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Watch Commander

Spartanburg, SC

Posted: 08/11/2026 Employment Type: Direct Hire Job Number: 28192 Pay Rate: $ - $150000 Remote Friendly?:

Job Description


Watch Commander
Location: Spartanburg County, SC
Type: Direct Hire
Schedule: Full-Time, On-Site, Rotating 24/7/365 Coverage

The Position

Our client is seeking an experienced Watch Commander to serve as the senior on-shift authority for a mission-critical security and operations watch floor supporting a high-availability infrastructure campus in Spartanburg County, SC.

This individual will hold real-time operational command during the assigned shift, maintaining continuous situational awareness across physical security, life-safety, facility conditions, access control, power generation status, and sensitive computing environments. The Watch Commander will direct on-shift personnel, manage incidents, execute emergency procedures, and serve as the first-line Incident Commander until relieved by senior leadership.

This role is a key component of the organization’s evolving Enterprise Operations Centre model and requires a disciplined leader who can operate effectively in a high-pressure, 24/7 critical infrastructure environment.

Key Responsibilities

Watch Floor Command & Shift Leadership
  • Serve as the senior on-shift authority with responsibility for real-time command of the security and operations watch floor.
  • Maintain continuous situational awareness across security systems, personnel activity, facility conditions, and operational events.
  • Direct and supervise security officers, console operators, and response personnel, ensuring required posts and functions remain fully staffed.
  • Conduct formal shift briefings and documented handovers covering active incidents, system status, ongoing work, threats, and outstanding actions.
  • Perform floor checks, post inspections, patrol verifications, and operational readiness reviews throughout the shift.
  • Lead, coach, and develop on-shift personnel while maintaining high standards of professionalism, discipline, and response readiness.

Incident Command & Crisis Response
  • Act as the initial Incident Commander for security, safety, emergency, or operational events occurring during the shift.
  • Execute established Crisis Response Frameworks, Incident Action Plans, emergency procedures, and SOPs under ICS/NIMS principles.
  • Initiate escalation protocols, leadership notifications, cascade lists, and external agency coordination as required.
  • Coordinate the initial reception and integration of law enforcement, fire, EMS, HAZMAT, and other emergency responders.
  • Develop, maintain, and improve incident response procedures, emergency action plans, and site-specific operational playbooks.
  • Ensure incident decisions, notifications, actions, and outcomes are accurately documented in operational and incident management systems.

Security & Critical Infrastructure Operations
  • Monitor and respond to alarms and events across access control, CCTV, intrusion detection, fire/life-safety, power generation, and data center environmental systems.
  • Enforce strict access control requirements for sensitive and restricted areas, including authorization verification and escorted access.
  • Maintain accurate, audit-ready records of entries, incidents, system activity, and security events.
  • Coordinate closely with data center operations, engineering, facilities, and infrastructure teams to ensure activities are aligned and operational conflicts are minimized.
  • Supervise contractors and vendors working during the shift, confirming access authorization, safety requirements, inductions, and compliance with site procedures.

Safety, Readiness & Compliance
  • Maintain awareness of environmental, health, and safety conditions across the campus and enforce safe work practices.
  • Support permit-to-work requirements, EHS procedures, and site safety controls during the assigned shift.
  • Conduct and reinforce emergency drills, response exercises, and scenario-based training to maintain team readiness.
  • Ensure shift activities comply with security policies, standard operating procedures, access controls, emergency plans, and applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Maintain all required South Carolina armed security credentials, including applicable SLED registration, licensing, training, and certification requirements.
  • Support Executive Protection and security assignments on a temporary-duty basis when required, including potential travel.

Required Qualifications
  • 7+ years of progressive experience in security operations, law enforcement, military operations, emergency services, command center operations, or another mission-critical environment.
  • Demonstrated supervisory, watch commander, shift lead, or command responsibility within a 24/7 operational setting.
  • Experience working in a security operations center, command post, dispatch center, watch floor, emergency operations center, or similar environment.
  • ICS/NIMS training, including ICS-100, ICS-200, and ICS-700. ICS-300 strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to assume incident command and make sound decisions during time-sensitive, high-pressure events.
  • Strong knowledge of physical security technologies including access control, CCTV, intrusion detection, alarm monitoring, and incident management systems.
  • Strong written communication and documentation skills, including incident reporting, shift logs, and formal handovers.
  • Ability to work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, holidays, and other non-standard hours.
  • Ability to respond to operational requirements on short notice.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience within data centers, utilities, energy, critical infrastructure, industrial operations, or other high-availability environments.
  • Familiarity with HAZMAT response, EHS requirements, permit-to-work systems, and process safety practices.
  • Experience with PSIM platforms or integrated command-and-control technologies.
  • Exposure to data center physical security frameworks, SOC 2, ISO 27001 physical controls, or NERC CIP environments.
  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Security Management, or a related discipline.
  • Professional certification such as ASIS CPP, PSP, or equivalent.
  • Military, law enforcement, fire service, emergency management, or command-center leadership background strongly valued.

Additional Requirements
  • Must successfully complete required background checks, reference checks, and pre-employment screening.
  • Active or clearable security clearance status may be required depending on assignment.
  • Must maintain eligibility to perform armed security responsibilities under applicable South Carolina requirements.
  • Full-time, on-site rotating schedule supporting continuous 24/7/365 operations.
  • Shift differential pay applies for qualifying schedules.
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About Spartanburg, SC

Ready to take your career to new heights? Explore job opportunities in the vibrant city of Spartanburg, South Carolina, where growth opportunities abound and a unique charm awaits. Known for its rich history, quaint coffee shops, art galleries like the Chapman Cultural Center, and the world-class Spartanburg Art Museum, this region offers a blend of Southern hospitality and modern amenities. Don't miss catching a show at the stunning Denny's Plaza Theatre or cheering on the Spartanburg Vikings at the historic Gibbs Stadium. With scenic parks like Croft State Park and diverse cuisine options, Spartanburg is the ideal place to advance your career while enjoying a high quality of life. Dive into our job listings today and discover why Spartanburg is the perfect place to call your professional home.