Port Security Officer

Port Houston is the advocate and strategic leader of the Houston Ship Channel, one of the most powerful economic engines in the state and the country. Port Houston owns and operates the public wharves and terminals along the Houston Ship Channel, including the area’s largest breakbulk facility and two of the most efficient container terminals in the country.

Through our leadership and our work, we help ensure the nation’s busiest waterway stays running to benefit the customers of the public facilities we operate, our surrounding communities and industries, and our region. Port Houston exists to move the world and drive regional prosperity.

The work we do helps build up our local community, supports the economy, bolsters goodwill for the state of Texas, and influences the outlook of the entire region. And this is only the beginning! Our best accomplishments are ahead of us as we expand the Houston Ship Channel and widen its reach to become America’s distribution hub for the next generation.

Who you are:

You are more than the work you do. We want your work at Port Houston to be more than a job – we want it to be a fulfilling experience where you find challenging and rewarding opportunities, respect among colleagues, competitive pay, benefits that protect you and your family, and a high-performance culture that values your contributions and helps you reach your career goals.

Sound like the place for you?

Position Summary:

Supports and assists the Facility Security Program in compliance with federal security regulations, specifically the implementation of the Port’s Facility Security Plans.  Works in close coordination with contract security officers, police department, and facility security stakeholders. This position covers all Port Houston regulated facilities and receives direct oversight and guidance from the Facility Security Officers.

Key Responsibilities/Duties:

• Assist the Facility Security Officers in ensuring compliance with the approved Facility Security Plans, as well as all other security-related policies and procedures
• Actively patrol and monitor all port facilities to enforce security measures and protocols; work with Port Houston stakeholders and contractors to ensure compliance with the Facility Security Plans
• Under the guidance of the Facility Security Officers, resolve facility security issues and concerns
• Assist the Facility Security Officers in adhering to the federal requirements for maintenance of security equipment and systems through inspections and checks, in accordance with the Port’s Facility Security Plans
• Observe and report any security related issues directly to the Facility Security Officers
• Generate routine security reports and logs at the direction of the Facility Security Officer
• Conduct on-site reviews and audits of operations and facilities, assessing risks, participate in both internal and external audits of the Security Management System
• Respond and provide assistance in emergency situations as directed by the Facility Security Officers
• Participate in security and emergency response drills/exercises
• Assist the Facility Security Officers in enforcing the TWIC program by conducting active TWIC enforcement checks
• Respond to gate/building openings and closings
• Conduct security awareness training for various stakeholders, at the direction of the Facility Security Officers
• Act in accordance with Port Houston's core values (respect, excellence, accountability, diligence, and you)
• Perform related duties as required 

 Education/Experience:

• A High School diploma or GED equivalent required
• 2+ years experience in physical security or maritime security 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Behaviors:

• Knowledge of methods of physical screening of persons
• Ability to recognize and detect threatening behavioral patterns
• Knowledge of Port policies and procedures
• Knowledge of inspection, control and monitoring techniques
• Knowledge of applicable federal security requirements
• Familiarity with all relevant aspects of the TWIC program and how to carry them out
• Basic computer skills
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Customer service skills
• Ability to maintain security awareness
• Ability to recognize and detect dangerous substances and devices
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Must be able to work in hostile environments and confront challenges when they arise
• Ability to work with detailed material and reporting requirements
• A current, valid Texas driver's license is required
• A Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) must be obtained within 30 days of appointment, and be maintained for the duration of employment
• Considered essential employees and may be required to work on holidays, evenings, and nights, and be immediately recalled for emergencies at any time. They must remain available and "on call" 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, dependent on emergency

Key Competencies Required:

• Attention to Detail
• Communication
• Ethics and Values
• Pragmatic Decision making
• Teamwork/Collaboration
• Work Standards 

Physical Demands:

Medium Work - Exerts up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Port Houston proudly embraces diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity.  Our teams reflect our commitment to celebrating diversity and creating an equitable and inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Disclaimer

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. This position is designated as “Safety-Sensitive”. All employees in safety-sensitive positions are subject to random drug/alcohol testing.