Security Specialist - EXAM

Under general supervision, is responsible for monitoring and patrolling City property and/or monitoring community areas to evaluate and report on unusual or suspicious activity, and for controlling access to City buildings and facilities; performs related duties as required.

• Patrols buildings and grounds in designated areas and checks in at assigned stations periodically; checks doors and windows for security; reports unusual situations; locks doors and turns out lights;

• Monitors surveillance video for unusual or suspicious activity; evaluates information received and determines appropriate course of action to be taken;

• Immediately reports unusual or suspicious activity by using telephone or radio equipment and maintains contact with appropriate emergency personnel;

• Controls access to buildings and facilities; verifies identification; directs visitors to proper locations;

• Identifies suspicious or unusual behavior of visitors to the buildings; contacts appropriate authorities if necessary;

• Patrols parking lots; directs traffic and personnel to destinations;

• Completes forms and logs; types and generates detailed reports using computer applications;

• Provides customer service involving answering telephones and/or face-to-face contact in order to greet the public, take complaints, and answer inquiries;

• Monitors radios and various alarms such as fire, security, boiler, and elevator in order to report emergencies and equipment malfunctions in accordance with established procedures; monitors sensors for mechanical equipment and reports failures to appropriate authorities;

• Responds to duress alarms, fire alarms, and other related problems; notifies staff if an emergency situation requires action;

• Observes departing personnel to guard against theft of property;

• Checks incoming vehicles at parking facilities to ensure that only authorized vehicles are using facilities; may place warning notations on unauthorized-parked vehicles;

• Uses computer system to control door access;

• May operate metal detecting devices and x-ray machines to scan for potentially dangerous items;

• May utilize security software to create employee badges for building access;

• May screen incoming persons, bags, and packages for weapons.

Two (2) years of experience working with security cameras, or working with the public in a security role.

Some positions may require possession of a valid driver’s license.  

The names of the applicants passing this administration of this exam will be used to create a NEW, OPEN COMPETITIVE, eligible list, and will replace the names on the current list.  If you are interested in having your name included on the new eligible list, you will need to apply for this exam within the filing period and successfully complete all phases of the testing process.   Questions regarding this process can be directed to the Test Center at 614-645-7439. 

The examination process will consist of a computer skills exam weighted 100% covering Multi-tasking, Information Ordering, Public Relations, Problem Sensitivity, Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Name and Number Comparison, Matching, Word and Outlook 2016/2019.

The exam is expected to be administered in late August - early September 2026.  Approved applicants will be notified by mail/email of their scheduled test date and time. 

All applicants must complete all phases of the testing process in order to receive a final score.  The names of all candidates who pass this examination will remain on the eligible list for two years, unless the eligible list is replaced prior to or extended beyond the two years.  If a candidate's name is certified and the candidate is to be considered for employment, the hiring process will include one or more interviews, a criminal background check, and a pre-employment drug test.  

The certification process will be:  Fixed Band

The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer