Lead Security Administrator

Posting Close Date: 

Application and Special Instructions

This is an open continuous recruitment. Applications will be reviewed in scheduled rounds as outlined below. This recruitment may close at any time once a sufficient number of qualified applications has been received.

Applicants will be notified of their application status on a bi-weekly basis throughout the recruitment process.

As part of the application process, all applicants are required to submit a chronological resume and a cover letter at the time of application. Applications submitted without a chronological resume and cover letter will be considered incomplete and will not receive further consideration.

To be considered complete, your cover letter must include responses to the following:

1.Describe a significant security initiative or architecture you led that demonstrates your highest level of technical expertise, including how you ensured it met organizational objectives and delivered measurable results.

2. Share an example of transforming a complex security environment—such as IT, OT, ICS, or hybrid—while maintaining both security and operational effectiveness. Include the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

3.Describe a project or accomplishment that best illustrates your ability to innovate, adapt, and lead in a rapidly evolving threat landscape, and how you ensured its long-term success.


This position is based on-site at a City of Tucson facility. Remote or hybrid work arrangements are not available at this time.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

First Review of Applications

Review Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026
Applications received on or before Wednesday, April 1, 2026, will be included in the first minimum qualifications (MQ) review.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications may be evaluated and scored based on relevant education, experience, and training as outlined in the job bulletin. The highest scoring applicants will be invited to participate in a virtual interview via Microsoft Teams.

Interviews: Week of April 13, 2026

*Second Review of Applications

Review Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Applications received on or before Wednesday, April 15, 2026, will be included in the second MQ review.

The highest scoring applicants will be invited to participate in a virtual interview via Microsoft Teams.

Interviews: Week of April 27, 2026

*Third Review of Applications

Review Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026
Applications received on or before Wednesday, April 29, 2026, will be included in the third MQ review.

The highest scoring applicants will be invited to participate in a virtual interview via Microsoft Teams.
Interviews: Week of May 7, 2026


The City of Tucson does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

Relocation expenses will not be provided for this position. Candidates are responsible for all costs associated with relocating to the Tucson area, if applicable.

Recruiter Contact Information:

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Liliana Almeraz
(520) 837-4303
Liliana.Almeraz@tucsonaz.gov

ABOUT THIS JOB

Position Specific Summary

The Lead Security Administrator position at the City of Tucson’s Information Technology Department (ITD) drives the strategic implementation of cybersecurity initiatives for the Water Utility by leading technical projects, performing threat analyses, and adopting advanced security technologies. This position involves both hands-on technical work and mentoring junior staff, working closely with the cybersecurity team to meet strategic goals. 

Work is performed under the supervision of the Chief Information Security Officer. This position leads and instructs the daily operational work of IT Security personnel.  

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversees daily cybersecurity operations for the Tucson Water Department including incident response, vulnerability management, and lifecycle management of security systems. Focuses on all areas of Tucson Water technology including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Industrial Control Systems (ICS), Operational Technology (OT), and Internet of Things (IoT).  Ensures continuous improvement and optimization of security processes. 

• Manages and implements strategic cybersecurity initiatives in alignment with the City's security objectives, ensuring timely and budget-compliant completion. Oversees cross-functional team collaborations, leading technical groups in project delivery, delegating responsibilities to junior staff, and maintaining strategic focus under the IT Security Manager's guidance. Guides and mentors junior colleagues within the cybersecurity team, leveraging technical expertise to assign tasks, and elevate the cybersecurity team's technical competencies.

• Utilizes sophisticated analytical tools to monitor, identify, and mitigate potential cyber threats, ensuring the city’s defense mechanisms are proactive and robust. Stays informed on global cybersecurity trends and threats, translating this knowledge into actionable strategies for the City’s cybersecurity efforts.

• Supports the Cybersecurity Team by contributing to the strategic development and implementation of cybersecurity measures, ensuring they are in line with the broader technological and security goals of the city. Drafts and refines comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks, focusing on robust and scalable solutions enhancing security posture. 

• Performs compliance monitoring, documentation maintenance, and additional support tasks as needed to meet the cybersecurity team's objectives and assists the IT Security Manager in decision-making processes.

• Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned.

Working Conditions

Mostly office environment. On-call rotations and perform off-hours work as necessary.

All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's Degree
Experience: Four (4) years of relevant experience

Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

A valid and unrestricted driver’s license with two (2) years of licensed driving is required.

A master’s degree in Computer Info Systems (CIS), Cybersecurity, IT, Management Info Systems (MIS), or related field.
 
Experience in Cisco, Microsoft, System Security Certification Consortium (ISC²) Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP), SysAdmin, Audit, Network, and Security Institute (SANS) Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and cloud certifications like Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or Google Cloud Architect are beneficial.
 
Experience in guiding daily operations and project tasks within a small team, following the strategic direction of the manager.

Experience in information security administration, including experience in policy, management, and technology.

Experience in fostering collaborative relationships across teams, promoting, and disseminating cybersecurity knowledge and initiatives.

Experience with Splunk for creating queries and dashboards, and expertise in managing large datasets. Proficiency in vulnerability management solutions (e.g., Nessus, Tenable, Rapid7).

Experience in conducting cybersecurity investigations, including evidence gathering, log analysis, and threat hunting, to recommend effective actions.
Experience in developing and refining cybersecurity processes to enhance the security posture of the City of Tucson.

POSITION DETAILS

Job Profile

J0774 - Lead Security Administrator

To view the full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands click https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Tucson-Talent.

Compensation Grade

G112

Hourly Range

$42.80 - 64.20 USD

The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

FLSA

Exempt

Position Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Department

Information Technology, ZBUDG HIER - Recurring

Department Link

No Website

Background Check:  This position has been designated to require a criminal background check.  The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.

ABOUT US

Benefits: The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings. With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours. You can learn more about our benefits at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefit-Snapshot.

Citizenship: The City of Tucson employs only U.S. Citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. Citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Status. The City of Tucson does not offer visa sponsorship.

City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status.  If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD).  Click for more information from ACRD about employment discrimination and how to file a complaint with ACRD 

The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at EmployeeLeaves@tucsonaz.gov or 520-791-2619.   

Recruiter Name

Liliana Almeraz (99363)

Recruiter Email

ccs_hr@tucsonaz.gov

For Human Resources general questions please contact 520-791-4241.