Lead Locksmith

Job Description:

Lead Locksmith

Description

CANDIDATES ELIGIBLE TO APPLY: THIS RECRUITMENT IS AVAILABLE TO CURRENT ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYEES ONLY.

CLASSIFICATION TITLE: Lead Locksmith

UNION CODE: R06

FT/PT: Full-time

PAY PLAN: 12-month

WORKPLACE TYPE: On-site (work in-person at business location)

ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: Step 8 $6,889 - Step 13 $7,606

• However, offer amount will be commensurate with candidate’s experience, education, skills, and training.

CSU CLASSIFICATION SALARY RANGE: $5,998 - $8,737

PAY BASIS: Monthly

BENEFITS: CSUB offers a best-in-class benefit package for eligible employees that includes an array of medical plans, choice of dental plans, vision coverage, retirement participation in CalPERS, CSU tuition waiver, up to 24 vacation days per year, sick leave with unlimited accrual, 14 paid holidays per year and more! See our benefits website for additional information.

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday; 7am-4pm

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT: Incumbent must possess a valid CA driver’s license or ability to obtain by date of hire, successfully pass a pre-employment physical exam and background check.

POSITION PURPOSE: Within the Business and Administrative Services Division, Facilities Management is responsible for creating and maintaining an environment that enables faculty and staff to fulfill the educational mission of California State University, Bakersfield through the continued maintenance of campus facilities and grounds, by providing services in a reasonable and timely manner, and by maintaining a best-in-class organization geared toward the enhancement of the educational environment.

Under general supervision, the Lead Locksmith performs the full range of skilled locksmith duties while serving as the campus expert for all lock, key, and access control systems. The position provides lead work direction to journey-level locksmiths and related trades personnel; plans, designs, and oversees implementation and maintenance of the campus-wide master key program; and ensures that locking systems meet all building codes, security requirements, and operational needs. The Lead Locksmith also maintains complex manual and computerized keying records, troubleshoots access systems, estimates project costs, and consults with administrators during new construction and major facility upgrades.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead Work, Project Planning & Quality Control

• Provide lead work direction to a small crew of locksmiths and/or other skilled and semi-skilled staff, including assigning tasks, monitoring workflow, and inspecting completed work for quality and compliance with codes.
• Train staff on proper locksmith techniques, safety procedures, master key protocols, and system documentation.
• Plan and prioritize daily and long-term work schedules; coordinate with Facilities Management, UPD, Housing, and campus departments to minimize disruption during installations or rekeying activities.
• Determine staffing, material, and equipment needs for projects; review contractor work when outside services are utilized.
• Provide input for performance evaluations of crew members.
• Analyze and respond to emergency situations requiring lock changes, system shutdowns, or security interventions.

Skilled Locksmith Duties

• Perform the full range of journey-level locksmith duties, including installing, repairing, adjusting, and maintaining mechanical and electronic locks, cores, cylinders, access control devices, and hardware for campus facilities, furniture, and vehicles.
• Install, repair, and maintain door closers, latches, panic devices, exit hardware, automatic door openers, and sliding door mechanisms.
• Cut, issue, and replace keys; program and issue access cards; rekey locks during personnel changes or security incidents.
• Respond to daily emergency and urgent service calls involving lock failures, access issues, and security risks.
• Service and maintain safes, including combination changes, opening techniques, and lock repairs.
• Perform preventive maintenance across all assigned buildings to maximize reliability and code compliance.
• Estimate labor, materials, and equipment needs for projects, and provide recommendations for hardware standards and system upgrades.

Campus Master Key Administration & Record Management

• Design, implement, and maintain the campus-wide master key system, ensuring compliance with CSU standards and alignment with institutional security needs.
• Develop, update, and manage both computerized and manual locking system records, including keying schedules, bitting arrays, hardware inventories, restricted key logs, and access control audit trails.
• Utilize and maintain locksmith software platforms (e.g., Key Trails, MasterKing, Card Access systems, Code Source, KeyGrabber) to issue keys, cards, and access permissions.
• Prepare reports on access activity, system status, material usage, and labor for management review.
• Ensure the security, integrity, and confidentiality of all keying and access control information.
• Back up and archive digital keying and access files in accordance with departmental protocols.

Shop Operations, Safety, & Procurement

• Maintain shop operations, including ordering, receiving, storing, and inventorying lock hardware, cores, keys, fasteners, and specialized tools.
• Maintain and service key machines, pinning kits, hand tools, and power tools to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Ensure shop safety by keeping workspaces clean, organized, and compliant with OSHA, fire code, and CSU regulations.
• Research and recommend new locking technologies, electronic systems, and hardware that improve campus security.
• Stay current on applicable codes, including egress, fire safety, ADA requirements, and hardware standards.
• Coordinate disposal of obsolete keys, cylinders, and confidential key files in accordance with security protocols

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE - Two (2) or more years of experience as a journey-level locksmith that includes lead work coordination responsibilities and training in master key systems.

LICENSES -

• Possession of a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain by date of hire.
• License or certification as a Locksmith (or equivalent professional certification).

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES (SKA’s) -

• Regular and reliable attendance is required.
• Comprehensive knowledge of master key systems and a working knowledge of effective supervisory practices and techniques.
• Ability to develop and implement a master key system.
• Ability to lead, instruct and coordinate the work of a small group or crew of skilled and semi-skilled assistants.
• Ability to determine staffing, material and equipment needs.
• Ability to estimate costs for new locking systems or for replacement systems.
• Ability to analyze and respond appropriately to emergency situations.
• Ability to maintain more complex manual and/or computerized record-keeping systems.
• Thorough knowledge of the methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the locksmith trade, including complex access and control systems.
• Thorough knowledge of all types of locks, fastening devices and related hardware.
• Working knowledge of electrical locking and security systems and devices.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable state codes pertaining to the locksmith trade including those related to fire exits, door hardware and fastening devices.
• Ability to perform journey-level locksmith work and use features of applicable access control systems.
• Ability to read, interpret and work from shop blueprints, plans, drawings and specifications.
• Ability to prepare standard reports.
• Ability to read and write at a level appropriate to the position.
• Ability to perform arithmetic calculations as required by the position.
• Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism.
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to effectively handle a broad range of high level and sensitive interpersonal situations with diverse personalities, and to respond appropriately to conflicts and problems.
• Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.
• Excellent communication skills; ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner.
• Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to interpret, communicate and apply policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.
• Excellent computer skills and competence with a variety of computer applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, on-line systems, Internet as well as online calendaring and email.
• Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn University infrastructure.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Five (5) or more years of increasingly responsible locksmith experience in a facilities or institutional setting, including extensive work with large-scale master key systems.
• Completion of advanced coursework or certification in electronic access control systems, low-voltage or security systems wiring, and/or master key system design.
• Manufacturer-specific training (e.g., Schlage, Best, Alarm Lock, Corbin Russwin, ASSA ABLOY systems).
• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, and maintaining computerized access control systems, including integrations with card access, building security, or door automation systems.
• Demonstrated skills in an institutional/educational environment possessing a customer-oriented and service-centered attitude.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: HEAVY WORK - 50% or more of the activities involve walking, standing, squatting, kneeling or climbing; lifting heavy weight objects which may exceed 50 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

• Is exposed to excessive noise
• Is around moving machinery
• Is exposed to marked changes in temperature and/or humidity
• Is exposed to dust, fumes, gases, or radiation, microwave
• Drives motorized equipment
• Works in confined quarters

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

SCREENING: Only those applicants possessing experience most directly related to the immediate needs of the office will be invited to appear before a Qualifications Appraisal Board for the purpose of appraising training, experience, and interest in the position.

BACKGROUND CHECK: Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SENSITIVE POSITION: Sensitive positions are designated by the CSU as requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position, based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of the people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to the CSU or individuals in the university community.

GENERAL INFORMATION: It is the policy of California State University, Bakersfield to hire only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. All new employees will be required to present documentation verifying their right to accept employment. You will also be requested to present a social security card at the time of initial appointment in compliance with state payroll regulations. State regulations require that every state employee sign the Oath of Allegiance prior to commencing the duties of his/her State employment, except legally employed non-citizens. These individuals are required to sign the Declaration of Permission to Work.

The California State University (“CSU”), including California State University, Bakersfield is committed to an inclusive and equitable community that values diversity and fosters mutual respect. All students and employees have the right to participate fully in CSU programs, activities, admission, and employment free from discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking and retaliation. The CSU Nondiscrimination Policy prohibits discrimination and harassment based on any protected status, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, prohibited consensual relationships, and retaliation.

Campus contact for our Nondiscrimination policy is Allan Williams, Associate Vice President of Civil Rights & Compliance, (661) 654-2713.

Advertised: Jan 07 2026 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close: Jan 21 2026 Pacific Standard Time