Relief Terminal Security Officer

Job Overview

Starting wage is $28.13/hour. Starting wage is 90% of base wage until completion of probation. A Relief Terminal Security Officer is an unarmed proprietary security officer who is charged with the safety, security, and protection of a designated terminal area’s personnel, stakeholders, and all properties in accordance with federal, state, local laws and regulations and terminal procedures. These are limited duration positions that are represented by a collective bargaining agreement.

These are non-benefited positions with no guarantee as to the number of hours to be allocated.

• Enforce all applicable port security‑related federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Follow all security, traffic, and safety rules and regulations and engage in support activities to first responders.
• Execute Port of Tacoma security duties encompassing the physical security of port areas, terminal areas, waterways, and adjacent port shoreline security, operational security, information security (protecting sensitive security information), supply‑chain security, and others. Monitor and control access into and out of terminal facilities during assigned hours.
• Dedicate exclusively to 24‑hour terminal safety and security activities, responsible for patrol and surveillance of the terminal and adjacent waterways; manage the terminal entry control points and execute C3I duties at the designated Terminal Control Center.
• Operate a shuttle van for transporting vessel officers, crew, and visitors to/from vessel.
• Monitor vessel berthing at the terminal to ensure safe and secure docking. Execute or support the security screening of over‑the‑road trucks at the gate.
• Oversee public safety as well as environmental and maritime related safety regulations. Support the maintenance of free flow of commerce and produce a safe, secure environment that promotes uninterrupted terminal operations.
• Assist in the prevention and reporting of transportation security incidents, security breaches, and crime within the assigned terminal areas.
• Execute surveillance of operations terminals and cargo storage areas, and conduct physical inspections of terminal building, operational areas, waterways, etc.
• Enforce vehicle and pedestrian traffic control; correct and report traffic and safety hazards observed to the appropriate authorities. Initiate and submit daily reports covering port security and shift activities/assignments.
• Maintain communications with other security agencies.

Minimum education required: graduation from high school or GED equivalent.

Previous job experience required: a minimum of two (2) years of experience working in a customer service‑focused role and at least one (1) year of experience as a security officer in private industry, military, or applicable environment is preferred. Preference will be given to candidates who can work all shifts.

Must maintain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). Requires a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record to operate Port/NWSA vehicles, travel between work sites, attend off‑site meetings or events, and perform essential job functions.

• Ability to learn laws, procedures, practices, and techniques necessary to execute terminal security operations, including laws, codes, statutes, and regulations concerning port security activities and other applicable areas.
• Knowledge and skills to use and care for radio communications equipment and to execute security performance tasks related to terminal operations and waterfront activities (physical security, supply‑chain security, waterways security, information security, etc.).
• Proficiency in the National Incident Management System/Incident Command Structure, including completion of IS‑100.
• Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and with respect for others’ rights; analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine an appropriate course of action.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions, write and speak effectively, accurately, and comprehendibly, and learn administrative procedures related to terminal security work.
• Unquestionable integrity and ability to physically perform all assigned duties.
• Capacity to respond to stress, maintain strong anger‑management skills, and sustain a high degree of emotional stability.
• First‑responder competence, including performing first‑aid procedures such as AED and CPR, with upper‑body flexibility and full range of movement of upper extremities.
• Proficiency in operating a personal computer and effective technology skills.