CDA-Director of Safety and Security (Program Management II)

State of Colorado•Pueblo, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Colorado State Fair (CSF) is seeking a Director of Safety and Security to lead a new unit focused on centralizing, modernizing, and elevating safety and security efforts. This role is responsible for protecting all people, animals, and property on the State Fair properties and incorporating emergency preparedness strategies. The position will coordinate with the CDA Office of Emergency Management, Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, and local emergency and law enforcement partners. This role is responsible for coordinating, preparing, and implementing safety and security measures during the 11-day State Fair Event and other public events on the fairgrounds throughout the year. The Director will lead and coordinate safety programs, liaise with local and state emergency and law enforcement agencies, and collaborate with public safety professionals to identify and implement safety policies, protocols, and operational improvements. This position will also work closely with the Emergency Management Team at CDA to conduct annual safety and security assessments and make recommendations for improvements. The Director is responsible for the safety of the fairgrounds, staff, visitors, contractors, and assets, developing safety policies and procedures, and supervising temporary staff, contractors, and volunteers. The role also involves leading safety and security training for CSF staff and understanding and implementing OIT requirements for digital accessibility.

Requirements

Must be a Colorado resident at the time of application.
Nine (9) years of experience relevant to the position.
Seven (7) years must include experience in law enforcement, public safety, emergency management, or event security experience.
Three (3) years of experience as an Instructor, Planner or Safety Officer.
OR A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in law enforcement, public safety, emergency management, or event security experience equal to nine (9) years which must include Experience in law enforcement, public safety, emergency management, or event security experience.
Three (3) years of experience as an Instructor, Planner or Safety Officer.
Must have and maintain an active Colorado driver's license.
Must be able to pass a motor vehicle background check.
Must be a resident of the state of Colorado.
Willing to travel for frequent single-day trips to work sites throughout assigned area and be willing to have overnight travel to other areas of Colorado.
Willing to work outside of normal business hours.
Will need to work outdoors in adverse conditions such as rain, heat, and snow.
Excellent interpersonal, communication and public speaking skills.
Detail oriented.
Ability to write detail-oriented reports based on analysis.
Excellent communication skills; able to communicate effectively and articulately in writing and orally with diverse communities in all corners of the state.
Work well under pressure.
Strong relationship management skills and excellent representation of the department in community interactions.
A proven track record for developing and maintaining trusted relationships with stakeholders and industry experts.
Excellent negotiation and consensus building skills.
Proactive approaches to problem-solving and with strong decision-making capability.
Knowledge with supervision and budget as it relates to large events.
Knowledge of safety and security standards as it relates to large events.
Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently.
Knowledge of Safety and Security protocols and standards.
Knowledge of Law Enforcement Code as it relates to agriculture.
Knowledge of Emergency Management as it relates to agriculture.

Nice To Haves

Experience with agriculture and livestock.
Experience with the National Incident Management Structure and Incident Command Structure.
Experience with management of staff, scheduling, and budgeting for special events.
Certified Protection Professional (CPP) qualified.
Use years of state service as a preferred qualification.
Ability to attain an ASIS International Security Certification within the first year of employment.

Responsibilities

Lead security planning and operations for CSF.
Ensure vacant positions are filled quickly, staff are well trained and supported, team communication is effective, personnel matters are resolved, and a positive team culture is maintained.
Hire, schedule, and supervise seasonal/temporary employees, contractors, and volunteers working security.
Manage and treat all employees equitably.
Execute onboarding plans per CDA’s onboarding guidance for any new employee in the unit.
Ensure new hires have the tools and training to succeed.
Evaluate the budget annually to ensure all required staffing and equipment costs can be fulfilled.
Develop and update CSF procedures related to safety and security.
Make ongoing supervisory decisions on safety and security.
Conduct safety & security assessments with the CDA Emergency Management team.
Collaborate with the CDA Emergency Management team and the General Manager to implement plans and updates identified from assessments.
Identify and address threats and vulnerabilities to protect employees, patrons/visitors, and the fairground’s facilities.
Review and identify any gaps, and provide improvement/contingency plans to the State Fair General Manager.
Work with team members to ensure that communication and surveillance equipment essential to safe events and operations on the fairgrounds is working properly.
Purchase safety and security equipment (e.g., radios, surveillance cameras, locks, barricades, reflective clothing, area lights) per the approved budget.
Employ modern crime prevention techniques to protect visitors, animals, and property at the State Fairgrounds.
Address immediate operational problems, make quick decisions on administrative procedures to maintain productivity, and escalate larger strategic decisions to the State Fair Manager.
Address poor performance by staff and contractors and address conflict issues promptly and constructively.
Responsible for the physical transport, assembly, positioning, and breakdown of heavy security infrastructure, including advanced weapons detection systems and tactical crowd-control barricades.
Command and actively assist in emergency scenes, which may require rapidly moving heavy safety barriers, clearing physical obstructions, or deploying emergency response equipment to secure a perimeter.
Respond to and manage safety incidents involving loose, distressed, or hostile animals on the property; must be physically capable of handling, corralling, and stalling animals using specialized equipment to ensure public and staff safety.
Establish and maintain close working partnerships with local, regional, and national emergency and law enforcement agencies, representing the Colorado State Fair.
Work year-round with all public safety agencies in Pueblo County to plan for and enhance the safety & security of all events at the Fairgrounds.
Update the CSF Emergency Action Guide annually and the Staff Emergency Procedures Guidebook with input from the CDA Office of Emergency Management and community safety partners.
Work closely with the Pueblo Fire Department and Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office on Evacuation Plans for the fairgrounds, specific to fire drills, severe weather events, and mass casualty incidents (MCI).
Provide regular communication to partner agencies to promote collaboration.
Respond to inquiries from customers/partners, manage correspondence such as emails and calls, ensuring professional representation of the State Fair in routine interactions.
Support State Fair programs to determine staffing, safety, and security needs for all events.
Schedule and conduct regular safety training for full-time and seasonal/temporary staff.
Develop and facilitate safety & security training for all CSF Staff, including permanent staff, temporary staff, and volunteers.
Serve as the lead instructor or class coordinator when outside subject-matter experts (trainers) are required.
Cover topics relevant to security and safety issues encountered by staff.
Regularly seek feedback from staff on safety and security issues.
Work with the CDA Emergency Management Team, Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, and other community partners to develop, plan, and facilitate the annual fair-related table-top or functional disaster table training exercises.
Serve as the CDA Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) point of contact for the State Fair and be responsible for carrying out related COOP provisions when activated.
Complete other duties as assigned by the State Fair General Manager, which may include tasks related to emergency incidents or planning for such incidents (e.g., becoming a Colorado Threat Liaison Officer (TLO), or writing Incident Action Plans (IAPs)).