Safety & Security Specialist
8 days ago
Lewisville
Job Description The Safety & Security Specialist is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and supporting incident management through real-time physical security systems within the Security Operations Center (SOC) to support the safety and security of passengers, employees, and assets across the transit system. This role provides critical support of agency facilities, including four key locations, train station platforms, and other public sites, ensuring timely response to suspicious activities, emergencies, and safety/security related service disruptions. The Specialist coordinates with internal departments, law enforcement, and emergency responders to ensure effective incident management, accurate reporting, and compliance with safety and security policies. The ideal candidate will have strong situational awareness, excellent communication skills, and the ability to make quick, sound decisions under pressure to maintain a safe transit environment. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The following duties are standard for this position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. • Monitor live video feeds, alarms, access control alerts, and other security technology across agency facilities, stations, platforms, and public transit sites., • Identify, assess, and respond to potential safety or security threats and vulnerabilities, within a timeframe driven by the potential impact, escalating incidents to supervisors, law enforcement, or emergency personnel as appropriate., • Document and log all security-related and safety-related incidents, activities, and observations in compliance with agency standards and regulatory requirements., • Communicate promptly and effectively with operations staff, law enforcement, first responders, and internal departments during emergencies or service disruptions., • Provide situational awareness and updates to leadership and field personnel during active incidents., • Support investigations by retrieving and reviewing evidence, logs, video, etc., preparing incident reports, and maintaining accurate records., • Manage access controls for secure areas, ensuring only authorized individuals gain entry., • Conduct routine checks of physical security equipment to verify functionality; report malfunctions and coordinate with IT or vendors for resolution., • Assist with emergency management coordination and implementation of the Agency’s Security and Emergency Preparedness Plans., • Participate in security-related audits, drills, tabletop exercises, and training programs to maintain readiness and compliance., • Maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism while handling sensitive information and incident data., • Support continuous improvement of SOC processes, policies, and procedures, contributing to a culture of safety and vigilance. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES None QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. Where applicable, an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of education/experience listed below. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE • Associates’ degree in Criminal Justice, Security Management, or related field., • A minimum of 3-5 years of closely related work experience. Relevant experience in a public transit environment preferred., • Prior experience in a Security Operations Center, law enforcement, military, or emergency management environment strongly preferred., • Familiarity with CCTV, access control, alarm monitoring, and other security technologies., • Knowledge of public safety and emergency management protocols including Incident Command System (ICS)., • Strong multitasking skills and the ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure., • Excellent written and verbal communication skills., • Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as part of a 24/7 operation. KEY COMPETENCIES & CHARACTERISTICS • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, • Ability to be adaptable, cooperative, analytical and creative, • Act with integrity, empathy, and compassion, • Exhibit complex reasoning, intellectual curiosity, and realistic thinking, • Foster trust and transparency within a team environment, both internally and externally, • Exhibit strong communication skills, both orally and in writing, • Possess an influential and welcoming communication style, • Act decisively and properly manage resources, • Knowledge of Federal and State OSHA General Industry Safety Standards and Workplace Security Guidelines, TX Health and Safety Code, Federal Transit Administration and American Public Transit Association Transit System Security Programs requirements. Knowledge of Crisis Management Techniques, Agency Media Relations protocols, Texas Emergency Management System, and the Incident Command System. Knowledge of TX Penal Code, TX Vehicle Code, Uniform Building Code & Architectural Design Principles for Crime Prevention, life Safety & ADA Code, and the applicable Texas Administrative and Government Codes, such as Public Safety. First aid and CPR. Functional knowledge of applicable federal, state, and municipal regulations and codes associated with security and public safety. Special Qualifications Hold a current valid Texas Driver's Licenses or can obtain upon entry into the position. PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS Physical activity includes, but is not limited to: on a continuous basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time; prolonged periods of work on the computer and/or phones; write or use keyboard to communicate through written means; repeated use of sight to read documents and computer monitors; repetitive hand motions, such as keyboarding, writing, 10-key; and hearing and speech to communicate both on the phone and in person. Frequently requires use of hands, fingers, repetitive hand/finger motions, and sitting. Occasionally requires kneeling, stooping, crouching, standing walking, reaching with hands and arms, lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 25 lbs. Repeated use of hearing and speech to communicate on telephone, radios, and in person. May requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds at times. Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises. The essential functions require the daily use of a computer and telephone. Will be required to travel locally between locations in Denton County as required. Come be a part of an amazing team working to move the people of the 6th largest growing county in the United States! Additional perks and benefits that accompany full-time employment with DCTA: • Employee portions of Medical and Dental benefits are 100% paid by the, • If you have utilized a Proportionate Retirement Program in the past, the service time transfers to DCTA’s retirement system, TCDRS. The following systems apply:, • Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS), • Employees Retirement System (ERS), • Judicial Retirement System of Texas (JRS), • Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), • City of Austin Employees Retirement System (COAERS), • Expanding time-off accruals: 12 days of vacation time accrued for the first year, increasing by one day each year, with a max of 17 days annually. Additionally, employees earn 12 days of sick time each year, 4 floating holidays, 9 fixed holidays, and the ability to earn two additional days off through the Wellness Program., • Regional transit passes (bus and rail) for you and your immediate family., • DCTA strives to continually improve our Servant Leadership We pride ourselves in having an open, caring, and communicative community of employees, with the drive to help build each other up., • Flexible dress code: business casual, allowing jeans every day (unless otherwise specified for external/special meetings, events, etc.)., • Extensive Wellness Program, including several opportunities to volunteer with the agency, sporadic lunch and learn events, chair massages, the potential to earn two extra days off each year, and continual efforts to improve wellness throughout the agency. Company DescriptionDenton County is the 6th fastest-growing county in United States with nearly 950,000 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. DCTA is committed to improving mobility, air quality, economic development and livability in the areas we serve. Since inception, DCTA has accelerated innovative transportation solutions critical to reducing traffic congestion and enhancing air quality, while contributing to strategic growth and development, and improving the quality of life for Denton County residents. DCTA drives a better future for Denton County by getting people where they need and want to go.Denton County is the 6th fastest-growing county in United States with nearly 950,000 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. DCTA is committed to improving mobility, air quality, economic development and livability in the areas we serve. Since inception, DCTA has accelerated innovative transportation solutions critical to reducing traffic congestion and enhancing air quality, while contributing to strategic growth and development, and improving the quality of life for Denton County residents. DCTA drives a better future for Denton County by getting people where they need and want to go.