Security Operations Specialist

Under general direction of the Safety and Risk Unit Supervisor, the Security Operations Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of the Water Authority’s facilities, assets, and personnel. This position is responsible for monitoring, assessing, and responding to security threats, coordinating with law enforcement agencies, and implementing security protocols. Key duties include overseeing access control systems, conducting security audits, managing emergency response procedures, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. This position also provides training on security best practices and supports the development of risk mitigation strategies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Responds to emergency and distress situations on all Authority properties and reservoirs and informs appropriate staff of same.
• Warns violators of rule infractions, such as loitering, smoking, trespassing, or carrying forbidden articles, expels persons engaging in suspicious or criminal acts.
• Issues HCWA criminal trespass warnings to persons found within buffer zones or violating rules regarding hunting and fishing.
• Acts as contact person for alarm monitoring company contracted by HCWA.
• Assists in the implementation of HCWA emergency planning and response during hazardous weather.
• Assists department with accident investigation, inspections and reporting.
• Subject to on-call emergency call-outs. After-hours availability required.
• Assists in managing, monitoring and assessing the security systems, including surveillance cameras, access control, and alarms.
• Responds to security incidents, breaches, and emergencies in a timely manner.
• Identifies potential security threats and vulnerabilities.
• Maintains and updates security protocols and emergency response plans.
• Trains employees on security awareness and emergency response procedures.
• Coordinates with local law enforcement, emergency responders, and Homeland Security when necessary.
• Assists in developing and implementing emergency response plans and security policies.
• Conducts drills and training exercises for security and emergency response.
• Ensures all security systems are operational and meet compliance standards. Works with vendors and contractors for system repairs, upgrades, and installations.
• Conducts security patrols and inspections of all HCWA properties, including reservoirs, water treatment plants, pump stations, and other critical infrastructure via vehicle, boat, ATV/UTV and foot as needed.
• Responds to security incidents, alarms, and emergencies, coordinating with law enforcement, fire departments, and internal personnel.
• Investigates security incidents, document findings, and implement corrective actions.
• Maintains detailed logs and reports on security incidents, system malfunctions, and response activities as well as corrective actions taken.
• Conducts risk assessments and security audits to identify vulnerabilities and recommend improvements.
• Must be able to use discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance.

Education and/or Experience: High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and three to five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have an intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and be able to learn additional software applications.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Valid Georgia Driver's License; Current CPR/AED/First Aid certification. If born after 1998, employee must complete the State of Georgia boater’s education course. Certifications in security, private investigations and/or law enforcement are preferred. Must obtain NIMS 100/200 and Critical Infrastructure Protection Certification from the Department of Homeland Security within twenty-four (24) months of hire.

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk and sit. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The employee performing this job must be able to swim.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; outside weather conditions; extreme heat and risk of electrical shock. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Applications for this position will not be accepted after 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

Henry County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.