Security Systems Specialist

University of Wisconsin-Madison; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Wisconsin–Madison is hiring a Security Systems Specialist to provide technical administration, maintenance, and support for campus access control and video security systems. The role covers both Access Control and Video/Camera Technologies, with cross-training and backup coverage to ensure system reliability across campus.

The position operates Monday–Friday with on-call rotation and occasional after-hours work; onsite at a designated campus location.

Qualifications

• Strong written and oral communications skills.
• Ability to problem solve technical issues.
• General computer skills: proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Good interpersonal communications skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work flexible hours to be on call and staff special events as needed.
• This position requires a valid Driver’s License with a minimum of 2 years driving experience and also meets UW Risk Management Standards.
• Candidates must pass the initial application screening, all steps of the hiring process, an extensive background investigation including past employment, reference checks, social media check, credit history, drug screen and medical and psychological examination prior to beginning employment.

Responsibilities

• Identifies and recommends alternative technology solutions to stakeholders to meet user needs.
• Designs, installs, troubleshoots, and services complex electronic control systems and locks to meet customer specifications.
• Responds to service requests through various communication mediums.
• Analyzes and interprets complex hardware, door schedules and lock patterns, and updates information based on user requests and needs.
• Distributes security devices, tracks inventory, and updates associated records.

Skills

Communications

Problem Solving

MS Office

Organizational Skills

Teamwork

On-Call Availability

Driver's License

Independent Worker

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Access Control Systems

Video Management Systems

Security Cameras

Network Infrastructure

Low-Voltage Wiring

Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Job Category: Academic Staff

Employment Type: Regular

Job Profile: Security Systems Specialist

Job Summary: The University of Wisconsin - Madison Police Department (UWPD) is hiring Security Systems Specialists. The Security Systems Specialist provides technical administration, maintenance, and support for the campus access control and video security systems. This position functions as a shared resource between two operational areas responsible for critical security technologies. While assigned a primary supervisor and focus area—either Access Control Technologies or Video/Camera Technologies—the incumbent is expected to develop and maintain proficiency in both disciplines and serve as a backup resource for the complementary area. This cross-functional role helps ensure operational continuity, system reliability, and consistent service delivery across campus security systems. Success in this position requires strong technical expertise, effective communication skills, collaboration, and the ability to work independently in support of the institution's safety and security objectives.

This position works closely with personnel in both the Access Control and Video/Camera Technology areas to support, maintain, and enhance enterprise security systems. The Security Systems Specialist reports to an assigned supervisor within their primary area of responsibility while maintaining a collaborative partnership with the secondary area to provide cross-training, backup coverage, shared technical expertise, and coordinated support for campus security infrastructure.

Work Schedule: This position is typically scheduled Monday through Friday during standard business hours. The role also requires participation in a rotating on-call schedule and will require occasional work outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and special events, as operational needs dictate. This is an onsite position that requires work to be performed in person at a designated campus location.

UW-Madison Police Department employees will support the department's vision and mission by operating in a fair, unbiased manner which respects the rights, safety and dignity of all individuals. As a department employee, your everyday actions will be guided by the department's values and be grounded in the highest ethical and professional standards. UW-Madison Police Department employees are expected to take an active role in creating and maintaining a positive, welcoming and inclusive work environment. Employees will assist or participate on an as-needed basis with the department's recruiting and hiring efforts and the onboarding of new employees in the work unit. Department employees are expected to work in partnership with the campus and area communities to provide leadership in solving community problems, preventing crime and providing a safe environment to fulfill the mission of the University.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Identifies and recommends alternative technology solutions to stakeholders to meet user needs
• Designs, installs, troubleshoots, and services complex electronic control systems and locks to meet customer specifications
• Responds to service requests through various communication mediums
• Analyzes and interprets complex hardware, door schedules and lock patterns, and updates information based on user requests and needs
• Distributes security devices, tracks inventory, and updates associated records
• Required to work special events or assignments as designated by the Department

Department: UW-Madison Police Department

Compensation: Salary: $60,000 - $85,000 (Depending on Qualifications)

Salary Disclaimer: Compensation for this position will be commensurate with qualifications, experience, and demonstrated expertise. The upper end of the salary range is typically reserved for candidates who bring significant, directly relevant experience and who demonstrate exceptional depth and breadth of knowledge, sustained high-level performance, and specialized skills that add substantial value to the University. Candidates considered at this level are expected to serve as subject-matter experts, mentors, and key resources within their area, reflecting a premium alignment with current market benchmarks.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department is committed to attracting, retaining, and rewarding a highly qualified workforce by supporting competitive and equitable compensation practices through a job framework, salary structure, and clear and flexible salary administrative guidelines.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department participates in the State of Wisconsin excellent benefit program that includes the following:

• Comprehensive health insurance and prescription coverage
• Supplemental dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance options
• Accident coverage
• Income continuation insurance (short and long term disability)
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
• Coverage under the Wisconsin Retirement System (employer matching)
• 403(b) and 457(b) Supplemental Retirement Accounts
• Education Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Trainings

Generous paid leave:

• Generous paid vacation benefits
• Nine paid legal holidays
• Paid personal holidays
• Paid sick leave
• 6 weeks Paid Parental Leave (after 6 months of employment)

Other Incentives:

• On duty paid workouts
• Department provided physical therapy
• Fitness room
• Financial and wellness workshops
• Group fitness activities

Required Qualifications:

• Strong written and oral communications skills.
• Ability to problem solve technical issues.
• General computer skills: proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Good interpersonal communications skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work flexible hours to be on call and staff special events as needed.
• This position requires a valid Driver’s License with a minimum of 2 years driving experience and also meets UW Risk Management Standards.
• Candidates must pass the initial application screening, all steps of the hiring process, an extensive background investigation including past employment, reference checks, social media check, credit history, drug screen and medical and psychological examination prior to beginning employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working on multiple levels of access control or security camera systems and resolving hardware or software issues, compatibility issues, and/or system integration or equivalent certificate or degree may be considered in lieu of experience.
• Experience administering a security camera system and/or access control system.
• Experience troubleshooting hardware and/or software issues.
• Knowledge of video management systems, access control systems, network infrastructure, low-voltage wiring and cabling and/or use of artificial intelligence systems used in security systems.
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams, and/or technical manuals.
• Strong documentation and reporting skills.

Education: H.S. Diploma required.

Contact Information: Scout Umnus

608-608-1038

[e-mail]

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Institutional Statement on Diversity: Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.

To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.