Security Officer - Overnight Shift

Maryland Zoo•Baltimore, MD

About The Position

The Security Officer represents the Maryland Zoo and helps provide a safe and secure environment for internal and external customers while enforcing Zoo policies. The role also supports the Zoo’s mission to save wildlife and protect wild places, as well as its sustainability, conservation, education, and DEAI goals. Officers patrol buildings, grounds, and animal areas on foot or by vehicle; respond to alarms and security incidents; provide or coordinate first aid, CPR, and AED assistance; manage incidents involving employees or guests; and document activities and investigations. The position includes rotating through the Security office dispatch post, monitoring Zoo activity and radios, deploying officers, facilitating emergency communications, and coordinating responses to severe weather and employee transportation needs. The Officer communicates procedures to staff and the public, coordinates with contracted temporary services and other departments, writes shift and incident reports, maintains confidentiality, and assists with staffing breaks and special-event needs. The position requires working the overnight schedule of 1:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., with flexibility for weekends, holidays, special events, other shifts, and overtime. Work includes patrolling the Zoo’s 125 acres in all seasons and weather and may involve exposure to zoonotic diseases and risk of animal attack.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 21 years old.
Two years of security-related experience.
Good working knowledge of security operations in a business environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word.
Possess or be able to complete basic first aid, CPR, and AED training within one month of hire and maintain the certifications through the American Red Cross or an equivalent association.
Valid driver’s license.
Security Guard Certificate.
Able to work the overnight shift, listed as 1:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Able to travel or walk large areas of the Zoo and patrol 125 acres on foot in all weather conditions.
Able to work outdoors in all seasons and weather, including heat, humidity, cold, and wet conditions.
Able to work weekends, holidays, special events, all shifts and schedules, and overtime.
Able to exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move objects.
Able to work with exposure to zoonotic diseases and risk of animal attack.

Nice To Haves

Friendly and outgoing, with a positive and patient attitude.
Excellent verbal communication skills.
Ability to work with individuals from a wide variety of ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
Sound judgment, integrity, safety management, professionalism, and reporting skills.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Ability to make independent judgment decisions within Zoo policies and procedures.
Ability to handle non-routine tasks and adapt to changing circumstances.

Responsibilities

Patrol all buildings, grounds, and animal areas on foot or in a vehicle, and report suspicious conditions or unusual occurrences.
Respond to requests for first aid, CPR, and AED assistance, and attend to people calmly, professionally, and ethically.
Respond to security incidents and alarms; enforce policies and help mitigate or defuse situations.
Lead and manage employee- or guest-related incidents, gather investigative details and witness information, and document accurate locations.
Ensure work-related incidents are reported and investigated, appropriate medical attention is sought, and relevant departments are contacted.
Maintain records of employee and guest incidents, including after-hours calls.
Provide guest control, including in challenging situations.
Rotate through the Security office dispatch post; monitor Zoo activity and deploy officers as needed.
Facilitate 911 calls and centralized Code Alpha and Code Beta communications, monitor and communicate severe weather, coordinate cab transportation for employee-related incidents and accidents, and document activities.
Maintain safety awareness and ensure guest safety.
Communicate standard operating procedures effectively to staff and the public.
Work with contracted temporary services and staff to support adherence to Zoo policies and procedures.
Write and investigate required shift and accident reports involving employees, guests, and shift activities; submit reports of incidents and activities on Zoo property and in the immediate perimeter, including the parking lot.
Monitor radios and contact appropriate Security staff to communicate information and resolve security issues.
Attend meetings and represent the Zoo on committees.
Maintain the confidentiality and integrity of information concerning employees, guests, and volunteers.
Help organize employee breaks while maintaining adequate staffing for attendance flow.
Coordinate with other departments to meet special-event requests and departmental training needs.
Follow company and Zoo policies and procedures and perform other related duties as assigned.