Security Operations Center Officer (Austin Water)
Description
About This Position
ABOUT AUSTIN WATER
:For over 100 years, Austin Water has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality, and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve over 1,000,000 people in the Austin metropolitan area, across more than 548 square miles. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, we’re not just keeping up—we’re leading the way with sustainable infrastructure, advanced treatment technology, and environmental innovation
Austin Water consistently ranks among the best in the country when it comes to water quality. We also treat, return, and recycle wastewater in ways that protect environmental resources. Austin Water exceeds federal and state requirements for clean water and environmental compliance at our water and wastewater treatment plants.
Job Description
Security Operations Center Officer
Purpose
This position monitors a variety of security technologies, including access control, video surveillance, and alarm systems, to provide security services for all properties and act as the shift point of contact by providing training, technical guidance, or support during security-related incidents.
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.
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Oversees security and access control procedures for all security posts and acts as point of contact to ensure the safety and security of all properties.
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Monitors a wide network of security alarms and cameras, responds to alarms, and investigates and resolves threats.
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Serves as primary center contact, disseminating information regarding security-related incidents to management and the security team and providing technical guidance or support.
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Identifies and notifies management of vacant security posts.
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Provides direction and training to site officers and contract employees as needed to accomplish service goals.
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Monitors welfare of security personnel working after-hours and remote assignments.
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Provides periodic reports to management regarding site activities, irregularities, and identifying needed action.
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Maintains the security and confidentiality of sensitive security information.
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Assists various law enforcement agencies, provides customer service, investigates complaints, and provides recommendations for resolution of complaints.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised
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May provide training 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.
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Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
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Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
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Knowledge of training techniques and principles
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Knowledge of critical infrastructure security requirements and protocols.
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Knowledge of electronic security systems.
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Skill in oral and written communication.
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Skill in using computers and related software applications.
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Skill in using Microsoft applications.
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Skill in using access control systems.
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Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
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Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
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Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
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Ability to work in a high-level, high-risk security environment.
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Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
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Ability to document incidents in Microsoft Word.
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Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
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Ability to utilize radio equipment, complying with Federal communication guidelines.
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Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
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Ability to provide excellent customer service.
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Ability to effectively communicate with the Security team and law enforcement during stressful situations.
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Ability to work during emergencies or bad weather.
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Ability to participate in on-call program and work both scheduled and unscheduled overtime.
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Ability to work varying shifts that include weekends, holidays and possible 12-hour day.
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Ability to climb stairs, walk for extended periods of time, and perform foot patrol.
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Ability to meet and maintain driver eligibility standards detailed in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program.
Minimum Qualifications
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Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus two (2) years of experience providing security services in a Security Operations Center.
Licenses and Certifications Required
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Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
Preferred Qualifications
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Experience in security monitoring activities, including working in high-level, high-risk security environments; and an ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
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Experience in a security management team in a utility, municipality, or other similarly regulated entity or critical infrastructure; and knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws, regulations, and policies regarding Security Operations Center.
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Effective verbal and written communication skills with various levels of internal customers, stakeholders, and the public; strong problem-solving, decision-making, and organization skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and make decisions independently in an environment with frequent interruptions.
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Ability to develop relationships with other entities, departments, and outside organizations including contracted security firms, Homeland Security, emergency management, fire, and police organizations; and an ability to handle conflict, hostility, and uncertainty in intense security situations.
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Advanced experience with Genetec Security Management System software, or other electronic security systems and access control systems.
Notes to Candidate
A physical Security Operations Center (SOC), often called a Physical Security Operations Center (PSOC), serves as a centralized command post that operates 24/7 to monitor, detect, and respond to real-time physical threats across a water utility's facilities.
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Monitor Surveillance and Sensors: Operators oversee live video feeds, perimeter motion detectors, and fence-mounted sensors to protect water treatment plants, pump stations, and reservoirs.
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Manage Access Control: They supervise electronic locks, badge readers, and visitor management logs to ensure that only authorized personnel can enter sensitive areas.
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Track Alarm Events: The PSOC receives instant alerts for events such as forced doors, unauthorized access to chemical storage hatches, or an unauthorized vehicle approaching critical perimeters.
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Dispatch and Coordinate Response : Operators verify alarms using video feeds, coordinate with on-site security personnel, and promptly dispatch local law enforcement or emergency services if a serious security breach occurs.
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Support Regulatory Compliance : The PSOC helps maintain the records and documentation required by regulations such as America's Water Infrastructure Act , which mandates risk assessments and emergency response plans.
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Collaborate with IT and Cyber Teams : Physical SOCs often work with IT and cybersecurity departments to monitor convergence risks, such as tampering with a facility door that leads to critical Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) server racks.
Essential Employee:
This position has been designated as an Essential Employee position. In the event of a city-designated emergency, Essential Employees provide services that impact public health, safety, utility services, and the welfare of members of the Austin community and other employees and ensure the continuity of essential operations. In such an emergency, Essential Employees may be called back in, required to modify their schedule, assig