Security Operations Technician

This position supports Agency-wide physical security operations and requires schedule flexibility, field response, and access to security-sensitive systems and facilities. The employee may be required to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, standby, and on-call assignments based on Agency needs. The employee must be able to respond to urgent security-related matters after normal business hours, travel to Agency facilities, document work performed, maintain confidentiality of security-sensitive information, and support emergency or incident response activities as assigned. Work hours and assignments may vary based on operational needs, vendor access, project work, security incidents, facility operations, emergency response, and critical security system issues.

DEFINITION

Under direct supervision of the Security Operations Specialist and general direction of the Facilities Supervisor, provides technical and operational support for the Agency’s physical security and access control systems; assists in the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of security equipment and infrastructure; supports the Employee Identification Access Card program; performs routine inspections and operational reporting; and performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry- to journey-level technical classification in the Security Operations series. Positions in this class perform hands-on field and technical work in support of the Agency’s physical security program, including access control systems, intrusion detection, video surveillance, gates, doors, and low-voltage infrastructure. This class is distinguished from the Security Operations Specialist in that it performs supporting and technical duties rather than program coordination and policy-level work, works under close to general supervision, and refers complex or sensitive matters to the Specialist.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED / EXERCISED

Receives direct supervision and work priorities from the Security Operations Specialist. Receives general direction from the Facilities Supervisor regarding building standards and safety protocols. This class does not exercise direct supervision over Agency staff, but may coordinate and monitor the work of vendors and contractors as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Assists with the daily administration of security platforms, including Virtual Keypad, DMP, Avigilon, Openpath, and other proprietary systems. Tasks include programming user permissions, adjusting door schedules, and updating firmware.
• Assists in the daily operation and administration of physical security systems, including access control, intrusion detection, and video surveillance platforms.
• Manages alarm codes and user lists; assist in troubleshooting false alarms and coordinating with the monitoring station.
• Supports the Employee Identification Access Card Program. Creates and issues identification badges, assigns and modifies access rights, and performs regular audits of active user lists.
• Performs hands-on termination and repair of low-voltage wiring for cameras, readers, and intercoms. Replaces batteries in wireless sensors and power supplies.
• Assists with monitoring Agency cameras to ensure proper viewing angles and recording retention. Retrieves and exports video footage for investigations or evidence as directed.
• Conducts routine inspections of facilities and performs minor adjustments on vehicle gate operators, pedestrian gates, and perimeter fencing. Ensures gate safety sensors and loops are functioning correctly.
• Inspects and maintains electromechanical door hardware, including electric strikes, magnetic locks (maglocks), crash bars, and door closers to ensure they meet security and fire life-safety standards.
• Responds to work orders regarding malfunctioning equipment. Diagnoses whether issues are mechanical (e.g., a jammed door latch) or electronic (e.g., a failed card reader) and perform necessary repairs.
• Compiles data and generates reports to assist the Security Operations Specialist in preparing for Board of Directors meetings. This includes tracking system uptime, logging incident metrics, and creating access control audits.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for external security integrators and contractors working on-site. Escorts vendors through sensitive areas and ensure they adhere to Agency safety and security protocols.
• Observes the work of contractors to ensure installations meet the Scope of Work (SOW) and Agency standards. Reports any unsafe acts immediately.
• Assists with the development and delivery of comprehensive security trainings for all Agency employees. This includes instructing staff on situational awareness, physical security policies, emergency procedures, and the proper use of technology (badges, alarm codes).
• Conducts routine facility security inspections (lighting surveys, door propping checks, signage visibility). Maintains accurate maintenance logs and key inventories.
• Responds to after-hours security calls, critical system failures, and adverse weather events. Assists in securing buildings, locking down facilities, and mitigating damage during emergencies.
• Organizes and manages a stock of essential spare parts, tools, and consumables to ensure timely repairs of critical systems.
• Performs other related duties as required.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; possible entry into confined spaces and the use of confined entry equipment, to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various Agency sites; and vision to inspect and operate equipment. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, which may include working on live electrical wires. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 25 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing divisional policies and procedures.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations. For more information, see SCV Water Employee Manual Policy No. 4 – Americans with Disabilities, or the following link: SCV Water Employee Manual.

According to California state law, all Agency employees are disaster service workers and are expected to participate in emergency response initiatives. This could include contributing to the emergency planning process, participating in disaster exercises and training, as well as potentially responding to support actual emergency events. For more information, please see Section 6.10 of SCV Water Employee Manual Policy No. 6 – Recruitment and Hiring, or by clicking this link: SCV Water Employee Manual.

QUALIFICATIONS (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)

Education and / or Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for a Security Operations Technician. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess:

• A high school diploma or equivalent GED
• Minimum of four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in facilities maintenance and physical security systems

Or

• An associate degree or technical certification in a related field
• Two (2) years of relevant experience in facilities maintenance and physical security systems

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, or evidence of equivalent mobility, to be maintained throughout employment.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES (The following are a representative sample of the KSAs necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)

Knowledge / Skills of:

• Basic principles of physical security systems, including access control, intrusion detection, and video surveillance.
• Low-voltage wiring standards and basic networking concepts related to security systems.
• Methods, materials, and equipment used in maintaining doors, gates, locks, and electronic security hardware.
• Workplace safety practices, including ladder safety and use of personal protective equipment.
• Principles of recordkeeping, inventory control, and basic report preparation.
• Standard office applications and security-related software used in daily operations.

Ability to:

• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair mechanical and electronic security equipment.
• Install, configure, and maintain access control devices, cameras, readers, and related systems.
• Safely operate hand tools, power tools, and basic electronic testing equipment.
• Follow written and verbal instructions and established technical procedures.
• Maintain accurate logs, inventories, and maintenance records.
• Communicate clearly and courteously with Agency staff, vendors, and the public.
• Work independently in the field and as part of a team.
• Prioritize multiple work requests under supervision.
• Exercise sound judgment within established guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.