Data is as of 6/15/2025.
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City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

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Physical Security Systems Administrator

FLSA: Standard/Exempt EEO Category: (20) Professionals
Class Code: 10511 Salary Grade: LA0
Approved: Last Revised: October 29, 2024

Purpose:
 

Under minimal supervision, this position oversees various security measures, including access control systems, security cameras, and coordination with contracted security professionals for utility facilities.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
  Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
  1. Oversees the administration and maintenance of physical security systems customized for utility facilities. These include access control, surveillance cameras, alarms, and intrusion detection systems.
  2. Configures, optimizes, and troubleshoots security hardware and software components.
  3. Collaborates with City, Utility IT, and information security teams to enhance security practices and contribute to the ongoing development of the security program. Oversees contractors and vendors involved in physical security work for utility operations.
  4. Manages physical security documents, including classification guidance, access controls, and utility-specific security protocols.
  5. Deploys, configures, and maintains the back-end infrastructure supporting physical security systems within the utility.
  6. Continuously monitors system performance, proactively troubleshoots issues, and optimizes system efficiency to ensure utility operations.
  7. Ensures compliance with industry-specific regulations, standards, and policies related to physical security for utilities. (FERC, NERC, TRE)
  8. Participates in disaster recovery planning and testing, including fault tolerance and detailed disaster recovery plan maintenance.
  9. Installs new specific physical security software releases and/or upgrades including researching, testing, and implementing new technology.
  10. Provides cost analysis for physical security related projects.
  11. Ensures appropriate product specifications for physical security related projects.
  12. Assists in planning, designing, procuring, and delivering physical security software and hardware provisions.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
 

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, and guidance to others.
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 applicable processes, techniques, and methods in the physical security industry.
  • Knowledge of utility practices, policies, and procedures.
  • Knowledge of risk management programs.
  • Knowledge of infrastructure technologies.
  • Knowledge of application and/or operating systems.
  • Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
  • Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  • Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  • Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  • Skills in understanding of threats and mitigation practices.
  • Skills in designing and implementing access control, CCTV, and intrusion detection systems.
  • Skill in documenting and maintaining complex application and process or configuration information.
  • Skill in providing day-to-day system/application administration and/or system/application administration in support in a variety of work environments.
  • Skill in installing and maintaining applications, operating systems, or equipment.
  • Skill in identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and to implement solutions.
  • Skill in selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new concepts.
  • Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Ability to view the big picture when involved in a project and make decisions.
  • Ability to quickly become familiar with emerging technologies.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
  • Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  • Ability to train others.
  • Ability to monitor and respond to security incidents.
Minimum Qualifications:
 
  • Graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the job, plus (4) four years related to physical security experience.
  • Experience in a related field may substitute for education of up to four (4) years.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
 
  • Valid Class C Texas driver’s license
Physical Requirements:
 
  • Ability to bend, lift, walk, carry, or use force equal to lifting up to fifty (50) pounds.
  • Continuous outdoor activity, frequent sitting/standing/walking/squatting/bending/twisting upper body/climbing, exposure to extreme heat/cold/inclement weather/noise/mechanical hazards/fume/odor/dust hazards/electrical hazards, occasional kneeling/crawling, carrying/lifting to a minimum of fifty (50) pounds, client/customer contact, and indoor activity.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.