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Job Description
An island community rich in history and opportunity, Galveston is the ideal place to live, work and raise a family!
Job Description
Position Overview
The IT Security Specialist is responsible for safeguarding the City’s information systems, networks, and data. This role is a versatile position that combines aspects of monitoring, incident response, compliance, and security engineering. The specialist works closely with Infrastructure, Applications, and Support Services teams to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information technology resources, while also supporting user awareness and compliance initiatives.
Key Responsibilities- Monitor the City’s SIEM, endpoint protection, and firewall systems for suspicious activity.
- Investigate and document security events, escalating incidents in accordance with the City’s Incident Response Plan.
- Support business continuity and disaster recovery efforts, ensuring essential City services remain operational.
- Conduct vulnerability scans on City servers, networks, and applications.
- Lead/participate in incident response efforts, including containment, eradication, recovery, and post-incident reporting.
Track, prioritize, and remediate vulnerabilities in collaboration with Infrastructure Services and Enterprise Applications teams. - Assess risks associated with third-party vendors, cloud solutions (e.g., Workday, Tyler, Accela), and payment processing systems.
- Contribute to drafting, reviewing, and enforcing the City’s IT security policies and standards, including acceptable use policies, review of least privilege policies and data protection standards.
- Assist with preparation for audits, council reporting, and grant compliance related to cybersecurity.
- Ensure systems meet compliance with standards such as NIST, CJIS, PCI-DSS, and organizational policies.
- Conduct regular vulnerability scans, risk assessments, and penetration testing.
- Assist in policy development for information security, acceptable use, and data protection. - Provide ongoing security training to City employees, including phishing awareness and safe technology practices.
- Develop and distribute communication on emerging threats and citywide security reminders.
- Assist in the configuration and monitoring of firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion prevention systems.
- Review logs for unauthorized access attempts or anomalies.
- Partner with the Infrastructure and Support Services divisions to ensure secure configuration of desktops, mobile devices, and enterprise applications.
Qualifications
Education & Experience- Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
- 2 years of experience in IT security, system/network administration
Technical Skills- Knowledge of SIEM tools, vulnerability management, and incident response.
- Familiarity with municipal applications (ERP, utility billing, municipal court, GIS, etc.).
- Understanding of networking concepts, firewalls, and cloud security.
Certifications (Desired)- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Competencies- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
- Effective written and verbal communication for both technical staff and non-technical audiences (including Council and Department Heads).
- High ethical standards and commitment to confidentiality of sensitive government data.
Compensation Range
DOQ
The City of Galveston is an equal opportunity employer and will consider only the qualifications of the applicants. The City does not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or physical/mental disability in employment or provision services. -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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City of Galveston
Show moreImagine yourself as an Islander living in an elegant Victorian home or on a shady, oak-lined street on the Island’s east end, or in a home overlooking the sparkling Gulf of Mexico on the west end. There is a variety of rental property to choose from throughout the Island, from Galveston has the amenities of a larger city, but with tight-knit small town friendliness.
Its ethnically diverse citizens have worked together to make their city better since the early days of its founding in 1836. When faced with adversity, Galvestonians unite to solve whatever obstacles may arise. Non-profit organizations and community groups offer a variety of volunteer opportunities regardless of your interests or desired area of service.
The Island has a multifaceted economic base with expanding job markets in tourism, the medical field, marine-related fields, as well as other areas. Education, banking, insurance and marine industries also are job fields that contribute to the strong, diverse economy. Island life is enhanced by the absence of drive-time traffic reports on the radio and heavy traffic delays. The major thoroughfares are rarely heavily congested, even during peak times. And it takes no more than 15-20 minutes to get anywhere you want to go on the Island.
All this time saved driving to work and running errands can be spent enjoying Island life.
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