Facility Security Officer

Port of San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Port of San Diego seeks an experienced Facility Security Officer (FSO) to lead maritime security programs across cargo terminals, cruise facilities, and other port properties. You will develop and maintain Facility Security Plans, conduct security assessments, drills and training, and coordinate with the Captain of the Port, terminal operators, Vessel Security Officers and law enforcement.

The role requires strong leadership, project management, and compliance expertise, with regular field

Qualifications

• Experience in maritime security, port operations, or related field.
• Strong leadership, project management, and regulatory compliance expertise.

Responsibilities

• Ensure Facility Security Assessments at each facility; oversee annual audits and document updates.
• Collaborate with contract security firms and security personnel to ensure compliance with Facility Security Plans.
• Brief facility personnel on changes in security conditions; oversee training of personnel performing security duties.
• Prepare and maintain Facility Security Plans; coordinate with Captain of the Port for approvals and reviews.
• Record and report security threats, incidents, or breaches to appropriate authorities and stakeholders.

Skills

Maritime security

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Audits

Training

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Job description

The Port is seeking an experienced Facility Security Officer (FSO) to lead and oversee maritime security programs for cargo terminals, cruise facilities, and other designated Port properties. This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with U.S. Coast Guard maritime security regulations (33 CFR Part 105), developing and maintaining Facility Security Plans, conducting security assessments, audits, drills, and training, and serving as the primary liaison with the Captain of the Port, terminal operators, vessel security officers, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders.

The FSO plays a critical role in protecting maritime operations, personnel, infrastructure, and the traveling public by managing security programs, overseeing contracted security services, coordinating emergency response and incident reporting, and leading maritime security enhancement projects. Additional responsibilities include managing Port Security Grant-funded initiatives, supporting Port Homeland Security programs, reviewing and approving Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) permit applications, maintaining security documentation, and developing security procedures, standard operating procedures, post orders, and operational plans for Port facilities and contracted security operations.

Qualified candidates will possess experience in maritime security, port operations, or a related field, along with strong leadership, project management, and regulatory compliance expertise.

Experience in a public agency, port authority, or maritime environment is highly desirable.

This is an operational, field-based position requiring regular presence at maritime facilities, interaction with terminal operators and vessel personnel, and oversight of security operations and is not eligible for telework.

The work schedule routinely includes weekends, holidays, and non-traditional hours to support cruise ship operations, maritime security requirements, incidents, exercises, and special events.

Under general direction, develops, implements, revises, and maintains the facility security plans for the marine cargo terminals and cruise ship terminal; maintains liaison with the Captain of the Port and Company and Vessel Security Officers; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from assigned supervisor or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This journey-level classification is responsible for independently performing professional duties in support of Port facility security. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

• Ensures Facility Security Assessments are conducted at each facility; oversees annual audits; documents updates.
• Collects and reviews Facility Security Plans for each facility to ensure compliance with CFR Title 33, Part 105.220; oversees annual audits; updates documents for Captain of the Port approval; maintains records in compliance with CFR Title 33 105.225(b).
• Collaborates with contract security firms and all security personnel; requires compliance with Facility Security Plans, develops improvement plans, and follows up to solidify ongoing observance of security procedures and protocols.
• Confirms regular security inspections of each facility are conducted in accordance with requirements; develops and utilizes checklists to facilitate inspections and reporting of irregularities.
• Briefs all facility personnel on changes in security conditions at the facility; enhances security awareness and vigilance of all facility personnel through training and regular oversight; plans and oversees training of personnel performing security duties.
• Records and reports facility security threats, suspicious activities, breaches of security, or transportation security incidents to the Assistant Vice President of Operations, the Harbor Police, and security/law enforcement organizations as appropriate.
• Executes required Declaration of Security with Vessel Masters or Vessel Security Officers.
• Ensures security equipment is properly maintained, operated, tested, and calibrated; prepares annual budget estimates for replacement or upgraded equipment and other non-personnel expenses; documents and maintains expense records.
• Oversees the recording and reporting of attainment changes in Maritime Security Levels to the Captain of the Port.
• Assists Vessel Security Officers with confirming the identity of visitors and service providers accessing vessels through the maritime facility.
• Maintains documentation pertaining to the security of each facility; prepares and maintains a variety of written records and reports.
• Confers with and advises District staff and other agencies regarding assigned areas of responsibility.
• Performs assigned disaster service worker responsibilities, as directed.
• Observes and complies with all Port and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and techniques involved in the security of maritime cargo and cruise ship terminal facilities, including security organization; general vessel and facility operations and conditions; vessel and facility security measures including the meaning and requirements of the different Maritime Security Levels.
• Emergency preparedness, response, and contingency planning.
• Security equipment and systems and their operational limitations.
• Methods of conducting audits, inspections, control, and monitoring techniques.
• Responsibilities and functions of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
• Security assessment methodology and methods of facility security surveys and inspections.
• Instruction techniques for security training and education, including security measures and procedures.
• Current security threats and patterns.
• Recognizing and detecting dangerous substances and devices.
• Recognizing characteristics and behavioral patterns of persons who are likely to threaten security.
• Techniques used to circumvent security measures.
• Conducting physical searches and non-intrusive inspections.
• Conducting security drills and exercises including exercises with vessels.
• Assessing security drills and exercising.
• Applicable international, federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
• Port and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Port staff.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Ability to:

• Effectively represent the department and the Port in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Handle sensitive security information and security related communications.
• Define issues, appraise situations, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and develop sound, constructive, expert conclusions, recommendations, and decisions.
• Prepare Facility Security Plans and updates as appropriate.
• Develop and implement appropriate procedures and controls.
• Exercise sound independent judgment within policy guidelines.
• Respond calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, documentation, and other written materials.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in political science, international relations, homeland security, public or business administration, or a related field.

Experience

• Two (2) years of increasingly responsible facility, port/seaport, maritime, or homeland security experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months of employment, a valid California Facility Security Officer Certification, to be maintained throughout employment.

The application review process will include screening to ensure applications are complete and meet all minimum qualifications. In addition to the application, the applicant is required to complete the Supplemental Questions to further evaluate their education, training, and experience relative to the required knowledge, skills and abilities for the position. Applicants must submit answers that are as complete as possible.

Only qualified applicants who pass the minimum qualifications review, will be invited to the assessment process which may be administered by a written examination, panel interview, or any combination of qualifications appraisal determined by the Department of Human Resources to be appropriate. The Department of Human Resources will make reasonable accommodation in the examination process for disabled applicants. If you have an accommodation request, please indicate such on your application.

Depending upon the number of applicants meeting the minimum qualifications, applicants may be scheduled for one or more of the assessments listed below. Passing score is 70% out of 100% on each assessment section.

THE APPRAISAL PANEL (100%) ARE TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 28, 2026

Placement on Eligible List:

The Department of Human Resources may limit the number of qualified applicants eligible to participate in the assessment process. Candidates who are successful in all phases of the assessment process will be placed on an eligible list. The eligible list established by this recruitment will be active for a minimum of ninety (90) days or up to one (1) year, unless otherwise determined by the Director pursuant to Rule 8, Section 4.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The District firmly believes in, and is committed to, the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination. It is the policy of the District to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to age (40 and above), ancestry, color, disability (mental or physical), gender (including identity, appearance, or behavior, whether or not that identity, appearance, or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with the person's sex at birth), marital status, medical condition, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran status.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When assigned to an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.

When assigned to field inspection, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various Port sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 40 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Some positions may require working varied shifts and/or alternate schedules as needed.

Port employees are expected to work overtime, weekends, evenings, and holidays as required to accommodate the Port’s needs, in addition to responding as a Disaster Services Emergency Worker.

Employees in this classification are subject to on-call, which may include rotating-duty schedule, weekends and 24-hour emergency call out with little or no notice.