Security Officer

$16 - $16/Yr

National Aquarium - Baltimore, MD

Full-time - Entry Level

Baltimore, MD

Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions

About the position

The National Aquarium is seeking a dedicated individual to join our Safety and Security Team. This position is essential in providing an outstanding guest experience for everyone visiting the Aquarium. The role involves welcoming guests, communicating effectively over the Aquarium's radio system, and ensuring the safety and security of all individuals on the premises. Responsibilities include monitoring access to facilities, conducting patrols, managing traffic, and responding to emergencies. The ideal candidate will be proactive, reliable, and committed to maintaining a safe environment for guests and staff alike.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to providing an outstanding guest experience for everyone visiting the National Aquarium.
• Welcome guests and non-Aquarium staff to the National Aquarium warmly and ask how you can help them.
• Communicate appropriately over the Aquarium's FCC-licensed two-way radio system, using appropriate NA ten codes and Safety and Security Team-member call signs.
• Ensure you are reachable by radio on Channel 1 (Security) whenever on Aquarium property.
• Be punctual and reliable in arriving and relieving colleagues at posts scheduled by Supervisors on the board at Security Base each shift.
• Verify credentials and restrict access to Aquarium facilities to only those with valid authorization.
• Radio Security Base of anything concerning you identify and follow any subsequent instructions from the team-member staffing the Base post.
• Ensure all guests, contractors, and volunteers sign in appropriately on the tablet provided at the P3 Reception.
• Phone or radio contacts receiving visitors and/or deliveries upon arrival at Security Base.
• Unlock the front entrances at the appointed time and radio to inform Security Base to confirm which doors you have opened.
• Start any mechanical conveyances that are not already running and radio to inform Security Base what you have done after you have done so.
• Ensure any mechanical conveyances and ingresses/egresses are unobstructed by hazards at any time.
• When closing the Aquarium, sweep all public and backup spaces to ensure only authorized persons remain.
• Create parking reservations in the Online Parking Management System in Salesforce and inform colleagues of any special arrangements.
• Direct vehicular and foot traffic as needed when posted outside Aquarium buildings.
• Check deliveries at Security Base and loading docks and radio recipients to inform them they have deliveries.
• Know the process for engaging the contract towing service to remove unauthorized or illegally parked vehicles from Aquarium property.
• Monitor wait times of vehicles holding in the Circle and direct drivers who have exceeded the wait limit to move along.
• Ensure fire lanes surrounding Aquarium vehicles are always accessible to emergency vehicles and radio Security Base if ever they are not.
• Guide any delivery vehicles backing down Aquarium property by walking ahead of them and cautioning pedestrians and drivers to ensure safety.
• Prevent guests from harassing wildlife and one another while patrolling Aquarium property.
• Rescue anyone who has inadvertently or intentionally fallen into the Harbor using available safety equipment.
• Verify the readiness and cleanliness of the Safety and Security Team emergency vehicle.
• Monitor security cameras closely and radio team-mates to inform them of and direct them to areas of concern.
• Conduct walkthroughs inside and outside Aquarium buildings, looking for any unsafe, suspicious, illegal, dangerous, or otherwise concerning behavior.
• Create work orders in the Online Facilities Management System to communicate any building-related issues requiring service to the NA's Facilities.
• Document safety and/or security concerns and/or medical responses in written Incident Reports in the Online Security Log System.
• Assist staff or guests with mobility issues using the stair-chair assistive equipment in the event conveyance failures have left them unable to leave a space.
• Assist the Manager of Safety and Risk with ensuring all hot work in the Aquarium is appropriately permitted through the NA's standard processes.
• Support Safety and Security Team Management and Supervisors with investigations, as requested.
• Provide thorough and accurate information in all Incident Reports and Security Logs.
• Assist other Operations Teams by receiving and transporting valuable lost-and-found items to Security Base.
• Serve as first-aid/CPR/AED-trained Aquarium First Responder, as directed.
• Check and restock contents of NA first-aid kits, as requested.
• Assist NA staff and guests with contacting the Waterfront or Downtown Partnerships to obtain safety escorts.
• Radio the Custodial Team to direct them to any areas that need cleaning inside or outside the building.
• Patrol inside and outside the Aquarium, identify actual and potential threats and risks, and radio Security Base of any relevant findings.

Requirements

• High-school diploma or equivalent.
• Security experience preferred.
• Customer service experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to stand and walk in- and outdoors in all weather for extended periods of time year-round.
• Ability to sit and monitor cameras, alarms, and information systems for long periods of time.
• Must be able to respond to safety and security emergencies calmly, professionally, and in an organized manner.
• Must be able to manage multiple, complex tasks simultaneously under pressure.
• Complete mandatory National Aquarium training programs within 30 days of hire date.
• Complete NA Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) training within three months of hire date.
• Obtain crowd-manager certification within three months of hire date.
• Obtain adult and pediatric first aid, CPR, and AED certification within six months of hire date.
• Understand how to operate all Aquarium safety- and security-related technologies.
• Computer skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Team, Excel, Power Point).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Capability to manage difficult and emotionally charged situations.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a similar role in a public-facing environment.
• Knowledge of safety and security protocols in public spaces.
• Familiarity with emergency response procedures.

Benefits

• Hourly range ($16.00-16.79) with hours worked over 40 paid as overtime.
• Holiday premium pay and extra pay for night work.
• Four weeks paid time off.
• Six paid floating holidays.
• Up to four weeks of paid family leave and conservation day leave.
• Health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work.
• 401(k) plan participation with employer match available.
• Family membership package and Aquarium tickets.