Project manager - port of san diego

Contingent Upon Contract Award Covenant is seeking an experienced Project Manager – Port Security Operations to lead and oversee a complex, compliance-driven maritime security program at the Port of San Diego. The ideal candidate will bring proven leadership experience in seaport, airport, or critical infrastructure environments and possess a strong working knowledge of the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA), U.S. Coast Guard regulations, and Department of Homeland Security requirements. This role is critical to the success of port security operations and requires a leader capable of managing multidisciplinary teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering consistent, high-quality security services in high-consequence environments.

Company History Founded in 2002, Covenant Aviation Security (CAS) was established to provide a higher standard of transportation security following the events of September 11, 2001. CAS pioneered a customer-focused security model built on a highly trained, professional workforce supported by competitive wages, benefits, and ongoing development. Today, CAS is the largest private contractor providing Screening Partnership Program (SPP) services to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and an industry leader in aviation security solutions. Through its commitment to safety, compliance, operational excellence, and customer service, CAS provides comprehensive security and screening services for airports, airlines, and government agencies across the United States.

Employment Compensation & Benefits Covenant Aviation Security offers a competitive compensation package, with a targeted salary range of $90k - $105k annually, depending on qualifications, experience, and contract requirements. In addition, employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their health, well-being, and financial security, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (effective the first day of the month following sixty (60) days of continuous employment)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company-Furnished Uniforms (where applicable)
• Paid Training and Professional Development Opportunities

Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements, plan provisions, and applicable contract terms and may be modified at the Company's discretion.

Essential Functions

• Provide overall leadership and management of port security operations at active marine terminals and associated facilities.
• Oversee multidisciplinary security teams operating in environments requiring Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) access.
• Ensure U.S. Coast Guard-compliant screening operations at regulated facilities.
• Manage all administrative and operational functions, including staffing, scheduling, training oversight, quality assurance, invoicing, reporting, and recordkeeping.
• Ensure full compliance with MTSA, U.S. Coast Guard, DHS, and applicable state and local regulations.
• Develop, implement, and maintain site-specific security policies, procedures, and post orders.
• Coordinate initial and recurrent training programs, including MTSA training, DHS-approved screener training, and equipment-specific X-ray certification.
• Maintain audit readiness and documentation to support regulatory inspections and client reviews.
• Oversee CCTV and sensor system operations, including coordination with camera operators and integration with port security infrastructure.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the Port District, law enforcement agencies, and other key stakeholders.
• Lead incident response activities, reporting, and after-action reviews to support continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience managing security services of similar scope and complexity, preferably within a seaport, airport, or critical infrastructure environment.
• Current Secret Security Clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance upon hire.
• Current U.S. Coast Guard-approved Facility Security Officer (FSO) certification, or the ability to obtain and maintain FSO certification upon hire.
• Current Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), or the ability to obtain and maintain a TWIC upon hire.
• Proven leadership experience overseeing large, multidisciplinary security teams.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills, including policy development, documentation, and compliance management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Teams for communication, reporting, and collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of MTSA requirements and maritime security principles.
• Prior experience managing complex screening operations and X-ray screening programs.
• Familiarity with CCTV, access control, and advanced sensor systems in port or critical infrastructure environments.
• Experience coordinating with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and harbor partners.

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• High level of professionalism and customer-service orientation.
• Ability to manage complex operations in regulated, high-risk environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to compliance and continuous improvement.

Physical Demands

May require standing, walking, sitting, and patrolling for extended periods of time. May be required to climb stairs, ladders, gangways, vessel access points, and elevated observation areas. May be required to traverse uneven surfaces, docks, piers, terminal facilities, and cargo operation areas. Physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of performing all duties required for assigned responsibilities. Capable of performing normal or emergency duties requiring moderate to strenuous physical exertion, including prolonged walking, climbing stairs, responding to incidents, and emergency response activities. Must be able to safely operate in active maritime and industrial environments while maintaining situational awareness. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

EEO Statement Covenant Aviation Security is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.