Physical Security Advisor

Requisition ID: 41613

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function

The Physical Security Specialist provides advice and recommendations on physical security to enhance security and safety for all City buildings and other assets. This includes managing the City’s security technology assets and creating crime prevention environments. The position supports the technology, operational demands and implementation of strategies by coordinating the daily security system operations and access control functions for the City of Vancouver and implementing long-term strategies.

The Physical Security Specialist manages projects related to adding or improving security assets. The position also develops policies, guidelines and training materials for applying physical security, including design guidelines and privacy regulations. The position is responsible for conducting threat risk analysis and other assessments and recommending mitigation strategies.

Specific Duties/Responsibilities

Security Technology Management

• Creates crime prevention environments for new and current buildings by utilizing a risk assessment method that evaluates and optimizes the use of security technologies and security staffing levels; the position makes recommendations on how to use these resources.
• Oversees protection/security equipment programs, including operational functions such as maintenance schedules, cardholders, control graphics, access control systems, user codes and field devices.
• Implements an asset management strategy for all security systems; coordinates life-cycle maintenance and capital replacement plan for all security assets.
• Implements electronic access control, closed circuit television, intrusion/duress and other related technologies or systems; troubleshoots photo ID and access control systems across the City.
• Designs and implements standard processes and procedures related to issuing staff and contractor photo IDs; develops educational and/or informational content to staff regarding obtaining and/or replacing photo IDs and access privileges to secured areas within the City.
• Provide input into operating and capital planning and budgeting related to life cycle management and ongoing maintenance of security systems.
• Maintains the Document of Record for all security systems, including functional description, as-built designs, and an inventory of security technologies.
• Studies and evaluates trends in current technologies and makes recommendations for continuous improvements to the City’s security systems.
• Performs security systems procurement and ensures standardization per the asset management strategy.
• Provides input for security systems integration across the City related to operational technologies.
• Coordinates the interface between security systems technology and systems functions with other departments within the organization.
  

Project Management

• Makes specific recommendations on physical security design and systems/technology for new design and construction projects.
• Procures and manages the work of staff and/or external service providers, providing quality assurance standards and quality control of completed work.
• Manages assigned projects, liaises with stakeholders, and coordinates the activities to ensure project requirements are met and facility impacts are minimized.
• Manage project budgets for capital improvements related to security design and technology.

Policies & Practices

• Liaises with other City Protective Services staff to support a culture of safety and security across the City.
• Develops and implements physical security design guidelines, with a focus on security-sensitive areas and protection of the City’s critical infrastructure.
• Ensures the City’s compliance with FOIPPA and other privacy legislation or regulations.
• Provides key input into the development of security system technical standards and guidelines for applying security technology; communicates these standards to external contractors, internal stakeholders, and others as part of an ongoing security systems program.
• Work with Business Units to standardize the approval process for Photo ID and access control.
• Develop a tenant improvement handbook and guidelines for physical security at leased facilities.
• Participates in developing security awareness and crime prevention curriculums for internal stakeholders; delivers education as part of security awareness activities and learning fairs.
• Participates in developing, implementing, maintaining and evaluating the City’s security and protection program policies.
  

Risk assessment and mitigation

• Conducts and ensures privacy impact assessments are completed for all security systems and technologies across the City in compliance with organizational policy and external regulations.
• Prepares and delivers threat risk analyses, physical security reviews, and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) reports and assessments.
• Attend seminars, industry and trade meetings, and conventions to stay current on security industry trends and issues; participate in internal and external committees as assigned.
• In support of the CPS Security Management Plan, develops Site Security Management Plans and reviews and updates these plans annually; conducts and documents risk assessments supporting this process.
• Promotes awareness of security and emergency response to the city's CPS staff by developing and delivering informational and educational programs such as team management of aggressive behaviour, loss prevention, and personal safety and security; participates in the review and evaluation of these programs for the City.

Other

• Provide after-hours on-call function for City Protective Services as assigned.

Minimum Position Requirements

Education & Experience

• Post-secondary education in a related field (minimum 2-year diploma) or equivalent education and experience
• Industry-recognized professional certification preferred
• Membership in a professional association such as the American Society of Industrialized Security (ASIS), the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP), or a similar recognized industry organization.
• Experience managing security projects and contract providers
• Physical security and systems experience, preferably in a corporate environment

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to develop and foster relationships and collaborate with client groups and colleagues
• A broad-based knowledge of principles and techniques related to fire safety planning
• Ability to handle confidential and/or sensitive information with a high degree of discretion and impartially
• Ability to converse with, write reports for, and create/deliver presentations in ways that support problem-solving and planning
• Ability to exercise tact and discretion and work effectively within a team environment
• Ability to prepare and deliver training material
• Ability to supervise and coordinate subordinate staff in a variety of work locations
• Skilled in conflict resolution and the ability to identify potential pitfalls and problem areas
• Good computer skills and working knowledge of computer information access and protection
• Valid BC Driver’s License
• Ability to pass and maintain a criminal record check

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite. At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

Business Unit/Department: Chief Safety Officer (1090)

Affiliation: Exempt

Employment Type: Regular Full Time

Position Start Date: August 2024

Salary Information: Pay Grade RNG-070: $84489 to $105602 per hour

Application Close: June 21, 2024

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

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In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.