Job Details

Weekend Swing Shift Security Guard

Immediate opening! The Santa Barbara Zoo is seeking a part-time Weekend Swing Shift Security Guard. This all-weather foot patrol opportunity is great for a "night-owl" who enjoys working outdoors with minimal supervision.

Position Status: Part-time, Regular, Non-exempt, Hourly Schedule: Saturday and Sunday, 4:00 PM to 12:30 AM Compensation: $22.00 $24.00 per hour DOE

Under general direction of the Director of Safety and Security and Security Manager, the Security Guard patrols the Zoo grounds on a regular basis throughout the shift. Responds in a timely and professional manner to a wide variety of routine and emergency situations.

Essential Duties:

• Patrols and checks the parking lot area, perimeter fence and all access points into the Zoo at start of shift
• Monitors activity at all gates leading into the Zoo, ensuring that only authorized personnel gain access to the Zoo at all times during the shift
• Physically checks all spaces, gates, doors, locks, and windows, ensuring they have been properly locked and secured or unlocked as appropriate given the daily operating conditions
• Turns off all unneeded building lights and HVAC systems to conserve energy where appropriate
• Changes light bulbs as needed to ensure security and common public spaces are adequately lighted
• Patrols the entire park on foot on a regular and continuous basis throughout shift and reports all physical and security problems to the Director of Safety and Security, the Security Manager and/or Santa Barbara Police Department in situations where criminal activity is involved
• Maintains Security Nightly Log to accurately reflect hours during which rounds were made and breaks were taken, as well as record any discrepancies or incidents that present a security or safety problem
• Utilizes guard tour system device when making rounds to check in at all guard tour stations on every round.
• Patrols all public areas on a regular basis to provide a visual deterrent to crime
• Sets and maintains nuisance animal traps as directed for raccoons and other small mammals that pose a significant threat to the health of animals in the collection
• Responds to calls for assistance in situations involving non-zoo animals including animals in distress or dead animals found on the property
• Maintains open lines of communication with all departments in the Zoo, with special attention given to animal care staff concerns and issues
• Renders assistance to all other Zoo departments and personnel as requested, including care taking or observational duties in the animal department, assisting the Facilities Department when needed and assisting the Private Event Hosts during an evening event
• Is trained in and responds to calls for First Aid and medical emergencies
• Operates a radio, cellular telephone, guard tour system device, pepper spray, and basic hand tools such as screwdriver, pliers, and hammer
• Adheres to Zoo policies regarding tardiness, absences, and other attendance related issues
• Adheres to the Zoo policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
• Apply and Exemplify "green" (sustainable) practices whenever possible

Secondary Duties:

• Greets every guest with a smile
• Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
• Answers phone calls promptly
• Ensures the Zoo's presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
• Associates with guests to assist and share information
• Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relation procedures
• Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo's uniform dress code
• Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings
• Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement and the Employee Pledge
• Performs other duties as required

Position Criteria:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:

• High school graduate or any equivalent occupation, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
• Must be 18 years old or older

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:

• Must have a CA Guard Card certification that is current and in Active status from BSIS
• First Aid and CPR certification from the American Red Cross is preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Ability:

• Comprehensive knowledge of the policies, procedures, and equipment of the Security Department as they relate to Security and general Zoo operations
• Ability to use independent judgment in handling routine as well as emergency situations
• Ability to perform under stress when confronted to an emergency, unusual or dangerous situation
• Ability to oversee and monitor conditions and to promote and exercise safety precautions
• Ability to interact and communicate with the general public in a courteous and friendly manner
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to prioritize assignments and complete patrols within a reasonable amount of time (roughly one hour for a standard round)
• Ability to complete assigned work and meet established deadlines and timetables under a minimal amount of direct supervision
• Ability to consistently work scheduled shifts without significant numbers of absences or tardiness
• Problem solving and conflict management skills
• Capacity to analyze, interpret and use sound judgment in the application of Zoo rules, policies, guidelines and regulations
• Capacity to perform under stress when confronted with an emergency, unusual or dangerous situation
• Ability to develop productive and friendly relationships at work
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests
• Ability to exercise safe work habits
• Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Ability to sustain the physical speed and attention that are vital to the safe and effective completion of duties
• Ability to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving the whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials
• Physically able to walk and remain on feet for up to 8 hours, as well as work up to 16 hours at a time
• Must be able to exert a minimum of 25 pounds of force and able to lift, carry, push or pull or otherwise move objects whose weight may exceed 25 pounds
• Ability to negotiate all areas of the Zoo in all weather conditions over a variety of terrain, including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, hilltop, and attic storage
• Must be physically able to operate a variety of equipment including two-way radio, cellular phone, telephone, pepper spray dispenser, guard tour system device and alarm system controls
• Adequate hearing capabilities to hear vehicles approaching, detect warning sounds, ascertain sound direction and recognize related danger
• Eyesight must be at a sufficient level to perform duties without trouble or impairment
• Exposure to extreme environmental conditions including smoke, dust, heat, cold, and wetness
• Involves working out-of-doors in all weather conditions
• Supportive and open employment culture

Tools Used:

• Guard tour system device
• Two-way radio
• Cellular phone
• Pepper spray dispenser
• Alarm System Controller
• Decibel Meter
• Hand tools

Benefits & Perks:

• Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal