Gallery Security Officer PT - Temporary

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Part time

Job summary

The National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC is seeking Gallery Security Officers to provide a visible, professional security presence, assist staff and visitors, and maintain a safe environment for artworks and museum facilities. This temporary, part-time position runs through January 17, 2027 with a possible extension and reports to the Security Director.

The role requires a high school diploma, strong English communication, experience with the public, and weekend availability.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English and interact with the public.
• Experience working with the public and maintaining professional appearance.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned areas to protect works of art while the museum is open.
• Deter touching or tampering with artworks and museum property.
• Enforce museum policies for safety of employees, visitors and collections.
• Receive parcels per security procedures.
• Assist in evacuations and preservation during emergencies.
• Monitor and report safety issues and suspicious activity.
• Provide information to visitors in a pleasant, helpful manner.
• Maintain a presentable environment and radio communications during shifts.
• Support the museum's mission and perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Public interaction

Stamina/standing

Weekend availability

Security experience (preferred)

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Gallery Security Officers are a visible professional security presence, who create a positive visitor experience, provide assistance to museum staff and contractors, and maintain a safe and secure environment for the works of art and the museum’s facilities. Gallery Guards must have strong interpersonal skills, be capable of standing for long periods of time within the galleries and have keen observation skills.

This is a temporary Part-Time position through January 17th 2027 with the possibility to be extended, and reports to the Security Director.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the protection of museum works of art by patrolling assigned area(s) when the museum is open
• Deterring unauthorized persons from touching, handling, defacing, or otherwise tampering with works of art and/or museum property
• Enforce general museum policies to ensure the security and safety of its employees, visitors and art collections.
• Intake of parcels and packages per established security procedures
• Assist in building evacuation and preservation of art collections in times of emergency.
• Monitor and immediately report potential safety violations, critical incidents, and unusual or suspicious activity
• Interact with visitors by providing general and way finding information in a pleasant and responsive way
• Perform light housekeeping duties and generally assist in maintaining a presentable environment for visitors
• Maintain radio communications with coworkers and supervisors during your assigned work shift
• Support the mission of the museum in all activities
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to communicate effectively in the English language, be detailed oriented, and have satisfactory literacy and writing, documentation, communications and interpersonal abilities
• Experience working with the public
• Ability to stand, walk, and remain alert for extended periods
• Availability to work weekends (Saturdays and Sundays)
• Ability to understand and follow standard operating procedures, to perform duties in a professional manner and appearance
• Ability to make independent and good judgment decisions within proper policy and procedures
• Be able to work independently, responsibly and without supervision.
• Security experience desired and preferred
• Prefer a good working knowledge of security operations, safety practices in a museum environment and relevant enforcement procedures and policies

If much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role, even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely for any applicant to meet 100% of the qualifications for a given role, and that every candidate brings unique experience and qualifications to a role. We are excited to meet you!

Compensation

The hourly rate for this position is $23.-

The National Museum of Women in the Arts is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Successful candidates will be subject to reference and background checks. To comply with tax and legal obligations all candidates must reside in Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship by NMWA.