Security Systems Engineer

The City of Alexandria is located in Northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. About one-quarter of the City's square miles have been designated as a national or local historic district. We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Security Systems Engineer position.

An Overview

The Security Systems Engineer works within the Office’s Information Technology Section (ITS). He/she will provide oversight and technical assistance related to the Office electronic security systems. The candidate selected for this position will be responsible for the maintenance, inventory, replacement, upgrades, and troubleshooting of several access control, video surveillance, industrial control (PLC), computer network, and IP intercom systems which are deployed at locations under the Sheriff’s Office control. This position works with civilian and sworn employees to maintain, troubleshoot, and support critical public safety systems.

What You Should Bring

The ideal candidate should bring an advanced knowledge of access control, video surveillance, industrial control (PLC), computer network, IP intercom systems, and personal computing device operating systems, troubleshooting methods, and available software packages. Additionally, the ideal candidate should possess knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations related to the use of electronic security and monitoring systems.
Applicants for this position should have the ability to plan, organize, and accomplish work independently or as a member of a team, the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, representatives of other City departments, jurisdictions, vendors, and State and Federal agencies, and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, as well as the ability to multi-task.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Troubleshoots system issues across all Office electronic security deployments;
• Configures, installs, and maintains desktop, laptop, and server infrastructure to support electronic security systems;
• Researches hardware, operating system, and application updates and improvements to ensure optimal performance of all existing systems;
• Coordinates with vendors for replacement or upgrade of system equipment;
• Deploys servers, network appliances, control panels, intercom stations, etc.;
• Conducts preventative maintenance on all components of all electronic security systems;
• Discusses evolving technologies with senior management and offers suggestions for technological improvements;
• Maintains inventory of all devices associated with electronic security systems;
• Conducts software and hardware updates as required;
• Conducts security assessments of electronic security platforms and recommends hardening measures for implementation
• Provisions and maintains control over user access to electronic security systems;
• Conducts client user and cardholder audits to keep access rights up to date
• Conducts maintenance and configuration of various network appliances;
• Conducts installation and configuration of edge devices;
• Deploys temporary electronic assets as directed by commander;
• Determines approaches to projects and supplies to be purchased;
• Adapts to new technologies and platforms;
• Identifies cost-effective opportunities to improve system performance;
• Develops requests for proposals, proposes and manages budgets, supervises contracted workers, approves invoices for payment, participates in intra- and interdepartmental meetings, presents to senior staff of partner agencies;
• Reviews and implements existing and new policies, procedures, guidelines and standards that best protect the Office's information and assets;
• Researches and implements security technologies that best protect the Office's information and assets;
• Assesses and reviews security system architecture and design for new and existing applications for the City;
• Fosters and maintains a relationship with other electronic security officers in nearby jurisdictions and within the State of the Virginia so that the Office is proactive on new legal mandates;
• Assigns, monitors, assists, and reviews the work of contractors;
• Performs related duties as assigned.

About the Office
The Alexandria Sheriff's Office is responsible for the operation of the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center, security of the Alexandria Courthouse, service of court legal documents, execution of court orders, transportation of prisoners, and general public safety and law enforcement.

The Alexandria Sheriff's Office is a highly professional organization with 204 deputy sheriffs and civilian personnel. The Office is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Commission on Accreditation for Corrections, and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care. The Office has been honored by the National Sheriff's Association with the prestigious "Triple Crown Award" for achieving these accreditations. The Office is also Virginia State certified by the Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Department of Corrections.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

The Sheriff's Office is committed to the health, safety, and wellness for all staff. In support of that commitment, all newly hired employees are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Applicants with a disability or sincerely held religious belief which prohibits them from receiving a vaccine may request a reasonable accommodation. Adherence to this policy is a condition of employment.

Four Year College Degree; Five years as a Computer Programmer Analyst III; Three years experience in communicating and negotiating with high level executives.

Preferred Qualifications

To be considered an ideal candidate, one should possess all minimum qualifications and additionally possess:

• 4+ years of hands-on technical experience in access control, video surveillance, industrial controls (PLC), computer networking;
• A bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited college or university in computer science, information systems, or a closely related technical field;
• Significant hands-on technical experience in access control, video surveillance, industrial controls (PLC), computer networking;
• Expert level of knowledge and capabilities with various computer hardware and software solutions;
• Experience with one or more of the following software platforms is required: Genetec, Wonderware, TOP Server, Harding Intercom platform; Mercury door controllers;
• Experience in security system design and maintenance for healthcare, government, law enforcement, corrections, K-12, or higher education environments;
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Active Directory;
• Excellent organizational and project management skills and attention to detail;
• Excellent proficiency with the Microsoft 365 suite of applications;
• Ability to analyze and resolve problems with minimal supervisory guidance;
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively verbally and in writing;
• Exceptional follow-through skills;

Notes

The position may require the successful completion of the following pre-employment verifications/testing:
-Comprehensive background investigation
-Drug testing
-Polygraph examination