Summary

This job involves leading a physical security program for a large state transportation department, protecting over 7,000 employees and facilities across Washington by creating policies, assessing risks, and integrating security technologies.

The role requires coordinating with law enforcement and stakeholders to handle incidents and improve safety measures.

A good fit would be someone with strong leadership skills, experience in security planning, and the ability to stay calm under pressure while building partnerships.

Key Requirements

Deep knowledge of physical security and enterprise risk management
Experience in security risk assessment methodologies
Proven skills in integrating security technologies and leading large-scale projects
Strong leadership and ability to build partnerships with law enforcement and executives
Capability to develop and implement security policies, procedures, and training programs
Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills under stress
Familiarity with coordinating security for distributed facilities and infrastructure

Full Job Description

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence.

Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state.

In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a dynamic and highly skilled Security Manager to lead and deliver a best-in-class physical security program that supports the safety and protection of more than 7,000 employees across the agency.

This role will serve as a subject matter expert in physical security, enterprise risk management, and security technologies, and is instrumental in coordinating operational security strategies across statewide facilities.

A strong candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership, deep knowledge of security risk assessment methodologies, experience with security technology integration, and the ability to build trusted partnerships with law enforcement, executive leadership, and regional and divisional stakeholders.

Success in this role requires strategic thinking, strong situational awareness, and the ability to create and implement security programs that are proactive, resilient, and responsive to the evolving needs of a diverse and distributed organization.

What to Expect

This position is required to interface and coordinate agency security activities; remain focused and persuasive under stressful circumstances and be an accessible resource to others.

They will be required to coach, anticipate, constructively manage, and resolve security issues by pursuing mutually agreed solutions among affected parties.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Security Manager will:

Identify, develop, and implement policies, procedures, and regulations necessary to create best-in-class security programs.
Evaluate, assess, and monitor WSDOT facilities and infrastructure to identify, acquire, implement, and maintain necessary technology that support 24/7 secure operations (Cell Phones, security system licensing and updates, laptops, iPads, etc.).
Lead large-scale business and technology projects including, but not limited to security technologies, applications, and network infrastructure.
Develop and maintain the WSDOT Security Policy and Manual that outlines security responsibilities including, but not limited to, security operations, risk assessments/facility design, security training/exercises, and security/information technologies.
Design, develop, update, and maintain Site Security Plans to improve facility security and mitigate risk to people and property and assist responses during security-related incidents.
Provide input on procedures and methods to prevent property loss and damage.
Work closely and collaboratively with law enforcement partners to identify, recommend, and coordinate necessary support for improvements from crime, vulnerabilities, and response during major events or incidents.
Have experience with, maintain, and/or the ability to develop positive working and collaborative relationships with law enforcement partners including the Washington State Patrol, City/County/Tribal/Federal law enforcement agencies, and the US Department of Homeland Security.
Have experience with, maintain, and/or the ability to develop positive working and collaborative relationships with local, state, tribal, and federal executive and elected officials.
Have experience working collaboratively with all levels of personnel and/or executive leadership to develop, implement, and manage statewide projects and/or programs.
Develop and oversee all WSDOT security technologies.
Demonstrate the ability to participate and support security planning, managing, and staffing large-scale events in public spaces.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

Physical Security and Technology Management

Demonstrated expertise in leading and managing complex physical security programs across geographically distributed facilities.
Proficiency in modern physical security technologies and systems, including surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, and alarm systems.
Experience integrating physical security technologies with IT infrastructure and understanding of networking and system compatibility.
Ability to develop and implement enterprise-level security strategies, plans, and procedures aligned with organizational and regulatory requirements.
Skilled in evaluating and deploying security system architectures that support operational needs and safety priorities.

Security Risk Assessment and Emergency Preparedness

Experience in developing actionable security protocols, training materials, and security response plans that address workplace violence, unauthorized access, and theft.
Proficient in conducting facility site security assessments and determining security levels in alignment with federal and state standards.
Ability to lead and facilitate security-related training, tabletop exercises, and drills to strengthen agency readiness and awareness.
Knowledge of U.S. Department of Homeland Security principles and best practices related to risk mitigation and facility protection.

Strategic Leadership and Program Oversight

Demonstrated success in managing teams, guiding policy development, and supporting interdepartmental coordination and communication.
Proven ability to lead high-visibility programs, influence organizational decision-making, and manage resources to meet evolving security demands.
Skilled in building and sustaining cross-functional partnerships with law enforcement agencies, internal divisions, and executive leadership.
Experience in program evaluation, continuous improvement, and aligning security operations with broader organizational objectives.

Growth Mindset

Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.

Service-Oriented

Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

Advanced Prior Experience and Expertise

Extensive experience in security management, law enforcement, executive protection, operational, asset, facility security, or a related field and/or formal education in criminal justice, information technology, business, or public administration, or a closely related field.

Analysis and Planning

Ability to develop a vision and plan for success and ability to grasp, conceptualize, and interpret complex business processes to develop a strategic plan to improve organizational performance.

Leadership and Facilitation

Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with internal and external stakeholders; provide effective guidance and direction; and organize and motivate groups of people having diverse backgrounds and experience.
Skills to coach, anticipate, constructively manage, and resolve conflict by pursuing mutually agreed solutions among affected parties.

Interpersonal Skills

Demonstrated effective interpersonal communication and writing skills.
Skills to work collaboratively with others to gain compliance and get results and treat others with courtesy and respect; consider different options and viewpoints; seek and accept constructive feedback; and maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professional discretion.

Judgement and Problem Solving

Demonstrate the ability to make timely, logical, and defensible decisions based on the best information at hand.
Identify and consider alternatives before deciding; actively seek to improve services; and consider the impact of decisions on agency and other stakeholders.

Any of the following Certifications

ASIS Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
ASIS Certified Physical Security Professional (PSP)
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPD)
Department of Homeland Security Interagency Security Committee Risk Management Process
Mercury Platform such as Genetec Security Center 5.11 or higher (Synergis and Omnicast)
Pelco Video Management Systems, Certification in ASIS Facility Security Design

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

The position is required to interface and coordinate agency emergency activities and remain focused, calm, and persuasive under stressful circumstances and be an accessible resource to others.
This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.

In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position.

For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements.

Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.

This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit, please visit www.uscis.gov

Why WSDOT

Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency.

Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace.

All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply.

Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-0W627 in the subject line.

✓ Fresh Listing

Security Manager (WMS2)

SES Pay Grade

Job Description

Summary

Key Requirements

Full Job Description

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