Security Program Specialist

Pierce-County-Washington; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Pierce County is seeking a Security Program Specialist to operate primarily on-site with occasional remote work based on business needs. The role involves managing physical access control systems, alarm systems, and related security operations across a busy county environment.

The position emphasizes project management, policy development, and coordination with the Security Manager and SOC. A minimum of three years’ experience in public safety or similar programs is required, along with CJIS and

Qualifications

• Three years’ professional or technical level experience developing and administering programs involving public safety, criminal justice, military, or similar programs.
• Must be able to pass Level 2 CJIS and PREA background checks.
• Applicant must be legally authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, administer, implement and promote security programs and systems across the Security division.
• Support SOC operations, evaluate efficiency, and implement SOPs.
• Oversee day-to-day security operations in a high-pressure environment.
• Develop security policies, procedures, and standards; analyze for program effectiveness.
• Coordinate and train Department Security Coordinator positions to support PAC systems.

Skills

Project management

Security operations

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration

Equivalent professional experience

Job description

This position is on-site four days a week and one day remote, based on business needs.

Why It's a Great Opportunity:

This is a fast-paced environment that serves an important purpose for the security of Pierce County personnel, citizens, and county buildings and properties. This provides unique challenges and problems to solve on a day-to-day basis. Security Program Specialists work in the field and office with a mixture of independent work while leading or contributing to a team with a variety of internal and external stakeholders to get a project completed. This position will give you a great opportunity to work with technology and in operations. This is a positive and supportive work environment that ensures safety and fosters the success of those working with and for Pierce County.

Why It's a Great Department:

We have a collaborative culture that is inclusive at all levels. Each person feels a responsibility to help others, especially in learning new skills and abilities, or helping to solve a problem. The work that we do as a department supports all County business and is appreciated by the public, our tenants, and leadership. Open communication and collaboration are expected and encouraged, working to be transparent in areas of improvement for ourselves, tenants, and the public.

We encourage you to learn more about our department.

How to be Successful in the Role:

Facilities Management's mission is to provide quality spaces that are safe and ready to support Pierce County businesses each day. A person working in our department should be able to communicate and execute projects so that our customers are satisfied with the services and their expectations are met. A Security Program Specialist should also ensure that the resources and projects are managed with regard to scope, schedule, and budget. The department strives to make sure employees feel supported and experience job satisfaction by providing training and reviews. A person in this position is working as a project manager capable of exercising independent decisions to advance these priorities.

Your Future in this Role:

Throughout the onboarding process, you will meet with the Supervisors, teams, and the admin team regularly to discuss expectations, set goals, identify priorities, and gain familiarity with current policies, procedures, and strategic measures. Pierce County offers professional development through the leadership classes, robust online learning, and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success. This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build a great career.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Responsible to plan, develop, administer, implement and promote a variety of security related programs involving physical access control systems, alarm systems, duress alarm systems, mobile alarm devices, mobile camera systems. and other systems used within the Security division. Assist with the oversight of field activities and all elements of a physical security service contract to ensure contract specifications are met including monitoring staffing levels, performance standards, performance investigations, and ensuring effective and efficient security coverage.
• Support the Security Manager with training, monitoring, and overseeing the Security Operation Center (SOC), evaluate efficiency, implement new technology, and develop and approve standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Monitor and oversee day-to-day security operations, response and coordination in a high-pressure environment.
• Develop security policies, operating procedures, and standards and continuously analyze for program effectiveness; initiate and/or make recommendations for revisions as necessary.
• Train, administer, and coordinate Department Security Coordinator (DSC) positions and functions to facilitate the comprehensive integrated Physical Access Control (PAC) systems.

This announcement is not intended to reflect all duties to be performed by our next team member, but shall present a descriptive list of the range of duties that may be performed.

• Additional education or experience may substitute for the recruiting requirements.
• A resume and cover letter are required for this position. Applications without a resume and cover letter will not be considered.
• Three years’ professional or technical level experience performing development and administration of programs involving public safety, criminal justice, military, or similar programs.
• Must be able to pass Leve2 CJIS, and PREA, and be approved by Pierce County Sheriff Office to conduct background checks.
• A valid driver’s license or the ability to otherwise meet the travel requirements of the position is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration or fields related to specific program.
• Extensive equivalent professional experience may be considered.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.

Our Recruitment Practices:

This is a competitive and meritorious selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the position. Pierce County understands applicants may use AI tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however, we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience, skills, knowledge, and writing style.

During the interview process, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills, including writing and subject knowledge, and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on AI-generated responses or reading prepared answers from a screen. Any misrepresentation may result in disqualification or separation.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County’s needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews.

Upon offer, compensation is based on a range of job-related factors, including the requirements of the role, your skills and experience, and internal pay equity.

Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment:

Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service.

Guided by the County Executive’s Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.