Security Manager (Austin Parks and Recreation)

City of Austin; United States; On-site; USD 85,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Austin is seeking a Security Manager to lead department-wide security operations across city facilities. You will develop policies, manage incidents, coordinate with local agencies, and oversee budgeting for security programs.

Strong leadership, regulatory knowledge, and experience with CPTED principles are valued. Responsibilities include training security staff, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring compliance with DHS/OEM standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field plus seven years of security experience or substitution per policy.
• Experience in DHS or OEM security provisions preferred and supervisory experience required.
• Knowledge of local laws, budgeting, and security best practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee security operations across City facilities and coordinate with law enforcement.
• Develop and implement security standards, policies, and procedures.
• Lead emergency response planning and incident management activities.
• Prepare budgets and forecasts for security ops and CIP work.
• Direct training for security staff and ensure compliance with regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Policy development

Security operations

Emergency response

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Video surveillance systems

Access control systems

Security software

Job description

About This Position

Job Description: Security Manager Purpose: Under general direction, this position provides management and oversight of the public safety and security functions at facilities across the City of Austin. This position plans, directs, or coordinates security activities to safeguard company assets, employees, guests, or other company property through the development, implementation, and management policies and methods to protect against threats across the enterprise.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

• Creates or implements security standards, policies, and procedures
• Identifies, investigates, or resolves security breaches.
• Conducts physical examinations of property to ensure compliance with policies and regulations.
• Responds to medical emergencies, bomb threats, fire alarms, or intrusion alarms, following emergency response procedures
• Develops, conducts, supports, or assists in government/regulation agencies review and internal corporate evaluations and assessments of the overall effectiveness of facility and corporate security processes.
• Assesses risk to mitigate potential consequences of incidents and develops a plan to respond to incidents.
• Analyzes and evaluates security operations to identify risks or opportunities for improvement through audit, review, and assessment.
• Oversees training of subordinate security professionals or other organization members in security rules and procedures.
• Directs and participates in emergency management and contingency planning drills.
• Coordinates security operations or activities with public law enforcement, Austin Fire, Austin-Travis County EMS, and other agencies.
• Develops budget and prepares forecasts for security operations and CIP work.
• Prepare reports or make presentation on internal investigations, losses, or violations of regulations, policies and procedures.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Knowledge of security and emergency equipment and its operations.
• Knowledge of security and safety practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, Local laws, and ordinances.
• Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in handling conflict, hostility and uncertain situations
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret applicable data
• Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Non-Enterprise: Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in field related to the job, plus seven years (7) years' experience in administering security provisions of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and/or Office of Emergency Management (OEM), two (2) years of which were in a lead or supervisory capacity. Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

Some departments/positions may require federal mandated security clearances at time of hire or within ninety (90) days of hire. Valid Class C Driver License within ninety (90) days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications/ Preferred Experience:

• Experience leading forward-facing park staff across municipal open spaces, leveraging a customer-service-oriented security model.
• Demonstrated experience applying Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, physical vulnerability assessments, and natural surveillance/lighting strategies to park development, facility design and parkland.
• Proven success building joint security protocols and coordinated response frameworks with local law enforcement, emergency management, homeless strategy outreach teams, and community stakeholders.
• Experience establishing security Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), emergency contingency plans and facility security standards.
• Expertise organizing physical security systems, including video surveillance, access controls, perimeter barriers, conducting risk-based safety audits, and security vendor contracts.

Preferred Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of security budgeting, forecasting, and capital improvement planning.

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Travel:

If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you will drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Physical Requirements

Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases and mists. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.

Compensation Range:

The annual hiring range for this position is $84,670.00-$107,500.00

Physical Location:

2200 South Lakeshore Dr. Austin, TX 78741

Notes to Candidate:

The Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) Security Manager leads department-wide security operations—including guiding the implementation and ongoing updates of APR’s Security Audit to foster a welcoming, secure, and accessible environment across parklands, trails, and facilities for APR staff and community members. This position manages and sets training standards for security and evaluates protective technologies and implements facility and parkland improvements that strengthen security infrastructure. The manager collaborates with city leadership and community partners to mitigate security risks and support APR's public service mission.

Work/Location Schedule:

Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

May be required to work during evenings, weekends, special events and holidays.

May be required to work during City emergencies such as extreme weather events.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives. Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits. Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System. Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure. Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support. Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities. Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.