Senior Security Specialist

Sound Transit•Seattle, WA

8h•$81,000 - $160,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Security Specialist conducts written and physical audits and analysis of contracted security staff, monitoring and reporting on their activities to verify compliance with Sound Transit’s security contract, job descriptions, and ongoing expectations. The role supports oversight and improvement of security programs, which currently include a Transit Security Unit, Fare Enforcement Program, and Security Operations Center. Contracted security operates 24/7, and the Senior Security Specialist must work irregular hours to meet inspection and audit requirements. The position reviews security posts, contractor reports, training, post orders, and standard operating procedures; documents audit findings and corrective actions; and recommends updates to policies, procedures, and standards. It also supports safety and security certification processes, plans security services for new transit facilities, identifies facility hazards and security risks, and helps coordinate incident response, investigations, and special events. The role collaborates with agency staff, contractors, law enforcement, outside agencies, businesses, and the public, and contributes to safety, inclusion, and sustainability practices. Work is hybrid, with an expectation of working in the office at least three days per week. The position also works in the field with contracted security and may involve physical activities and exposure to hazardous or challenging conditions. The schedule must be flexible to accommodate security events, including nights, weekends, and on-call availability.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Security, Occupational Health, Business Management, or a closely related field, and four years of physical security experience that includes reviewing threat and vulnerability assessments; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid state driver’s license; the role requires travel to sites at any time, including locations not served by public transit or when transit is not operating, and may require bringing heavy equipment.
Obtain a Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program (PTSCTP) Certificate within two years.
Knowledge of the operational characteristics, services, and activities of general security and law enforcement functions.
Knowledge of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design principles.
Knowledge of Sound Transit, its current services, and system expansion plans.
Knowledge of English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation; customer service principles; and applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Knowledge of data collection, research, and report preparation methods and techniques.
Knowledge of access control, alarm, barrier, communication, and surveillance systems, including CCTV and lighting.
Knowledge of systems design, development, documentation, testing, implementation, and maintenance.
Ability to retrieve, analyze, report, and address security intrusions and vulnerabilities.
Knowledge of program and project management techniques and principles.
Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers and word processing, spreadsheet, and statistical database applications.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive data, supported by demonstrated security or safety experience and knowledge, including project planning and implementation.
Ability to work independently and use tact and diplomacy in oral and written communication.
Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple assignments, set goals, meet deadlines, and adjust to changing priorities.
Critical thinking skills to objectively analyze data and communicate proposed actions or recommendations to decision-makers.
Ability to view Sound Transit facilities and services from a customer-focused perspective and project-manage security planning for service disruptions and station closures while anticipating customer impacts.
Ability to lead by example and demonstrate excellent customer service.
Ability to foster respect and inclusiveness in diverse settings, examine assumptions and unconscious bias, listen to diverse viewpoints, and engage in meaningful discussion.
Ability to work irregular schedules, including nights, weekends, or on-call, to accommodate 24/7 security events.
Ability to perform field activities that may include moving items, clearing platforms, setting up or taking down crowd-control barriers, and installing signage.
Ability to carry and lift objects over 50 pounds and perform relevant physical activities, including bending, climbing, grasping, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, and repetitive motion.

Nice To Haves

Physical Security Professional (PSP) certification.

Responsibilities

Assist the Security Operations Program Manager with oversight and improvement of the security contract and its programs.
Analyze current security program performance and provide strategies for ongoing program support and improvement.
Participate in weekly meetings with contract security management and operations staff.
Support the professional development of contract Security Managers and Supervisors through newsletters and Lunch and Learn events.
Promote communication and collaboration among security contractors, law enforcement contractors, and agency personnel on physical security, threat mitigation, criminal activity, and system safety.
Participate in teams and working groups, communicating physical security concepts to technical and non-technical staff.
Build and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, businesses, and the public.
Work with the Security Operations Program Manager to review and physically audit contract security posts for consistency with contracts and transit documentation.
Track Safety and Security Certification processes and provide analysis, recommendations, and program support.
Support the Public Safety Division, Facilities, and Safety personnel in identifying, evaluating, and resolving hazards and risks at facilities and administrative buildings.
Participate in Safety Department and inter-agency meetings concerning Safety and Security issues on Sounder and Link Light Rail.
Review and direct updates to contractor Post Orders, managing communications and documentation of changes.
Assist with creating Post Orders for new assignments and manage related communications and documentation.
Plan and document security services for safety certifications of new public transit facilities.
Provide discreet physical security during sensitive meetings.
Identify physical security and safety issues and propose or coordinate mitigation strategies.
Respond to and manage critical incidents and plan and manage special events.
Conduct or participate in investigations when directed by the Security Operations Program Manager, Deputy Director, or Director of Public Safety.
Conduct onsite inspections and audits of security personnel for compliance with Sound Transit contract requirements.
Prepare audit reports and manage distribution and tracking of corrective actions.
Prepare written recommendations for changes and upgrades to policies, procedures, and standards for the contracted security program.
Review contractor daily and weekly activity reports to confirm service hours and expectations.
Routinely audit contractor training to verify it meets Sound Transit service-delivery expectations.
Review Standard Operating Procedures to identify when updates are needed.
Champion Sound Transit’s core values and contribute to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Follow agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures, and integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision plans with employee coverage at no cost, with comprehensive coverage available for eligible dependents.
Long-term disability and life insurance.
Employee Assistance Program.
401a retirement plan with a 12% employer match on a 10% employee contribution.
457b retirement plan with employee contributions up to the IRS maximum.
25 days of paid time off accrued annually, with increases at four, eight, and twelve years of service.
12 paid holidays and up to two paid floating holidays per year.
Up to two paid volunteer days per year.
12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
Pet insurance discount.
ORCA card at no cost for full-time employees.
Tuition reimbursement of up to $5,000 annually for approved expenses.
Inclusive reproductive health support services.
Work-life balance, professional development opportunities, and colleague recognition.