Guard (Security)

University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Texas at Austin is seeking a Guard (Security) for the Harry Ransom Center on the UT Main Campus. The role covers visitor safety, access control, and protection of university collections, with responsibilities spanning gallery monitoring, patrols, and incident reporting.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, clear communication, and the ability to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and special events.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or GED and stable work history.
• Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain situational awareness.
• General familiarity with Microsoft Windows operating system.
• Ability to perform extended periods of foot patrol of all building spaces.
• Ability to provide credible testimony in a court of law.
• Commitment to maintaining a professional and respectful workplace for all.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and manage visitor activity in galleries and public spaces; control access to restricted areas and enforce safety and security regulations.
• Conduct routine physical patrols of the building to safeguard collections, ensure a safe environment, and verify proper performance of building systems.
• Perform security screenings, including bag checks, and supervise contractors, vendors, and staff working in restricted or secure areas.
• Respond to emergencies by following established procedures, coordinating with the University of Texas Police Department, and completing required incident and damage reports.
• Collaborate with Ransom Center departments to implement and maintain effective security practices and visitor service standards.
• Monitor security operations for special events, including load-in/load-out, vendor sign-in, and crowd control.
• Work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and special events, as operational needs require.
• Maintain current knowledge of Harry Ransom Center and UTPD security policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Center operations.

Skills

Clear verbal and written communication

Situational awareness

Microsoft Windows familiarity

Foot patrol endurance

Testimony in court

Professional workplace conduct

Spanish (preferred)

Education

High school diploma or GED

Two years of college education

Tools

Microsoft Windows

Job description

Job Posting Title: Guard (Security)

Hiring Department: Harry Ransom Center

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date: Nov 08, 2026

Position Duration: Expected to Continue

Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS

Job Details: Purpose Provides security services for the Harry Ransom Center, an internationally renowned research library and museum on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin. Responsible for ensuring the safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors while protecting University collections and property.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and manage visitor activity in galleries and public spaces, both in person and via video systems; control access to restricted areas and enforce safety and security regulations
• Conduct routine physical patrols of the building to safeguard collections, ensure a safe environment, and verify proper performance of building systems
• Perform security screenings, including bag checks, and supervise contractors, vendors, and staff working in restricted or secure areas
• Respond to emergencies by following established procedures, coordinating with the University of Texas Police Department, and completing required incident and damage reports
• Collaborate with Ransom Center departments to implement and maintain effective security practices and visitor service standards
• Monitor security operations for special events, including load-in/load-out, vendor sign-in, and crowd control
• Work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and special events, as operational needs require
• Maintain current knowledge of Harry Ransom Center and UTPD security policies and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Center operations

Required Qualifications

• High school graduation or GED and stable work history.
• Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain situational awareness.
• General familiarity with Microsoft Windows operating system.
• Ability to perform extended periods of foot patrol of all building spaces.
• Ability to provide credible testimony in a court of law.
• Commitment to maintaining a professional and respectful workplace for all.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• One or more years of experience as a security guard or police officer in a library or museum setting
• Two or more years of college level education.
• Familiarity with police operations.
• Speaking and writing fluency in Spanish.

Salary Range

$43,000 non-negotiable

Working Conditions

• May be required to perform foot patrols of interior exhibition gallery space for periods of up to 1 hour or more.
• Involves periods of dedicated active video surveillance screen monitoring.
• May work in adverse weather conditions and temperatures.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
• Use of manual dexterity.
• Climbing of stairs.
• Lifting and moving.
• Physical effort required.
• Able to stand or walk for extended periods of time.
• Lift up to 35 lbs.

Work Shift

• Mandatory overtime. Must be able to work extended hours (during special events, etc.) past normal working hours. Irregular shifts, weekends and holidays. Shift will be determined after hiring based on needs of department.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

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Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

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Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer,complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.