Daytime Security Officer

POSITION SUMMARY

The Daytime Security Officer is responsible for ensuring the safety, security, and operational flow of Zoo grounds, guests, staff, and animals during daily operating hours. This role serves as a highly visible and critical component of the Guest Experience team, acting as both a safety resource and operational support presence across the Zoo. A primary function of this position is managing vehicle access to Zoo grounds. The Daytime Security Officer serves as the main checkpoint for all incoming vehicles, verifying authorization, controlling access, and providing clear, safe direction to drivers to ensure compliance with Zoo policies and the safety of guests, staff, and animals. In addition to access control, this role may be tasked to patrol the Zoo, respond to security concerns and emergencies, and support crowd control and evacuation procedures when necessary. This role plays a key part in delivering a safe, welcoming, and positive guest experience by balancing security responsibilities with proactive guest engagement, clear communication, and a service-oriented approach. This position also supports administrative functions related to security operations, including surveillance system monitoring, camera log review, and documentation. The role requires strong situational awareness, professionalism, and the ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced, guest-facing environment. This is a non-supervisory position that supports organizational policies, promotes teamwork, and always maintains a professional presence.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

 Previous Security experience preferred  Previous Military or Law Enforcement experience preferred  High School diploma or equivalent required  Must be legally authorized to work in the United States  Valid Driver's License required; must be insurable through the Zoo's liability insurance provider  Must pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screening  Strong written and verbal communication skills  Basic computer proficiency (Word, Excel, email, surveillance systems) required  Ability to interact professionally and positively with guests, staff, and vendors  Strong attention to detail and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment  Demonstrated sound judgment and ability to remain calm under pressure  Strong problem-solving skills  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships  Must be available to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and peak attendance periods  Ability to work special events or extended hours as needed 

CPR & AED

certification required within 1 month of employment

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Organizational Expectations:

 Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information  Adhere to all Zoo policies, procedures, and safety guidelines (including OSHA standards)  Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and accountability  Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members  Identify and communicate operational concerns and improvement opportunities  Complete required trainings and attend meetings as assigned  Maintain a professional appearance and represent the Zoo appropriately  Demonstrate strong time management and self-direction

Departmental Expectations:

Access Control & Traffic Management:

 Serve as the primary checkpoint for all incoming vehicles to Zoo grounds  Verify authorization for entry and ensure all vehicle access aligns with Zoo policies  Provide clear, safe, and professional direction to drivers entering the property  Maintain awareness of traffic flow and proactively mitigate safety risks  Coordinate with internal teams to ensure smooth and safe vehicle movement throughout the

Zoo Security & Guest Experience:

 Conduct routine and high-visibility patrols of Zoo grounds and facilities as assigned  Respond promptly to security concerns, incidents, and guest-related issues  Provide a visible, approachable presence to support both safety and guest confidence  Proactively engage with guests by offering directions, assistance, and information as needed  Enforce Zoo policies and procedures in a professional, respectful, and guest focused manner  Assist with lost persons, guest concerns, and general safety needs

Emergency Response & Crowd Control:

 Respond to alarms, emergencies, and medical codes in a timely manner  Assist with crowd control during peak attendance, events, or incidents  Support evacuation procedures and emergency operations as directed  Maintain readiness to respond effectively in high-pressure situations

Surveillance & Administrative Responsibilities:

 Monitor and operate surveillance systems  Review, track, and maintain security camera logs  Document incidents, observations, and reports accurately and thoroughly  Support continuous improvement of security tracking and reporting processes

General Duties:

 Utilize radios and communication equipment professionally and effectively  Assist with special events and operational needs as assigned  Support basic facility awareness (reporting maintenance or safety concerns)  May assist in areas with animals (e.g., barn environments) as needed  Maintain cleanliness and awareness of guest-facing areas  Perform other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands and working conditions described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made.

Physical Requirements:

 Frequent standing, walking, and patrolling for extended periods  Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions  Use of hands, tools, and communication equipment  Occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, or crouching  Ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds using proper techniques

Visual, Hearing, and Communication Requirements:

 Ability to see, hear, and communicate effectively, with or without accommodation  Ability to interact clearly with guests, staff, and emergency personnel

Environmental Conditions:

 Primarily outdoor work environment during daytime operations  Exposure to varying weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, snow, etc.)  Exposure to animals, allergens (hay, pollen, etc.), and zoo-related environments  Potential exposure to hazardous conditions, bodily fluids, or aggressive behavior from animals or individuals

Pressure Factor:

 Must be able to work under moderate to high stress conditions  Requires quick decision-making during emergencies or high guest volume situations

Pay:

$21.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person