices.
  • Construction techniques, management, and practices.
  • Property Management requirements and practices as upheld within the DOE.
  • Managing diverse types of subcontracts, including service agreements, task ordering agreements, consulting agreements, architecture/design contracts, construction contracts, and leases.
  • 15 years of directly related experience in engineering and/or facilities management. Registered engineer, IFMA certification, or Project Management Institute certification.

Previous management and budget administration experience required:


  • Program strategy, development and implementation experience required. Degree in appropriate field may be required.
  • Demonstrated breadth and depth of expertise required to create aligned strategies and set direction with command of advanced industry/knowledge, and business situation versatility. Solves a wide range of complex, multi-disciplinary problems, which must consider short and long-term NLR-wide planning.
  • Demonstrates financial and business acumen in analyzing, monitoring and actively controlling all aspects of goals and objectives for multiple Centers/Offices. Models and embeds NLR's values. Builds effective teams; creates strong morale and spirit; shares wins and successes. Accountable for Center/Office decisions and functional area outcomes.

DOE Q

Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q Security Clearance.

Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen. See DOE O 472.2A for additional information.

Preferred Qualifications

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Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)

Job Profile: Office Director / Annual Salary Range: $172,700 - $310,900

NLR takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits Summary

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short*- and long-term disability insurance; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays; and tuition reimbursement*. NLR employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.

* Based on eligibility rules

Badging Requirement

NLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.

Drug Free Workplace

NLR is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.

If you are offered employment at NLR, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NLR you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

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Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.


Reasonable Accommodations


E-Verify www.dhs.gov/E-Verify For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish.

E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.





About Us

The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) is the U.S. Department of Energy's primary national laboratory for critical minerals, energy innovation, and energy security. With locations in Golden and Boulder, Colorado, Fairbanks, Alaska, and a satellite office in Washington, D.C., NLR bridges foundational research with practical applications to develop and bring to scale new energy materials and technologies that lower energy costs, drive economic growth, and deliver abundant and reliable energy.

NLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All candidates must be authorized to access the facility per DOE rules and guidance within a reasonable time frame for the specified position in order to be considered for an interview and for hiring. DOE rules for site access during the interview process depend on whether the candidate is interviewed on-site, off-site, or via telephone or videoconference. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation. Additionally, DOE contractor employees are prohibited from participating in certain Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs (FGTRPs). If a candidate is currently participating in an FGTRP, they will be required to disclose their participation after receiving an offer of employment and may be required to disengage from participation in the FGTRP prior to commencing employment. Any offer of employment is conditional on the ability to obtain work authorization and to be granted access to NLR by the Department of Energy (DOE).

Drug Free Workplace

NLR is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.

If you are offered employment at NLR, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Please review the information on our Hiring Process website before you create an account and apply for a job. We also hope you will learn more about NLR, visit our Careers site, and continue to search for job opportunities at the lab.




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