Security Specialist - EXAM

Under general supervision, is responsible for monitoring and patrolling City property and/or monitoring community areas to evaluate and report on unusual or suspicious activity, and for controlling access to City buildings and facilities; performs related duties as required.

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties that may be performed.)

• Patrols buildings and grounds in designated areas and checks in at assigned stations periodically; checks doors and windows for security; reports unusual situations; locks doors and turns out lights;
• Monitors surveillance video for unusual or suspicious activity; evaluates information received and determines appropriate course of action to be taken;
• Immediately reports unusual or suspicious activity by using telephone or radio equipment and maintains contact with appropriate emergency personnel;
• Controls access to buildings and facilities; verifies identification; directs visitors to proper locations;
• Identifies suspicious or unusual behavior of visitors to the buildings; contacts appropriate authorities if necessary;
• Patrols parking lots; directs traffic and personnel to destinations;
• Completes forms and logs; types and generates detailed reports using computer applications;
• Provides customer service involving answering telephones and/or face-to-face contact in order to greet the public, take complaints, and answer inquiries;
• Monitors radios and various alarms such as fire, security, boiler, and elevator in order to report emergencies and equipment malfunctions in accordance with established procedures; monitors sensors for mechanical equipment and reports failures to appropriate authorities;
• Responds to duress alarms, fire alarms, and other related problems; notifies staff if an emergency situation requires action;
• Observes departing personnel to guard against theft of property;
• Checks incoming vehicles at parking facilities to ensure that only authorized vehicles are using facilities; may place warning notations on unauthorized-parked vehicles;
• Uses computer system to control door access;
• May operate metal detecting devices and x-ray machines to scan for potentially dangerous items;

• May utilize security software to create employee badges for building access;

• May screen incoming persons, bags, and packages for weapons.

Two (2) years of experience working with security cameras, or working with the public in a security role.

Some positions may require possession of a valid drivers license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

General knowledge of customer service techniques and practices; skill to type accurately and quickly; ability to use independent thinking and discretion; ability to make decisions in the absence of clear-cut guidelines; ability to communicate both orally and in writing using the English language; ability to recognize situations that will require the assistance of appropriate authorities; ability to document incident reports from personal observation or from witness accounts; ability to follow oral and written instructions; ability to get along with other people; ability to remain calm during stressful situations; ability to monitor video surveillance for an extended period of time; ability to operate a computer, video monitoring systems, and related software; ability to think and act quickly in an emergency; ability to maintain alertness; ability to recognize when something is wrong or out of place; ability to sit for at least four (4) hours continuously; ability to stand for at least eight (8) hours continuously; ability to walk for at least four (4) hours continuously; ability to see clearly, including computer screens and video surveillance monitors; ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

The names of the applicants passing this administration of this exam will be used to create a NEW, OPEN COMPETITIVE , eligible list, and will replace the names on the current list. If you are interested in having your name included on the new eligible list, you will need to apply for this exam within the filing period and successfully complete all phases of the testing process. Questions regarding this process can be directed to the Test Center at ....

The examination process will consist of a computer skills exam weighted 100% covering Multi-tasking, Information Ordering, Public Relations, Problem Sensitivity, Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Name and Number, Matching, Word, and Outlook 2016/2019.

Approved applicants will be notified by mail/email of their scheduled test date and time.

All applicants must complete all phases of the testing process in order to receive a final score. The names of all candidates who pass this examination will remain on the eligible list for two years, unless the eligible list is replaced prior to or extended beyond the two years.

All applications for this position will be forwarded to the department indicated above. For those candidates passing the application review step, the hiring process will include one or more interviews, a criminal background check, and a pre-employment drug test. For any position within the Division of Police, the hiring process will also include the completion of an extensive personal history questionnaire and a polygraph examination. The selection process can take as little as 3 weeks and up to 3 months.

The certification process will be: Fixed Band

The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer