Deputy Director Of Transit Security And Passenger Safety

Mass Transit magazine; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off

Retirement plans

Wellness programs

Job summary

Mass Transit Magazine in San Diego seeks a Director of Transit Security and Passenger Safety to lead security operations, staff development, and policy implementation across field locations.

You will oversee grants, CCTV and card access programs, liaise with federal and local agencies, and ensure compliance with procedures while guiding a team through complex investigations. The role requires strategic leadership and hands-on program management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration or related field.
• Minimum five years in a leadership role at a transportation agency or within law enforcement.
• Experience designing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure fair enforcement.
• Ability to obtain TSA Secret Clearance and a California driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Oversees field operations and deployments.
• Manages grants and associated projects.
• Liaises with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
• Develops staff through discipline and training.
• Prepares reports and training needs assessments.

Skills

Leadership

Policy development

Written communication

Team management

Interagency liaison

Education

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Application Review

Priority will be given to applications received by November 13, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

Example Of Duties

Essential Functions

Administration

• Maintains daily interaction/communication with a myriad of internal MTS staff at various physical locations.
• Oversees all field operations and deployments.
• Oversees equipment management/inventory and contract security invoicing.
• Manages state and federal grants and associated projects.
• Manages CCTV program and oversees Card Access program.
• Updates and reviews the Code Compliance Standard Operating Procedure Manual, System Security Plan, Threat & Vulnerability Assessment and Emergency Response Plan, as necessary.
• Liaisons with relevant local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
• Assigns and reviews internal administrative/personnel investigations.
• Administers discipline and develops staff in a fair and consistent manner.
• Prepares written reports, general correspondence, surveys and outlines related to training needs, as well as requirements, assessments, updates, findings and summary conclusions.
• Participates in and joins professional groups and associations.

Training

• Oversees the training program for all security staff and supervisors.
• Oversees the development, maintenance, and updates to the comprehensive training manual to meet the in-service training needs of newly hired security personnel.
• Develops and implements training methods, techniques and philosophies.
• Actively participates in and evaluates service training provided by outside agencies.
• Simultaneously initiates and coordinates multiple training assignments.
• Creates and develops training materials, forms, manuals, graphs, etc., which will be used to present, track and report the details of the training of security personnel.
• Oversees the accurate tracking of all records of mandated training.

Duties May Include, But Are Not Limited To, The Following

• Ensures policies and procedures are understood and complied with by all staff.
• Monitors and reviews performance of all assigned administrative personnel.
• Relays changes in procedures to all staff.
• Reviews arrests and other reports as needed.
• Conducts meetings with staff, as needed.
• Attends and participates in meetings as directed by the Director of Transit Security and Passenger Safety.
• Conducts scheduled and impromptu field audits of security staff and supervisors during all hours and during special events to assure job proficiency.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of or ability to learn MTS policies and regulations; ability to read, understand and apply MTS policies, regulations and union labor contracts; ability to write letters, memoranda and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct English; ability to speak clearly, distinctly and effectively in person-to-person or small group situations using tact and diplomacy; ability to coordinate and initiate actions necessary to implement decisions and delegate responsibilities to appropriate personnel; ability to establish and maintain priorities in order to complete assignments by deadlines without detailed instructions; skill in verifying the accuracy and completeness of forms and reports; knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel and the ability to learn and use other software that MTS might have or acquire.

Physical Requirements

The successful candidate must be able to fulfill the physical demands of the job such as walking, stooping, sitting, bending, reaching for overhead files and occasional lifting (must be able to lift up to 50 pounds). Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and perform tasks involving manual dexterity, such as use of a computer. Work will at times require more than 8 hours per day or an irregular work week to perform the essential duties of the position. Duties will be performed primarily in an office type environment and in the field. Travel to external locations and agencies may be required.

Experience/Education/Certificates/Licenses

Must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, public administration or a related field. Minimum of five years of experience in a leadership position at a transportation agency or within law enforcement. Experience in designing and implementing effective policies and procedures to ensure fair and equitable enforcement practices. Must possess or have the ability to qualify for TSA Secret Clearance. Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver License or be able to utilize alternative transportation when needed to perform job-related essential functions.

General

Must satisfactorily pass all applicable post-offer examinations, including but not limited to a pre-employment physical conducted by an independent medical provider, a comprehensive criminal background check, and, when applicable, a pre-employment drug test as required by MTS Board Policy 35.

Salary Grade

Anticipated Hiring Range

$117,000 - $140,000

Salary Grade: 13

($116,579 - $165,542)

The Anticipated Hiring Range reflects the expected starting salary for this position. Actual starting pay will be determined based on factors such as the successful candidate's qualifications, directly related experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, market conditions, and budget considerations. Candidates whose salary expectations fall outside of the anticipated hiring range are still encouraged to apply.

The Salary Grade reflects the maximum earning potential for employees in this position over time. Salary growth within the grade is based on factors such as experience, performance, market adjustments, and other relevant factors. Salary grades are typically reviewed and adjusted annually to remain market competitive.

MTS offers competitive benefits including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents, paid time off, retirement plans, and wellness programs.

DISCLAIMER:

The above-described job elements are intended to indicate the general nature and levels of work being performed by employees assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required of employees so classified. Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

EEO is The Law - Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled

MTS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer with an ongoing commitment to treat all people, including customers, co-workers and the public at large, with dignity and respect. As a public transportation agency, MTS is committed to providing an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse communities in which we work and live.

MTS supports and promotes an environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. MTS recruits, hires, trains and promotes individuals without regard to race, such as hair texture and hairstyles), color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age (40 years or older), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition (cured or rehabilitated cancer), physical disability, mental disability, reproductive health decision-making, genetic information (including family medical history), military or veteran status, or any other protected class.

MTS encourages veterans, military spouses and people from different backgrounds to apply for open positions for which they are interested. Additionally, MTS employees are encouraged to refer qualified candidates from all backgrounds and age groups. At MTS, we are committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team.