Position Summary
At Red Deer Polytechnic, this isn’t just another security job. It’s an opportunity to expand your expertise in a collaborative environment where your insights and initiative are valued. You’ll go beyond leading a dedicated security team to providing trusted advice, training, and supporting emergency response and business continuity across the institution. Your work will help the effective operation of the Security Services function, which has a direct influence on Red Deer Polytechnic’s Strategic Plan’s themes by impacting the quality of the learning, research and working environment, as well as the perception of RDP by the public as a quality educational institution. We’re looking for someone who thrives on solving problems, enjoys working with people, and brings strong communication and organizational skills to the table. If you’re ready to grow your career in a role that blends technical expertise with human connection, we’d love to meet you!
This position is not eligible for a hybrid work environment. The position is required to be held on site at RDP.
Position Responsibilities
Operational Responsibilities
- Develops, administers, and enforces policies, procedures and guidelines related to RDP safety, security, enforcement, emergency management and business continuity activities
- Oversees security services contract including developing KPIs, enforcing contract terms and conditions, and ensuing contract security continues to meet the expectations of the RDP community
- Provides interpretation of legislation and RDP policies and procedures for Security Services team in order to ensure function is functioning and operating inappropriate manner
- Performs enhanced risk and violence assessments concerning students, staff and faculty
- Provides, implements, and monitors safety plans for students and employees in collaboration with other RDP departments/schools, as appropriate.
- Collaborates and enforces interim measures and sanctions for students, employees and non-RDP community members
- Provides support for the management of threats and liaises with police, fire, ambulance services, and other responding agencies as appropriate
- Oversees activities with respect to processes and daily operations of security and security systems
- Undertakes an active role in scene management during emergencies by directing the activities of others and making operational decisions to manage events occurring on and affecting RDP
- Develops, coordinates, evaluates, and ensures ongoing training requirements are met for the RDP community and in compliance with legislation as it relates to safety, security, emergency measures and business continuity
- Provides site specific training to all Security Services staff (including contract staff)
- Supports RDP special events through the provision of security and advisory services by the Security Services function
- Coordinates, leads, and conducts investigations into security incidents, makes recommendations and follows up on corrective actions and implementation of controls to prevent similar instances
- Receives, investigates and/or addresses all inquiries and complaints regarding Security Services staff, policies or procedures and providing reports detailing findings, analysis and recommendations (as required)
- Provides supervisory oversight by ensuring that Security Services functions, investigations, reports, and activities are conducted and completed properly; that proper procedures have been followed; that documentation is accurate, concise and appropriate; etc.
- Meets with individuals who are making a complaint/disclosure, provide options under policy or law and direct to appropriate support services
- Represents, supports, and provides advice and recommendations from Security Services on institutional committees and task groups, as required
- Conducts audits to ensure that all contract security has the necessary training, equipment, and licenses to perform their duties and all terms and conditions of the contract are being complied with
Program Administration
- Oversees the administration, use and operation of Security Services programs and security systems (e.g., CCTV, communications, alarms, etc.)
- Conducts analysis and reporting of security incidents to identify trends and enhance the effectiveness of the RDP security program
- Evaluates effectiveness of security contracts and make changes on service/providers/equipment following RDP policies and procedures
- Identifies operational requirements, including capital purchases for use in day-to-day activities by Security Services
- Arranges for the procurement, ongoing management and receipt of equipment, supplies and services following RDP policies and procedures
- Develops, implements, and administers multi-year security systems strategy in coordination with impacted RDP departments (e.g., Campus Management, IT Services)
- Assists with the preparation of and reporting for the Security Services operations budget and operational planning
- Monitors the Security Services operations budget and forecasts requirements forthe future · Receives and resolves complex, sensitive, and escalated inquiries and complaints regarding Security Services activities while escalating concerns and providing recommendations as appropriate
- Develops and maintains threat and hazard assessments relative to Security Services
- Identifies emerging trends in the post-secondary and security fields and remains abreast of new developing technologies and security processes that could be relevant to enhancing the RDP security program.
People Leadership and Development
- Responsible for effective recruitment and selection, retention, coaching, supervision, performance management, offboarding of direct report(s) incompliance with People and Culture policies and procedures, FOIP, and collective agreements in support of high performing team
- Directs the day-to-day operations of direct report(s)
- Ensures that all regulations of Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) are followed to provide a safe work environment and follows up on reports generated by People & Culture to ensure compliance with OH&S and WHMIS training
- Approves, monitors, and reports vacation and other absences for all direct report(s); arrange coverage for all vacation and long-term absences as required
- Promotes regular attendance, balanced lifestyle and high standard of team ability and willingness
- Remains relevant and continuously developing skills and education in the field of physical security and promotes direct reports to do the same
Required Qualifications
- Four-year undergraduate degree in related discipline (e.g., security management, law enforcement, business administration, social science, etc.)
- Hold an individual security service license and an investigator license issued pursuant to the Security Services and Investigator Act of Alberta
- Certified Protection Professional (CPP) required
- Related professional accreditation (e.g., advanced level Crime Prevention by Environmental Design, Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP), Associate Business Continuity Professional(ABCP)) an asset
- Over 5 years experience managing a security services function
- Experience with emergency management systems in Alberta and/or other jurisdictions and an understanding of the Incident Command System (or similar)
- Knowledgeable in protection of assets; security risk management; crime prevention through environmental design; special event security; design, evaluation, and application of security systems such as access control, surveillance camera systems, alarm systems and fire safety systems
- Experience in reviewing and interpreting legislation as it applies to security, emergency management and business continuity
- Experience from a post secondary institution an asset
- Ability to be on call and respond to emergencies and incidents
- Ability to operate in high stress and sensitive situations
- Ability to make recommendations and decisions that are complex and can relate directly or indirectly to serious situations which include the potential for loss of life
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills that are applied in an appropriate manner
- Exceptional de-escalation, negotiation, and crisis management skills
- Exceptional attention to details of events with the ability to stay focused on tasks
- Demonstrated capacity to exercise sound judgment in sensitive situations and maintain strict confidentiality
- Understanding of good business practices and project management practices in service delivery (including change management)
- Ability to analyze large volumes of information and distill the information for presentation to various stakeholders
- Physical ability to complete the duties of the role
Preferred Qualifications
- Skills and knowledge acquired within a large organization, within a multi-union environment, and preferred knowledge of operations of a post-secondary institution; typically obtained through a combination of formal education and at least 5 years of solid relevant experience
- Experience in training others, effective recruitment and selection, retention, coaching, supervision, performance management, offboarding of direct report(s).
- Remains relevant and continuously developing skills and education in the field of physical security and promotes direct reports to do the same
- Undertakes an active role in scene management during emergencies by directing the activities of others and making operational decisions to manage events occurring on and affecting RDP
- Coordinates, leads, and conducts investigations into security incidents, makes recommendations and follows up on corrective actions and implementation of controls to prevent similar instances
Benefits and Compensation Information
Red Deer Polytechnic offers a comprehensive benefits package including extended health and dental care through Blue Cross, access to a health spending account, pension plan, Employee & Family Assistance Program, generous vacation allotments, credit tuition waivers and opportunities for professional development funding. Additional time off due to Institution closures between Christmas and New Year general holidays.
*Eligibility to access the above-mentioned benefits is dependent upon the EXEMPT Terms and Conditions of Employment and related RDP policies.
Desired Start Date
November 16, 2026
Hours of work
You will be employed on a full-time basis. It is understood that the hours of work involved will vary and be irregular and are those hours of work required to meet the objectives of your employment.
Normal hours of operation are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, M – F
Note to Applicant
Red Deer Polytechnic fosters an inclusive learning and working environment where everyone can bring their full selves and share their unique talents. We are committed to being responsive to the evolving needs and expectations of our diverse community.
To enrich the intellectual, economic, cultural, and social development of Central Alberta, we value the contributions of individuals with diverse perspectives and experiences. We encourage applications from Indigenous persons, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, individuals of all sexual orientations, and persons of any gender identity or expression.
Red Deer Polytechnic will provide job applicants with accommodations in accordance with the Alberta Human Rights Code. To request an accommodation, please contact peopleandculture@rdpolytech.ca.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
