Public Safety Technology Specialist

Wesleyan University•Middletown, CT

17h•Onsite

About The Position

The Public Safety Technology Specialist serves as the University’s primary technical steward for physical security platforms following vendor deployment and system migration activities. The position administers the Avigilon Unity platform, the University’s on-premises integrated physical security system that serves as the primary card access control system and is being expanded to consolidate campus IP camera infrastructure. The role contributes to the ongoing planning and evolution of the University’s physical security technology environment by identifying system improvements, supporting technology planning initiatives, and advising on security technology capabilities. The position is responsible for the reliable operation, administration, and continuous improvement of enterprise physical security platforms that support building access, emergency response, and Public Safety investigations. The position is responsible for the development and implementation of governance standards, operational procedures, and institutional policies related to the administration and use of security technology working in collaboration with Public Safety leadership to ensure systems are managed in alignment with operational needs, compliance requirements, and campus safety priorities. The Public Safety Technology Specialist evaluates system performance, recommends enhancements, maintains vendor relationships, and guides the long-term development of campus security technology infrastructure. The role collaborates closely with Information Technology Services (ITS), Facilities, Residential Life, and other campus partners to support infrastructure, integrations, and operational needs and participates in the evaluation and implementation of security technology solutions. In this capacity, the position supports the integration and reliable operation of network-based physical security systems across the campus environment and applies knowledge of both physical security operations and enterprise technology infrastructure to ensure these systems operate effectively within the University’s broader technology ecosystem.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in information systems, computer networking, security technology, electronics, or a related field and six years of progressively responsible experience administering physical security systems, video management systems, access control platforms, or related enterprise technology infrastructure, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Experience administering electronic access control systems or video management platforms in a complex organizational environment.
Demonstrated understanding of both physical security systems and enterprise technology environments, including access control, video management systems, or related security platforms.
Ability to analyze and troubleshoot integrated technology systems operating across operational and IT environments.
Experience evaluating technology solutions, vendors, or system components and participating in system implementation or upgrade projects.
Experience maintaining technical documentation, operational procedures, or governance standards for technology systems.
Experience collaborating with technical infrastructure teams, operational departments, or technology vendors to support system integrations and reliability.
Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and collaborate with technical staff, operational departments, and external vendors.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a 24/7 operational environment supporting safety and security functions.

Nice To Haves

Experience administering Avigilon Unity or comparable integrated security platforms such as Genetec, Lenel OnGuard, or Milestone.
Experience supporting physical security systems in higher education, healthcare, or complex campus environments.
Experience developing operational procedures, governance standards, or policy documentation for technology systems.
Experience working with security technology vendors, system integrators, or technology service providers.

Responsibilities

Avigilon Unity Platform Administration Serve as the primary functional administrator for the Avigilon Unity platform, Wesleyan’s University’s on premises integrated physical security system. Manage day‑to‑day system operations user provisioning, and access policy administration. Monitor system health, investigate alerts, and resolve technical issues to ensure dependable operation 24/7. Partner with information technology for system integrations between physical security platforms and institutional systems where applicable. Oversee migration of campus IP cameras into the Avigilon Unity environment. Maintain system documentation including hardware inventories, configuration records, and standard operating procedures. Evaluate system performance and recommend upgrades, configuration improvements, or platform enhancements to improve reliability and security.
Access Control Systems Administer card access permissions, door schedules, credential assignments, and access groups. Manage staff, faculty, and laboratory access privileges in coordination with departments. Partner with Facilities, Residential Life, and departments to manage access changes. Conduct regular audits of access rights to ensure compliance with security policies. Respond to access emergencies in coordination with Public Safety personnel.
Video Surveillance Systems Manage campus IP camera infrastructure including configuration, recording schedules, and retention settings. Monitor system performance and address operational or technical issues affecting surveillance systems. Retrieve and support the preservation of video footage in support of Public Safety investigations and operational needs, providing technical expertise on video management systems and ensuring proper system functionality, access, and data retention. Evaluate camera placement, system coverage, and performance and recommend improvements or expansion where appropriate.
Intrusion Alarm Systems Assessment and Modernization Assess the University’s legacy intrusion alarm systems and document current infrastructure and vendor relationships. Research and evaluate modern intrusion detection platforms and integration opportunities with the Avigilon Unity environment. Develop a phased modernization roadmap including system priorities, technology options, cost estimates, and implementation recommendations to support departmental planning and budgeting. Serve as the technical liaison with security system vendors and contractors supporting alarm system infrastructure. Participate in the evaluation, selection, implementation, and lifecycle management of security technology solutions. Stay current on trends and best practices in higher education public safety and security technology through professional development and participation in relevant industry conferences.
Policy Development and Governance Collaborate with Public Safety leadership and relevant stakeholders to develop and maintain policies governing the administration and use of access control, surveillance systems, and related security technologies. Support the development and implementation of governance standards, operational procedures, and documentation that promote consistent system administration. Work with Public Safety and institutional partners to ensure system use aligns with institutional privacy, data governance, and records retention policies. Maintain documentation related to system configuration, operational procedures, and technology governance to support consistent system management and operational continuity.
Collaboration and Operational Support Collaborate with Information Technology Services on infrastructure planning, cybersecurity considerations, and system integrations affecting security technology platforms. Maintain working relationships with security technology vendors, contractors, and service providers. Provide training and operational guidance to Public Safety staff and other authorized system users, including training designated personnel to support basic monitoring and operational continuity of access control, video management, and related security systems during staff absences. Communicate system capabilities, procedures, and operational considerations to campus partners as needed. Participate in on-call response for critical system outages or security incidents affecting physical security platforms operating in a 24/7 public safety environment.

Benefits

Wesleyan offers a broad range of employee benefits and development opportunities, including comprehensive group insurance plans, wellness programs and incentives, generous paid time off and retirement plans, flexible work schedules, employee and dependent tuition programs for those who qualify.
Detailed information on the benefits of working at Wesleyan is located at: https://wesleyan.edu/hr/careers/prospective-resources.html

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