Physical Security Specialist I or II

Otter Tail Corporation•Fergus Falls, MN

12d•$69,000 - $116,000

About The Position

Otter Tail Power Company is hiring a Physical Security Specialist at the I or II level in Fergus Falls. The selected candidate’s experience and qualifications determine the level. The role maintains and enhances physical security systems, assesses potential risks, and supports security programs that protect personnel, facilities, generation resources, substations, operational technology environments, corporate offices, and other critical infrastructure. The position reports to the Manager IT I, Security. The Specialist I is expected to learn and apply physical security concepts and technologies, conduct assessments and analyze security information, make practical recommendations, and complete assigned work while appropriately escalating complex matters. The Specialist II independently manages projects, programs, or ongoing processes with limited guidance, leads major workstreams, resolves complex issues, and acts as a technical resource to colleagues. The position coordinates with internal departments and external partners, supports incident response and investigations, and contributes to the development and improvement of physical security programs, policies, standards, procedures, and governance practices. The role also participates in system integration and security design reviews for construction, renovation, and infrastructure projects.

Requirements

Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Ability to learn and apply physical security concepts, technologies, policies, and procedures.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to conduct assessments, analyze security-related information, and develop practical recommendations.
Ability to independently complete assigned work while recognizing and escalating complex or non-routine matters appropriately.
Experience in physical security, facilities, operations, engineering, law enforcement, military service, emergency management, risk management, or a related field.
For Specialist II: five or more years of relevant professional experience in physical security, law enforcement, military security, critical infrastructure protection, facilities security, emergency management, risk management, or a related field.
For Specialist II: demonstrated experience performing physical security assessments, incident investigations, security technology administration, critical infrastructure protection activities, or related security work.
For Specialist II: in-depth knowledge of physical security concepts, technologies, programs, and industry practices, including access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, investigations, and incident response.
For Specialist II: demonstrated ability to independently manage projects, programs, or ongoing processes with limited guidance.
For Specialist II: ability to analyze complex security issues, develop recommendations, and implement sustainable solutions.
For Specialist II: experience serving as a technical resource, project lead, or subject matter expert.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, Engineering, Information Technology, Business, or a related field.
Working knowledge of access control systems, video surveillance, intrusion detection, incident response, investigations, or critical infrastructure protection.
Experience conducting security assessments, inspections, audits, or vulnerability reviews.
Experience supporting physical security technologies, projects, or programs.
Professional certifications such as APP, PSP, CPP, Security+, CISSP, or equivalent certifications.
For Specialist II: five or more years supporting critical infrastructure, utilities, industrial facilities, operational technology environments, government facilities, law enforcement, military security, or related environments.
For Specialist II: experience leading physical security projects, facility security improvements, investigations, or security technology deployments.
For Specialist II: experience developing or maintaining physical security programs, standards, procedures, or governance practices.
For Specialist II: experience coordinating with public safety agencies, emergency responders, contractors, architects, engineers, or regulatory stakeholders.
For Specialist II: Physical Security Professional (PSP) certification.
For Specialist II: additional professional certifications such as CPP, APP, CISSP, Security+, or equivalent certifications.
For Specialist II: experience providing technical guidance, mentoring, or informal leadership to other security professionals.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, administer, and maintain physical security technologies, including access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, visitor management, and related platforms.
Conduct physical security risk assessments, site reviews, security inspections, and vulnerability assessments; identify risks and recommend appropriate controls.
Analyze access logs, surveillance information, alarm activity, security system data, and incident reports to identify trends, anomalies, and potential vulnerabilities.
Evaluate physical security plans, procedures, and controls through testing, assessments, inspections, and periodic reviews.
Conduct security assessments at company facilities, substations, generation assets, operational facilities, and other critical infrastructure locations.
Coordinate physical security initiatives, projects, and incidents with internal departments, vendors, contractors, law enforcement agencies, and emergency responders.
Support the development and continuous improvement of physical security programs, policies, standards, procedures, and governance practices.
Assist with or lead physical security incident investigations, root-cause analysis, and corrective-action recommendations, based on position level.
Support or lead emergency response, crisis management, business continuity, and incident management activities involving physical security events.
Participate in physical security system integration projects and security design reviews for construction, renovation, and infrastructure projects.
Serve as a liaison to Safety Services, Facilities, Operations, Engineering, IT, and other stakeholders.
Provide physical security risk briefings, project updates, recommendations, and technical guidance to the Manager of IT Security.
At the Specialist II level, independently manage security projects and processes, lead major workstreams, resolve complex security issues, and serve as a technical resource to colleagues.

Benefits

Competitive wage and benefit package.
Incentive plans.
Employee Stock Ownership options.
Retirement Savings Fund with employer match.
Health, disability, and life insurance plan options.
Training and development opportunities each year, including education reimbursement.
Safety, technical, compliance, and developmental training.
Leadership development programs, online leadership courses, and mentorship opportunities.
Mental health support through SupportLinc.
Competitive vacation and sick leave.