Security Officer (Flex Shift)

National Geographic•Washington, DC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The National Geographic Society headquarters, based in Washington, D.C., is undergoing a significant renovation project on its campus (called Base Camp), which will be completed in 2026. The public-facing portion of this renovation will be the new National Geographic Museum of Exploration. Components of the new museum will include a state-of-the-art pavilion entrance, auditorium, iconic photo gallery, exhibition space, immersive walk-through attraction, retail, food and beverage, education center, archives, tours, and exciting new event space. The capstone of the renovation is a one-of-a-kind nighttime experience in the courtyard. Our department prides itself on the high level of security it provides, both visible and behind the scenes. Your job as a Security Officer is to deter crime by your mere presence via regular patrols, acute attention to detail, reasonable sound judgment and prompt communication of security breaches or concerns. Your main job will be to provide top-quality security for employees, guests, and assets, including screening station duties, entry points, patrols, and emergency response. A high level of enthusiasm, attention to detail, and a welcoming attitude are essential.. A flexible work schedule is required for this position which includes working 3 shift variations which may include, days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, reporting for duty at short notice, and overtime.

Requirements

High School diploma
Must have a minimum 2 years of physical security experience.
Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to be commissioned as an Unarmed Special Police Officer by the District of Columbia within 1 month of hire.
Situational Awareness: Must be keenly alert at all times to see, hear, and smell in order to respond to alarms and detect emergency situations, alerting all employees and other team members to possible threats or situations requiring immediate attention.
Physical Demands: Must be able to perform essential functions of the position, which may include long periods of sitting, walking, standing, and climbing stairs. Must be able to stand for extended periods, especially during screening operations.
Professional and Interpersonal Skills: Possess excellent and effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to deal with all levels of personnel and the general public.
Conduct and Character: Must demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior, acting with honesty in all situations. This role requires being self-motivated and having the ability to take ownership of one’s duties.
Teamwork: The ability to be a team player is a must, respecting teamwork dynamics and collaborating effectively with colleagues.
A strong attention to detail is required for accurate reporting and observation.

Nice To Haves

Military, Law Enforcement, and security experience (particularly in high-traffic public venues or screening environments) are preferred
Prior experience with access building control systems and familiarity with walkthrough metal detectors, handheld wands, or other screening technologies are preferred.

Responsibilities

Observe and report safety concerns, security breaches and unusual circumstances while performing self-inspections of secure facilities, evaluate findings and take corrective action. As an SPO you are expected to deter, detect, and prevent incidents in a professional manner. You must preserve order and act to enforce policies and procedures. Hourly building patrols using an automated patrol tracking system will be required which includes walking on uneven surfaces and climbing of stairs. (50%)
Respond to calls for emergency matters. Perform rescue functions involving accidents, emergencies and disasters. During high stress situations you are to maintain poise during crisis situations and handle them calmly and efficiently. You may have to assume an initial command post; may be required to act as on-scene commander until such time a higher-ranking official arrives on scene. You are expected to stay over to help the Security team during times of emergencies and staff shortages until properly relieved by your Supervisor(20%)
Operate and monitor security screening systems to ensure all individuals entering designated areas are screened appropriately. Maintain a professional and courteous demeanor while conducting screenings, ensuring safety and compliance without disrupting visitor experience. Perform secondary screening if alerts are triggered and coordinate with supervisors for incident escalation as needed. Maintain screening equipment responsibly and report malfunctions or irregularities promptly. (30%)

Benefits

medical, dental, and vision insurance
engaging and comprehensive wellness program
401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment
flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year) and 10 days of sick leave
12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31 (May not apply to all roles that are required to work during high volume seasons or essential workers. Please check with the hiring manager for confirmation.)
paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility benefits
learning and development opportunities
Lifestyle Spending Account
pet adoption assistance and insurance
pre-tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy
employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit
a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks