Security Specialist

About the Port of Bellingham
The Port of Bellingham is a Washington State special purpose municipal corporation serving all of Whatcom County. It is a unique organization that makes significant contributions to the local community through leveraging its resources by directly participating in revenue-earning lines of business, as well as by capitalizing on its strategic assets through special public agency powers.

By using combined expertise in both the business and government sectors, the Port has a role in job preservation and job creation, as well as a role in the operation of transportation facilities for seaports and airports. This combination is distinct from that of either the private sector or other government entities.

Mission Statement: To promote sustainable economic development, optimize transportation gateways, and manage publicly owned land and facilities to benefit Whatcom County.

The application period for this posting will close on Thursday, February 27th, and all application materials will be reviewed after the closing date. 

Cover letters required.

JOB SUMMARY

The Security Specialist contributes to the Port of Bellingham operations by providing a welcoming presence and superior customer service to our tenants and visitors by assuring the safety and security of people, property, and facilities. This position provides evening/graveyard security coverage at the Port.  Position may include walking and driving several miles each shift. Variable duty stations may be assigned. Supports Port staff responsible for different Port owned locations.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. May perform routine security checks of offices, docks, piers, warehouses, and surrounding property and structures.  Ensure that Port facilities are secured from trespass.  Monitor Port parking lots for safety and security.
2. Depending on duty station, duties may include but are not limited to: foot patrol of uplands, docks and piers, locking or unlocking various locations, customer assistance, vessel/vehicle inventories, basic emergency response, perform occasional day-shift office coverages, identification checks, screening and directing in-bound deliveries, logging vessel arrivals and departures, noting damage to facilities, controlling flood lighting, raising and lowering flags, and shutting off power or water in emergency situations, or blocking off unsafe areas in the absence of Maintenance or other Port personnel.
3. Respond to emergencies as appropriate, and direct vehicles and personnel to proper location(s) as needed. Keep Port management informed of all emergencies and other reportable incidents.
4. Document work activity and incidents clearly and concisely.
5. Assure a smooth transition and information exchange between security shifts and other Port staff.
6. Familiar with monitoring of a security video system. View, download and transfer video as necessary.
7. Use of Access Control Software to operate doors and gates at various Port locations.
8. Attend trainings, drills, exercises and meetings that support security activities, and maintain required certifications of training.
9. Provide assistance with special projects, tasks and other duties as assigned.
10. May be asked to cover gaps in regulated security coverage at the Bellingham Shipping or Bellingham Cruise Terminal(s) covered by a Facility Security Plan (FSP).  Maintain secure Marine Terminals gate operations to meet the regulatory requirements of the FSP. Ensure that all entrants are properly credentialed, visitors are properly escorted, and any/all security threats are dealt with immediately.
11. Represent the Port to the public in a positive manner. Represent the Port by always responding in a positive and helpful manner with customers and visitors and take an active role resolving problems as appropriate.
12. Performs other duties as assigned.

LEAD ASSIGNMENT ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

• Respond to on-duty security specialists to assist in resolving security incidents.
• Provide guidance to other security specialists where needed.
• Coordinate with law enforcement and other relevant agencies.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of post orders and duty requirements for all assignments.
• Provide feedback to Security Manager to evaluate policies and procedures.
• Provide timely briefings to Security Manager regarding incidents or other notable aspects of shift operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum of three (3) years specialized training/experience in security.
• Must complete Hazardous Awareness Training (8 hours) after hire.

Preferred:

• Any degree in Criminal Justice, or any similarly related field, from an accredited post-secondary institution.
• For those security specialists considered for or assigned to a shift lead assignment, previous training or formal experience with conflict resolution, de-escalation and/or crisis-intervention.

LICENSES REQUIRED

• Valid Washington State driver’s license is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

• Must be able to obtain CPR/First Aid certification after hire.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge and experience using personal computers and wireless communications devices.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence and memos in English. Ability to effectively communicate with customers, clients and coworkers.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.

LEVEL OF AUTHORITY

Position does not supervise others. Position operates with a moderate amount of independence with impacts to Port and Port employees.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Benefits include medical & prescription plans, dental, vision, orthodontia plans, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, basic and additional life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability, voluntary long-term care, vacation accrual starting at 18 days off per year, Washington paid sick leave, Washington State pension plans including PERS 2, 3, or LEOFF, deferred compensation, 11 paid holidays, and education assistance.

At its sole discretion, the Port of Bellingham may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.  

The Port of Bellingham participates in E-Verify. 

The Port provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to any legally protected class, including but not limited to, race, color, citizenship status, ancestry, national origin, gender, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, genetic information, or service in the military. Equal employment opportunity governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.