When you leave a job that requires a security clearance, maintaining that clearance can feel like an unnecessary challenge—especially if your new job doesn’t need it but you want to keep it active. A question recently posted on Reddit asked just this: “Are there any part-time jobs I could do on top of my full-time job to keep my clearance?”
5 Ways to Keep Your Security Clearance
Here’s a breakdown of some top suggestions from the cleared community and ways to retain that valuable clearance without leaving your main role.
1. Consider a Cleared Escort Role
A part-time role as a “cleared escort” is a popular choice among clearance holders looking to stay active in the cleared community. Many cleared facilities and contractors hire escorts to accompany uncleared visitors, such as repair personnel, within restricted areas. Escort work typically requires less technical expertise, making it easy to balance alongside your primary role.
One Redditor advised, “Cleared personnel escort is a popular part-time gig for feds.” Not only is it low-stress work, but it also provides the opportunity to keep your clearance current and stay involved in the security field.
2. Look for Security Guard Opportunities with Cleared Contractors
Companies like Allied Universal and other security providers sometimes offer part-time positions specifically designed for cleared individuals. These roles often involve security or access control, ensuring that only authorized personnel enter certain areas of cleared facilities. Some positions require being on standby for shifts as needed, making it relatively easy to fit this work around another job.
“If you’re in the area of a cleared facility, companies like Allied can be a good fit,” said another Redditor. Security guard roles can be ideal if you prefer a more traditional approach to keeping your clearance active, especially at facilities where security is a round-the-clock operation.
3. Find Janitorial Roles in Cleared Facilities
If you’re open to more unconventional options, working as a janitor at a secure facility could also be an option. Many cleared spaces, especially SCIFs (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities), require janitorial staff who have the right clearance. This side gig could allow you to keep your clearance active while offering a stable second income.
Even seemingly simple roles can be effective for clearance maintenance.
4. Join the National Guard or Reserve
If you’re open to military service, joining the National Guard or Reserve is a common route for keeping a security clearance active. The Guard or Reserves often offer roles that align with civilian schedules, allowing you to fulfill duties on weekends or during specific training periods. For some, this option may even enhance existing clearance levels.
As one user shared, “The Army Reserve holds my clearance, and I can pick my job to make sure it’s a TS-required position.” This option is popular among former military members who still want to serve in a limited capacity while ensuring their clearance remains active.
5. Look into Facility Maintenance or Access Control Roles
If none of the above options seem like a good fit, there are various facility maintenance and access control positions that also offer clearance maintenance potential. Some companies with cleared facilities hire part-time help for things like monitoring entry points, handling ID checks, or performing minor maintenance tasks that require a cleared individual.
One commenter shared, “Look for access control or facilities roles in places with a large TS population. It may only be a few shifts a month, but it’s enough to keep the clearance active.” For those who live near a secure facility, this could be an easy and flexible way to hold onto your clearance status.
Flexibility is Key
There are several paths to keeping your clearance without requiring it for your main job. It’s all about finding ways to keep your clearance active and ready for whenever you need it again. If you have the network, you might be surprised at your ability to pick up a few cleared freelance hours each month, as well. Just remember that any extra job needs to be reported.
Perhaps someday, continuous vetting will solve this clearance struggle that many people have. Sometimes a job requires a lower clearance or no clearance, but you still want to be ready for the right job in the future.
