First Opportunity Program: Public Safety Supervisor

This is a First Opportunity recruitment, we are only accepting applications from residents who live within the First Opportunity Target Area (FOTA) and meet the qualifying annual household income limit. For more information please visit www.oregonmetro.gov/fota.

Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

The Oregon Convention Center’s (OCC) Public Safety department is looking to add a Public Safety Supervisor to the team, to lead daily safety and security operations in one of the Pacific Northwest’s busiest and most dynamic public venues.

In this role, you will be at the center of operations, coaching, training, and coordinating a dedicated team while responding to real-time situations that directly impact the safety and experience of everyone who visits the OCC. You’ll have the opportunity to lead a large and diverse workforce, collaborate with internal teams and public safety partners, and play an essential role in delivering reliable, high-quality public safety services.

This position offers the chance to use your leadership skills in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment where your decisions and guidance have a visible and immediate impact. If you are a strong people-centered leader who thrives in dynamic settings and is motivated by service, teamwork, and public safety, this is an opportunity to do meaningful work that supports both your team and the broader community.

As the Public Safety Supervisor you will:

• Lead and supervise daily public safety operations, ensuring consistent, safe, and high-quality service delivery in a 24/7 environment 
• Supervise, coordinate, and develop a team of Public Safety Agents, Relief staff, and medical personnel, building a culture of accountability, professionalism, and service. 
• Provide real-time operational leadership during events and incidents, coordinating real-time response efforts and collaborating with law enforcement, fire, EMS, and external partners. 
• Make critical decisions in high-pressure situations, including emergencies, security threats, and complex operational challenges. 
• Ensure a safe, welcoming, and customer-focused environment for visitors, clients, and employees
• Design and support staff scheduling and deployment strategies to ensure consistent, effective coverage across shifts and events. 
• Lead onboarding, training, certification compliance, and skill development programs to build a highly capable team. 
• Provide feedback, coaching, and corrective action, partnering with leadership on employee relations and development.
• Identify opportunities to improve safety practices, policies, and procedures, contributing to continuous operational improvement. 
• Build strong working relationships with internal teams, external agencies, and community partners to support safe and successful events.

Attributes for success:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to supervise and motivate large, diverse teams
• Commitment to delivering excellent customer and public-facing service
• Ability to make sound decisions in fast-paced, high-pressure situations
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including conflict resolution and de-escalation
• Ability to manage daily operations, staffing, and priorities effectively
• Skilled at building partnerships with internal teams and external agencies
• High level of accountability, professionalism, and attention to detail
• Comfortable working in dynamic environments with changing priorities
• Technical aptitude with security systems, communication tools, and reporting systems
• Willingness and ability to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.   

Learn more about how Metro is advancing diversity

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant. 

Minimum qualifications:

• Some specialized training and knowledge beyond the high school level in the function or responsibility that is to be supervised, and 
• Two years of directly related experience in a similar role, and
• One year of supervisory experience, or
• Any combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.

Required qualifications: 

• The candidate selected for the position will need to pass a criminal background check prior to being hired. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude employment and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• Ability to successfully complete a Human Performance Exam that simulates common physical tasks performed for this position prior to hire.
• Current valid driver’s license

Requirements with the ability to be obtained after hire:

• DPSST Unarmed Certification
• DPSST Private Security Supervisor or Executive Manager license
• CPR/AED or BLS certification 
• First Aid or Stop-the-Bleed certification

Working Conditions: This position operates in a highly active, public-facing environment with frequent interaction with large crowds, events, and time-sensitive situations. This position will be on-site role at the Oregon Convention Center, giving you the opportunity to stay connected to daily operations and collaborate closely with staff in a supportive, team-oriented environment. 

This venue is a 24/7 operation, and the position requires availability during evenings, weekends, and holidays, as well as the ability to respond to urgent situations when needed.

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply

If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

Like to have qualifications:

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.

• Experience directly leading safety or security operations in a large venue or event setting.
• Supervisory experience in a union environment
• Advanced knowledge with access control systems, video monitoring (VMS), or related technologies.
• Experience coordinating with law enforcement or emergency response partners 
• De-escalation, Crisis Intervention, Contact & Cover and Time-Tactics-Resources Training.
• Certified Crowd Manager.
• Experience in a fast-paced, high-demand, or 24/7 operational environment.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• A complete online application
• Responses to supplemental questions 

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Testing/assessments (if applicable)
• Reference check (must provide at least three references)
• Background, driving check and human performance exam for finalist candidate

COMPENSATION AND REPRESENTATON

The full-salary range for this position is step 1: $75,144.30 to step 7: $100,700.05 annually. However, unless a candidate’s qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements and Metro’s internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between step 1: $75,144.30 to the equity range step 3: $82,846.23 annually. 

This position is not eligible for overtime and is not represented by a union. It is classified as Service Supervisor II.

Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.

Questions?

Recruiter: Megan Warneke

Email: megan.warneke@oregonmetro.gov

Equal employment opportunity

All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.

Accommodation

Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

Veterans' preference

Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Hybrid Telework

Positions designated as “hybrid telework,” meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.
  
Pay equity at Metro

No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Online applications

Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance. 

How to Apply

For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro’s “How to apply” page. 

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Metro 

Led by an elected council, this unique government gives all residents of greater Portland a voice in shaping the future and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. We find solutions for our area’s garbage and recycling that protect clean air and water; help plan land use and development to provide jobs and safe transportation; manage local venues that provide a connection to arts and culture and help keep the economy growing; protect 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, and run the Oregon Zoo, to keep nature close to home. 

As part of the Metro family, the Oregon Convention Center helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. Metro brings people together to shape the future of our area and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale.

The Oregon Convention Center and Metro
The Oregon Convention Center (OCC) is a leading public venue in the Pacific Northwest, hosting conventions, trade shows, meetings and community events that reflect the diversity and energy of the Portland region. Recognized for its leadership in sustainability and commitment to exceptional service, OCC serves as a catalyst for Oregon’s economy, generating more than $330 million annually in consumer spending and supporting thousands of jobs.

Salary : $75,144 - $100,700