TMWA Internal Job Openings >> Physical Security Specialist
Physical Security Specialist
Summary
Title:Physical Security Specialist
ID:2127
Salary Range:$38.89 - $47.64
Application Deadline:03/30/2026
Position Status:Full-Time
Department Name:Human Resources
Number of Vacancies:1
Description

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) is a not-for-profit, community-owned water utility, overseen by elected officials and citizen appointees from Reno, Sparks and Washoe County. TMWA has a highly skilled workforce who ensure the around-the-clock treatment, delivery and availability of high-quality drinking water for more than 475,000 residents of the Truckee Meadows.

We are looking to hire a PHYSICAL SECURITY SPECIALIST, to join our HUMAN RESOURCES Department.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under general direction, designs, implements, installs, monitors, and maintains assigned elements of TMWA’s Security Management Program to ensure the protection of TMWA critical infrastructure (CI), assets, employees, and visitors. Performs site security assessments at all TMWA properties and works with the Security Manager to recommend and implement new or modified physical security equipment, methods, systems and or procedures. Supports the development and implementation of security preparedness and response policies, procedures, technology, and day-to-day security processes. Coordinates all aspects of security projects with other internal groups and external partners to ensure security systems components are running in an efficient and effective manner, makes decisions related to security equipment purchases and installations Responds to and/or directly supports the response to unusual or unauthorized activity, operational emergencies, and natural disasters while working to protect the physical assets of TMWA and the safety of its employees.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

We believe that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not limit the incumbent nor TMWA to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.

  • Learns, follows, and administers TMWA’s Security Management Program. Assists in the development, modification and maintenance of security programs, strategies, and solutions to meet organizational objectives and compliance with all applicable policies, rules, regulations, and laws.
  • Develops and maintains Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) documents for security systems equipment which are part of the Security Management Program (SMP). These SOP’s provide detailed, step-by-step information on specific tasks and processes related to the troubleshooting, programming/configuration, repair, installation, and use of physical security equipment.
  • Carries out security programs and processes including access control (i.e., badge and identification systems), video surveillance, intrusion protection and perimeter security to ensure the protection of TMWA CI sites, assets, employees, and visitors.
  • Conducts ongoing physical security assessments of our critical infrastructure facilities to identify potential vulnerabilities and risks involving physical security, general employee safety, and/or asset protection.
  • Conducts analysis on effectiveness of equipment, methods, systems, and programs; identifies trends, needs, vulnerabilities, and areas of concerns; recommends and implements improvements.
  • Operates multiple physical security specific programs and systems; installs, configures, maintains, troubleshoots, or repairs problems with access control devices, locks, keys, cores, security cameras, VMS system components, VMS radio network components; and coordinates higher level technical assistance.
  • Performs administrator level duties within Genetec and Medeco, updates access levels and permissions for issued keys and badges, communicates any changes to the physical security team.
  • Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with public safety agencies within TMWA’s service areas to ensure prompt and adequate response during security and emergency situations.
  • Participates in security incident investigations involving TMWA employees, CI sites, or assets, which may consist of security breaches, trespassing, theft, vandalism, suspicious activity or similar security incidents.
  • Informs and assists TWMA employees on physical security and protection issues; communicates new and revised policies and procedures to employees.
  • Observes activities of people in and or around TMWA facilities; assesses activities and identifies inappropriate or suspicious behavior; notifies law enforcement of inappropriate or suspicious activities.
  • Responds to security events at TMWA facilities, requests law enforcement when necessary, files reports with law enforcement, prepares thorough and comprehensive incident reports, and briefs other designated personnel as appropriate; recommends improvements.
  • Assists with the creation of security purchase requests, monitoring and tracking of quotes, invoice approval
  • Responsible for security systems configuration and licensing updates within Genetec in support of security cameras and access control components. Also responsible for enterprise level coordination with IT and the physical security team for all archivers, cloud links, and networking equipment integrated within Genetec.
  • Installs and/or exchanges electronic key system components; Maintains an adequate inventory of electronic key system components.
  • Creates, updates, tracks, and documents Preventive Maintenance (PM) programs for Medeco cores, locks, and security cameras; ensures PMs are completed each period, ensures the standardized PM checklists are followed, performs spot checks to confirm compliance.
  • Develops and conducts training for the Physical Security Technician related to cameras, locks, access control, and other security system components in common use.
  • Provides direction and guidance to the Physical Security Technician to ensure adherence to policies and procedures; assigns tasks, addresses resource needs, and escalates deficiencies.
  • Provides start to finish project management for physical security projects to ensure that projects are completed per the plans and/or guidance provided; develops and provides comprehensive project packets, ensures all aspects of the project are identified, addressed, and coordinated in the planning stages; collaborates and communicates with all stakeholders leading up to and for the duration of the project.
  • Works with the Engineering group to ensure that security related plan details for cameras, fencing, lighting, and access control are captured on all new project planning; provides specifications for security equipment upon request; attends pre-construction meetings to coordinate activities between employees, contractors, service providers, and other stakeholders and ensures that security requirements are addressed and communicated per the SMP.
  • Maintains an inventory of cameras, access control components, and similar security equipment necessary to ensure the timely repair and/or replacement of core components when needed.
  • Creates and maintains and asset management tracker for all physical security system components including but not limited to cameras, cloud links, comm boards, badge readers, and radio network components utilized across TMWA facilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the minimum requirements is:

Experience: Five (5) years of relevant experience OR an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field of study with three (3) years of relevant work experience.
Must have experience using major enterprise level platforms for Video Management Systems (VMS) and Physical Control Access Systems (CAS).
Preferred experience in installing and troubleshooting VMS and/or CAS related equipment, including the use of various hardware tools and software utilities related to the task. Preferred-basic security background (military/LE/ or similar)

Education & Training: High school diploma or certificate of high school equivalency.
Other combinations of education/experience may be considered.

Must have working-level knowledge of the English language including reading, writing, and speaking English.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSURE, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Must have completed the Genetec SC-OTC-01 (Security Center Omnicast/Video Technical Certification, SC-STC-01 (Security Center Synergis/Access Control Technical Certification, and the SC-ETC-01 (Security Center Enterprise Technical Certification) courses to be eligible for this position
  • Must hold a valid driver’s license from the State of Nevada or, for applicants who reside in another state within a commutable distance (including students), a valid driver’s license issued by their state of residence.
  • Must also meet and maintain eligibility to be covered under TMWA’s vehicle insurance requirements.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation. During hire by TMWA and periodically during employment, background investigations may be conducted.

This position is considered a safety-sensitive position and employment is contingent upon the results of drug and/or alcohol testing which includes screening for marijuana. The presence of marijuana or other screened for substances on any employment related substance test may result in a refusal to hire or termination of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Modern security methods, techniques, and procedures; basic methods, techniques, procedures and practices of security patrol and incident investigations; surveillance practices to promote effective observation; practices and techniques used in obtaining and documenting statements, incident reporting, conducting observations, and recordkeeping; modern security systems, procedures, communication protocols, and technology applicable to protecting facilities, assets and employees; functionality and operation of common security devices for detecting intrusion and monitoring activity such as digital video recorders and cameras; trends in the types of security incidents, crimes, relative frequencies, and contributing factors for modern water facilities and office buildings; the purpose and characteristics of distribution and treatment facilities typically associated with a municipal water system; modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Skilled in/Ability to:

Read, understand, interpret and apply written work-related documents; use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses or alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems; independently identify and find solutions to problems; accurately observe, remember, and report the sequence and times of incidents, names, faces, numbers, and other relevant circumstances of events; quickly assess the relative priority and urgency of specific security incidents or needs, take appropriate action, and coordinate the timely and accurate communication of information to law enforcement and brief appropriate TMWA staff; use communication devices such as radios and cell phones to transmit and receive information both in routine and emergency security events; write clear, complete, and easy to follow security logs, reports, protocols, and procedures; quickly develop a good working knowledge of the location, type, physical layout, and attributes of TMWA facilities, surrounding geography, and the types of security systems and devices utilized; provide procedural direction and orientation to contract security regarding contract expectations, standards, protocols, and security systems; determine contract performance compliance of security services; develop and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of contract security personnel, law enforcement, and departmental personnel; write clear, concise, chronological, and well detailed reports; use personal computers to effectively access data, prepare and run reports and input information. Must be available when called upon to work or respond to call outs before and after standard scheduled hours or work and may be required to work overtime or weekends.

TMWA is an equal opportunity employer. It is TMWA’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race (including traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, gender, religion, age, national origin, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military and/or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. TMWA’s commitment to equal opportunity includes all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, job placement, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, advancement, and termination.

All decisions affecting any terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, assignment, training, compensation, promotion, salary, disciplinary action, and an employee’s caregiving responsibilities, will be made without regard to race (including traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, gender, religion, age, national origin, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military and/or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

TMWA complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at hr@tmwa.com or 775-834-8207.

TMWA is committed to providing a safe work environment and to fostering the health and well-being of our employees. That commitment is jeopardized when any of our employees illegally use drugs at home or at work, comes to work under the influence, possesses, distributes, or sells drugs in the workplace, or abuses alcohol on the job. As part of our commitment to safeguard the well-being of our employees and to provide a safe environment for everyone, TMWA has established a drug-free workplace policy.