Access Control Specialist

Pepperdine University; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 41,328 - 45,460; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Pepperdine University seeks an Access Control Specialist to oversee the university’s access control program. This role involves managing access control software and ensuring system integrity and security.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience, and strong customer service skills. The position offers a salary between $30.00 - $33.00 per hour and includes a robust benefits package.

Qualifications

• Experience with electronic access control systems.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily administration of access control software.
• Provide customer support for access control inquiries.
• Coordinate access control policies and procedures across campuses.

Skills

Technical aptitude

Customer service

Problem-solving

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's Degree or 3 years of equivalent experience

Tools

Continental Access Control software

Job description

The Access Control Specialist supports the University’s comprehensive access control program by serving as the primary day‑to‑day administrator of the access control software under the guidance of the Associate Director, Access Control. This position ensures accurate credentialing, system functionality, timely troubleshooting, and excellent customer service to the campus community. The Access Control Specialist works to implement policies, maintain secure and efficient operations, support system upgrades, and coordinate access requests across all University campuses.

Duties

• Access Control Administration:
  • Serve as the daily administrator for the Continental Access Control platform, managing user accounts, access levels, schedules, time zones, door groups, and system configurations.
  • Monitor system health, alarms, and event logs; promptly troubleshoot issues and initiate service support when necessary.
  • Ensure data accuracy and integrity within all access control databases.
  • Update and maintain door schedules, holiday calendars, and building access profiles.
  • Coordinate and perform system testing activities, including firmware and software updates, system backups, wireless device performance checks, and emergency power verification, while assessing results and implementing corrective actions as needed to ensure reliable system performance.
  • Evaluate access control policies and procedures to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and ensure compliance, and implement appropriate process or system changes to address identified needs.
• Credentialing & Access Provisioning:
  • Process and fulfill electronic access card and key requests in accordance with University policies.
  • Issue, track, revoke, and document access cards, mobile credentials, and physical keys.
  • Maintain digital records to support auditing, security compliance, and reporting.
  • Coordinate with campus departments in diagnosing and resolving access control issues, ensuring solutions are implemented efficiently while maintaining system integrity and security.
• Operational Support & System Maintenance:
  • Monitor system performance and report recurring issues, risks, or improvements, developing improvements and reporting to the Associate Director when needed.
  • Assist with the maintenance and operational readiness of access control components, including wired and wireless devices, readers, locks, and controllers.
  • Perform routine audits of access groups, permissions, and user accounts to uphold security best practices.
  • Assist in maintaining inventory of access cards, key blanks, and related materials.
  • Provide after‑hours support for access control and related systems during emergencies, major University events or due to international time zones.
• Customer Service & Stakeholder Coordination:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for daily access control inquiries from faculty, staff, students, and contracted partners.
  • Provide clear communication regarding access changes, outages, system updates, and project impacts.
  • Collaborate with the Department of Public Safety on monitoring proprietary alarm systems and responding to access‑related incidents.
  • Support coordination across Facilities Services, Public Safety, IT, Residence Life, and other campus stakeholders.
• Administrative Responsibilities:
  • Maintain accurate files, logs, inventory records, and compliance documentation.
  • Assist with preparing reports, system analytics, and operational summaries.
• Project & Vendor Support:
  • Assist with project coordination, ensuring installations and repairs meet University standards and timelines.
  • Support vendor and contractor interactions, including scheduling, documentation, and quality control.
  • Participate in system upgrades, new installations, and migration planning as directed.
• Training & Staff Support:
  • Provide training and assistance to staff, departmental liaisons, and end users on access control processes and system features.
  • Develop user guides and standard operating procedures for routine system tasks.
  • Support the Associate Director in promoting consistent and secure access control practices across all campuses.
• Lock Shop Responsibilities and Support:
  • Maintain accurate employee key files, key records, and associated documentation.
  • Assist with preparing employee separation key reports.
  • Assist with work order scheduling for Locksmiths, vendors, and contractors as needed.
  • Support the Lock Shop with equipment and supplies procurement.
  • Work with vendors and contractors on developing proposals for projects and service‑related contracted work.
  • Support the Locksmiths with field work as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Access Control program.
• Uphold University mission through work performed.

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Skills and Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's Degree or 3 years of equivalent experience in a related field.
• Experience with electronic access control systems.
• Strong technical aptitude and ability to learn new systems and technologies.
• Excellent communication, customer service, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize workload, and maintain attention to detail.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Preferred

• 5 or more years of experience in a related field.
• Prior use of Continental Access Control software.
• Experience in a university or campus environment.
• Familiarity with key control practices, one‑card systems, and electronic locking technologies.
• Knowledge of security, facilities operations, or IT systems administration.
• Locksmith experience including key cutting/coding, lock cylinder pinning/keying, lock hardware installation/servicing and door hardware installation/servicing.

This is a Regular, Nonexempt, 40 hour per week position.

Expected Pay Range: $30.00 - $33.00 per hour

The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive benefits package.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Pepperdine is committed to providing a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. Engaging in unlawful discrimination or harassment will result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University.

Qualified individuals should be able to show respect for workplace differences, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.