A new position with an unusual title has been created in Luzerne County’s prison system: lock and camera specialist maintenance technician.
Advertised at an annual salary of $47,655, the selected applicant must maintain all security cameras and manual/electronic locks inside and outside the prison on Water Street and the minimum offenders building on Reichard Street, both in Wilkes-Barre.
The elimination of another vacant maintenance position freed up funds to cover the cost of the specialized technician job, said county Correctional Services Division Head Mark Rockovich.
Focus on the security cameras is warranted to ensure they continue providing maximum coverage, he said, noting the county invested more than $300,000 upgrading the camera system last year. Prison officials had said the initial system installed in 2005 was outdated, had limited storage and did not include enough cameras, particularly in the aging, five-story Water Street facility, which has more nooks and crannies.
“We have to have someone oversee that and make sure these cameras remain properly positioned with so many blind spots,” Rockovich said.
The technician also will end reliance on outside locksmiths for maintenance, replacements and repairs, he said.
With in-house key and lock replacement, the prison won’t have to perform security checks on contractors or risk response delays, Rockovich said.
The new technician must respond to maintenance emergencies at all hours, including off-duty periods, according to the job posting on the career opportunities section at www.luzernecounty.org.
Thousands of keys are used in the prison to access rooms, filing cabinets and supplies, including ones for padlocks, he said. The constant repetition of opening and closing leads to more wear and tear of both keys and locks, he said.
“I have three keys just to get to my office — four if it is outside business hours,” he said.
Applicants must be at least 21 and have a degree or certification in electronic service, the posting says.
Among the other skills required:
• Extensive knowledge of manual and electronic lock maintenance
• Experience in security camera installation and maintenance.
• Familiarity with low voltage electronic equipment.
• The ability to cope in emergency situations
Applications are due at noon on Oct. 3.
