Physical Security Systems Administrator

Job Description:

Physical Security Systems Administrator

Description

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the job, plus (4) four years related to physical security experience.
• Experience in a related field may substitute for education of up to four (4) years.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid Class C Texas driver’s license

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to bend, lift, walk, carry, or use force equal to lifting up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Continuous outdoor activity, frequent sitting/standing/walking/squatting/bending/twisting upper body/climbing, exposure to extreme heat/cold/inclement weather/noise/mechanical hazards/fume/odor/dust hazards/electrical hazards, occasional kneeling/crawling, carrying/lifting to a minimum of fifty (50) pounds, client/customer contact, and indoor activity.

Notes to Applicants
Austin Energy is looking for a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual with technical hands-on experience in the field of physical security systems. Main responsibilities will consist of installing operating and maintaining the systems that protect the utility’s physical assets including facilities, substations, powerplants, equipment and personnel.

This includes managing access control systems, video surveillance systems, intrusion detection systems, and other security technologies. The administrator will ensure that these systems function optimally to protect critical assets and personnel. They will also collaborate with security personnel to monitor real-time security feeds, respond to alarms, and investigate security incidents. Other duties may be include physically completing system upgrades, troubleshooting technical issues, and developing security policies and procedures to enhance overall security posture.

Working with Austin Energy provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, career development opportunities and more. Please click HERE for more information.

Employment Application:

• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.
• The Employment Record should be complete with job titles, employment dates, job duties, functions, and responsibilities for each position held.
• Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your application.
• Responses to the Supplemental Questions inquiring about experience should be reflected on application.
• Please be sure to detail on the application all current and previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
• Résumés will not be accepted and statements such as “see résumé” will not be accepted. You may use “N/A” for fields that are not applicable.
• Please note that Austin Energy may close the job posting at any time after 7 days from the date of the initial advertisement. Once the job posting has closed, applications cannot be changed.

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED , undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.
• If you are identified as a top candidate and are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
• This position requires a criminal background investigation.

This position has been designated as a Critical Employee position. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and supports activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified, and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.

Driving Requirement:

This position requires a Valid Texas Class “C” Drivers License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation ( DRE ) requisite . To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT :

This position is considered FLSA Exempt. Exempt employees are salaried and, except as provided, are not eligible for overtime compensation.

To view the City of Austin recruitment video, please click here.


Pay Range
Commensurate
Hours
Monday - Friday - (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Job Close Date 04/10/2025 Type of Posting External Department Austin Energy Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin Texas 78723 Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing and troubleshooting Lenel access control systems.
• Experience with Milestone video management system.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices and the ability to identify and mitigate security risks.
• Experience with software and hardware with the ability to install, configure, and maintain security software and hardware components.
• Experience and ability to respond to security incidents, investigate alarms, and analyze security data to identify potential threats.
• Strong communication skills to interact with security personnel, IT teams, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve technical issues efficiently.
• Knowledge of relevant security regulations and standards, such as those from NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corporation) and FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission),
• Technical IT Skills: Familiarity with network protocols, IP addressing, cybersecurity principles, and database management
• Experience and proficiency with Security Systems in managing and troubleshooting various physical security systems, such as: Access control systems (e.g., card readers, biometric systems, electronic locks), video surveillance systems ( CCTV , IP cameras, video management software) and intrusion detection systems (sensors, alarms, monitoring systems)

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Oversees the administration and maintenance of physical security systems customized for utility facilities. These include access control, surveillance cameras, alarms, and intrusion detection systems. Configures, optimizes, and troubleshoots security hardware and software components. Collaborates with City, Utility IT, and information security teams to enhance security practices and contribute to the ongoing development of the security program. Oversees contractors and vendors involved in physical security work for utility operations. Manages physical security documents, including classification guidance, access controls, and utility-specific security protocols. Deploys, configures, and maintains the back-end infrastructure supporting physical security systems within the utility. Continuously monitors system performance, proactively troubleshoots issues, and optimizes system efficiency to ensure utility operations. Ensures compliance with industry-specific regulations, standards, and policies related to physical security for utilities. ( FERC , NERC , TRE ) Participates in disaster recovery planning and testing, including fault tolerance and detailed disaster recovery plan maintenance. Installs new specific physical security software releases and/or upgrades including researching, testing, and implementing new technology. Provides cost analysis for physical security related projects. Ensures appropriate product specifications for physical security related projects. Assists in planning, designing, procuring, and delivering physical security software and hardware provisions.

Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, and guidance to others.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods in the physical security industry.
• Knowledge of utility practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of risk management programs.
• Knowledge of infrastructure technologies.
• Knowledge of application and/or operating systems.
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skills in understanding of threats and mitigation practices.
• Skills in designing and implementing access control, CCTV , and intrusion detection systems.
• Skill in documenting and maintaining complex application and process or configuration information.
• Skill in providing day-to-day system/application administration and/or system/application administration in support in a variety of work environments.
• Skill in installing and maintaining applications, operating systems, or equipment.
• Skill in identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and to implement solutions.
• Skill in selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new concepts.
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Ability to view the big picture when involved in a project and make decisions.
• Ability to quickly become familiar with emerging technologies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to monitor and respond to security incidents.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* The minimum qualifications are graduation with a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the job, plus four (4) years related to physical security experience. Experience in a related field may substitute for education up to four (4) years. Do you meet the following minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a Texas Class C Drivers License. Do you have a Texas Class C Drivers License or if selected for this position, do you have the ability to acquire a Texas Class C Drivers License by your hire date?

• Yes
• No

* The City of Austin Driver Eligibility Standards require that External New Hires meet the City’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

* The physical requirements involve the ability to bend, lift, walk, carry or use force equal to lifting up to fifty (50) pounds. Continuous outdoor activity, frequent sitting/standing/walking/squatting/bending/twisting upper body/climbing, exposure to extreme heat/cold/inclement weather/noise/mechanical hazards/fume/odor/dust hazards/electrical hazards, occasional kneeling/crawling, carrying/lifting to a minimum of fifty (50) pounds, client/customer contact, and indoor activity. Do you have the ability to complete these requirements?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a criminal background investigation (CBI). By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful CBI to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Background Investigation.

* How many years of experience do you have in physical security systems administration? In your answer, please include which position(s) on your application where you gained this experience and what specific role you played. If you do not have this experience, please put N/A.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience with installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting physical security systems. Be specific about the types of systems (e.g., access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, alarm systems).
(Open Ended Question)
* Have you worked in a critical infrastructure environment, such as a utility, or other highly regulated industry? In your answer, please include which position(s) on your application where you gained this experience and what specific role you played. If you do not have this experience, please put N/A.
(Open Ended Question)
* What experience do you have with security monitoring and incident response?
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience developing or implementing physical security policies and procedures. In your answer, please include which position(s) on your application where you gained this experience and what specific role you played. If you do not have this experience, please put N/A.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience with vendor management for security systems or services. In your answer, please include which position(s) on your application where you gained this experience and what specific role you played. If you do not have this experience, please put N/A.
(Open Ended Question)
* What is your experience with risk assessment methodologies and their application in a physical security context? In your answer, please include which position(s) on your application where you gained this experience and what specific role you played. If you do not have this experience, please put N/A.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience with access control systems, including user management, permissions, and access logs.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your knowledge of relevant security regulations and standards, such as those from NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corporation) and FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) in terms of being crucial for compliance.
(Open Ended Question)
* This position requires technical hands-on experience if you could describe your experience installing, configuring and maintaining security software and hardware components. Include in your answer your ability to diagnose, resolve technical issues and your familiarity with network protocols and IP addressing,
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience of responding to security incidents, investigating alarms and analyzing security data to identify potential threats. How would you communicate and interact with security personnel, IT teams and other stakeholders?
(Open Ended Question)
* Please describe your knowledge and experience of cybersecurity principles especially best practices and the ability to identify and mitigate security risks. Also list if you have familiarity with network protocols and IP addressing.
(Open Ended Question)


Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Optional Documents