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Security Specialist

The Security Specialist provides professional armed security services to safeguard Maricopa County personnel, elected officials, facilities, and visitors. This role includes duties such as conducting proactive patrols, responding to incidents, deterring and mitigating workplace violence, and supporting executive protection assignments. Security Specialists also serve as safety consultants to County departments, performing physical security assessments and supporting emergency preparedness. Specialists apply techniques such as Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and de-escalation strategies to protect life and property while promoting a secure working environment.

About Us

Are you passionate about safety and security with a high level of patience, dedication, devotion, and empathy? We are looking for motivated individuals to rise to the occasion! Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management prepares for/ responds to, and recovers from large-scale community disasters. Some of our partners include local and state governments, industry leaders, universities, and community organizations active in disaster response. One of our divisions is Security Services, which provides a strong safety & security atmosphere through a superior level of professionalism and outstanding customer service. We affirmatively promote, preserve, and enhance a safe, secure, comfortable, and welcoming environment for all County residents. Our responsibilities are to the people and safeguarding and protecting all County assets assigned to our care. Join our team to continue our efforts to keep our residents safe from disaster!

Proud to Offer

• Work with a greater purpose
• Tuition reimbursement
• Exceptional work-life balance
• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
• Child care benefits, including access to our on-site center, Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County families
• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave
• Extensive wellness program, including an incentive
• Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring an 11.98% contribution rate per paycheck that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1
• Want to learn more about the County's Qualifying and Compensation Philosophy? Follow this link to learn more! Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ

We Require

• Two years of armed security-related experience within a criminal justice system, security industry, corrections, law enforcement, or military police environment
• High school diploma or GED

Other Requirements

• Successful candidates must currently possess, or have the ability to obtain, a valid Arizona Driver's license by the time of hire
• Must successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation, including a criminal history check, and a driving record
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening
• Must attend and successfully complete the Security Services New Employee Orientation Training and achieve a passing score on the Competency Assessment within 30 days of hire
• Must obtain certification as Basic Life Safety, CPR, First Aid, and AED within 30 days of hire
• Must successfully complete defensive tactics and weapons retention training (to include baton, pepper spray, Conducted Electrical Weapons (CEW's) such as non-lethal tasers) within 30 days of hire
• Must complete all firearms qualifications with a passing score of 210 or higher on the MCSS-approved qualification course within 30 days of hire
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including a ballistic vest, while on duty
• Must be willing and able to work varied shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and mandatory overtime as needed
• Must be eligible to legally possess and carry a firearm in accordance with Arizona law and federal regulations

We Also Value

• Post-secondary education in Security Management or a related field
• Three years of advanced security-related experience within a criminal justice system, security industry, corrections, law enforcement, or military police environment
• Prior experience as an instructor in the security industry
• Certification from DPS or other licensed agencies in firearms safety instruction or use of other non-lethal weaponry

Job Contributions

• Monitor and operate the Security Command Center, including CCTV systems, multiple access control platforms, fire/burglar/duress alarms, and the 911 alert system
• Conduct proactive patrols of County property, respond to alarms and disturbances, and manage high-risk incidents requiring physical intervention or de-escalation
• Provide security support during sensitive employee relations matters, contentious public interactions, and escort employees and visitors to and from County facilities and parking lots
• Provide armed security and executive protection to County Supervisors and elected officials at public meetings, high-profile proceedings, and special events
• Document shift activities, incidents, and notable observations through clear and timely written reports submitted to the Security Services Supervisor
• Coordinate with local law enforcement, fire departments, EMS, and contracted security partners during emergencies or critical incidents
• Participate in emergency response planning, drills, and exercises in partnership with Maricopa County departments and stakeholders
• Enforce County parking policies, manage traffic flow, and issue citations as appropriate
• Use approved levels of force, including physical restraint and control tactics, to maintain safety and order in compliance with department policy and training

Working Conditions

• This position requires the employee to be in the office/field or customer-facing for all hours worked
• This position's work environment involves working in an armed capacity and requires the daily wearing of a duty belt, body armor, and other department-issued or authorized equipment. Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments and may involve exposure to all weather conditions
• Continuous walking for extended periods (up to one hour or more)
• Standing for prolonged periods (up to three hours)
• Running short distances during emergency response
• Climbing stairs and traversing uneven terrain
• Sitting and operating a vehicle for extended periods
• Physically restraining or detaining individuals as needed using department-approved techniques
• Carrying and deploying lethal and non-lethal weapons
• Lift up to 50 pounds if necessary
• Operating radios, alarm systems, and other mechanical/electronic security equipment
• Exerting 20 - 25 pounds occasionally, 10 - 50 pounds frequently, or up to 10 pounds constantly
• Position is typically office or administrative work and is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions
• Incumbent may be subjected to extreme temperatures, wetness/humidity, respiratory hazards, and noise and vibration
• Incumbent may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, vibrations, fumes, odors, dust, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, intense noises, and travel
• The work will occur in an office and field environment. While performing the duties and responsibilities, the employee may be exposed to loud noise, noxious odors, unsanitary conditions, chemicals, electricity, moving mechanical parts, varying weather conditions, and other related conditions and situations. Position is subject to atmospheric conditions: fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, or poor ventilation

Selection Procedure

• Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications
• Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile
• Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive

Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact MHRFeedback@maricopa.gov to initiate the interactive process.