Security Specialist

Maricopa County; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 33,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Maricopa County is seeking a Security Specialist to provide professional armed security services for county personnel, officials, facilities, and visitors. You will perform proactive patrols, respond to incidents, deter workplace violence, and support executive protection assignments.

The role also includes safety consulting, conducting security assessments, and applying de‑escalation techniques to protect life and property while ensuring a secure environment for county operations.

Qualifications

• Two years of armed security-related experience within a criminal justice system, security industry, corrections, law enforcement, or military police environment.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Must obtain valid Arizona Driver's license by hire and pass background checks.
• Must be willing to work varied shifts, including nights, weekends, and overtime.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and operate the Security Command Center, CCTV, and access control platforms.
• Conduct proactive patrols, respond to alarms, manage high‑risk incidents, and de‑escalate as needed.
• Provide armed security and executive protection for County Supervisors and officials at public events.
• Document incidents with timely reports and coordinate with law enforcement during emergencies.

Job description

Posting Date08/17/26Application Deadline08/24/26Pay Range$24.05 - $33.50 hourlySalary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. The position is eligible for overtime compensation for all hours worked over 40 in the designated workweek.Job TypeUnclassifiedDepartmentEmergency ManagementAbout the PositionThe Security Specialist provides professional armed security services to safeguard Maricopa County personnel, elected officials, facilities, and visitors. This role includes duties such as conducting proactive patrols, responding to incidents, deterring and mitigating workplace violence, and supporting executive protection assignments. Security Specialists also serve as safety consultants to County departments, performing physical security assessments and supporting emergency preparedness. Specialists apply techniques such as Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and de-escalation strategies to protect life and property while promoting a secure working environment.About UsAre you passionate about safety and security with a high level of patience, dedication, devotion, and empathy? We are looking for motivated individuals to rise to the occasion! Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management prepares for/ responds to, and recovers from large-scale community disasters. Some of our partners include local and state governments, industry leaders, universities, and community organizations active in disaster response. One of our divisions is Security Services, which provides a strong safety & security atmosphere through a superior level of professionalism and outstanding customer service. We affirmatively promote, preserve, and enhance a safe, secure, comfortable, and welcoming environment for all County residents. Our responsibilities are to the people and safeguarding and protecting all County assets assigned to our care. Join our team to continue our efforts to keep our residents safe from disaster!Proud to OfferWork with a greater purposeTuition reimbursementExceptional work-life balanceOpportunities for growth and development within Maricopa CountyLow-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependentsChild care benefits, including access to our on-site center, Maricopa County Kids Club , dedicated to serving Maricopa County familiesPaid vacation, sick time, and parental leaveExtensive wellness program, including an incentiveEnrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring an 11.98% contribution rate per paycheck that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1Want to learn more about the County’s Qualifying and Compensation Philosophy? Follow this link to learn more! Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZWe RequireTwo years of armed security-related experience within a criminal justice system, security industry, corrections, law enforcement, or military police environmentHigh school diploma or GEDOther RequirementsSuccessful candidates must currently possess, or have the ability to obtain, a valid Arizona Driver's license by the time of hireMust successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation, including a criminal history check, and a driving recordMust successfully pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screeningMust attend and successfully complete the Security Services New Employee Orientation Training and achieve a passing score on the Competency Assessment within 30 days of hireMust obtain certification as Basic Life Safety, CPR, First Aid, and AED within 30 days of hireMust successfully complete defensive tactics and weapons retention training (to include baton, pepper spray, Conducted Electrical Weapons (CEW’s) such as non-lethal tasers) within 30 days of hireMust complete all firearms qualifications with a passing score of 210 or higher on the MCSS-approved qualification course within 30 days of hireMust be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including a ballistic vest, while on dutyMust be willing and able to work varied shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and mandatory overtime as neededMust be eligible to legally possess and carry a firearm in accordance with Arizona law and federal regulationsWe Also ValuePost-secondary education in Security Management or a related fieldThree years of advanced security-related experience within a criminal justice system, security industry, corrections, law enforcement, or military police environmentPrior experience as an instructor in the security industryCertification from DPS or other licensed agencies in firearms safety instruction or use of other non-lethal weaponryJob ContributionsMonitor and operate the Security Command Center, including CCTV systems, multiple access control platforms, fire/burglar/duress alarms, and the 911 alert systemConduct proactive patrols of County property, respond to alarms and disturbances, and manage high-risk incidents requiring physical intervention or de-escalationProvide security support during sensitive employee relations matters, contentious public interactions, and escort employees and visitors to and from County facilities and parking lotsProvide armed security and executive protection to County Supervisors and elected officials at public meetings, high-profile proceedings, and special eventsDocument shift activities, incidents, and notable observations through clear and timely written reports submitted to the Security Services SupervisorCoordinate with local law enforcement, fire departments, EMS, and contracted security partners during emergencies or critical incidentsParticipate in emergency response planning, drills, and exercises in partnership with Maricopa County departments and stakeholdersEnforce County parking policies, manage traffic flow, and issue citations as appropriateUse approved levels of force, including physical restraint and control tactics, to maintain safety and order in compliance with department policy and trainingWorking ConditionsThis position requires the employee to be in the office/field or customer-facing for all hours workedThis position's work environment involves working in an armed capacity and requires the daily wearing of a duty belt, body armor, and other department-issued or authorized equipment. Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments and may involve exposure to all weather conditionsContinuous walking for extended periods (up to one hour or more)Standing for prolonged periods (up to three hours)Running short distances during emergency responseClimbing stairs and traversing uneven terrainSitting and operating a vehicle for extended periodsPhysically restraining or detaining individuals as needed using department-approved techniquesCarrying and deploying lethal and non-lethal weaponsLift up to 50 pounds if necessaryOperating radios, alarm systems, and other mechanical/electronic security equipmentExerting 20 - 25 pounds occasionally, 10 - 50 pounds frequently, or up to 10 pounds constantlyPosition is typically office or administrative work and is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditionsIncumbent may be subjected to extreme temperatures, wetness/humidity, respiratory hazards, and noise and vibrationIncumbent may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, vibrations, fumes, odors, dust, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, intense noises, and travelThe work will occur in an office and field environment. While performing the duties and responsibilities, the employee may be exposed to loud noise, noxious odors, unsanitary conditions, chemicals, electricity, moving mechanical parts, varying weather conditions, and other related conditions and situations. Position is subject to atmospheric conditions: fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, or poor ventilationSelection ProcedureConsideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applicationsCandidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profileMust pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitiveMaricopa County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact [e-mail] to initiate the interactive process.