Overnight Shift Security Officer

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is seeking an Overnight Security Officer to safeguard the collection, buildings, grounds, and occupants. The role covers the overnight shift from midnight to 8:00 a.m. on-site, with quick response to alarms, patrols, and access control across all museum spaces.

Applicants should have a High School diploma, prior security experience, and the ability to write clear reports. English fluency, reliability, and physical stamina are essential.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Prior public safety, security, or related field experience.
• Ability to write clear, concise reports.
• Experience operating electronic security systems.
• Fluency in English and strong communication skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends reliably.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Accesses, patrols, and responds to emergencies throughout all museum spaces.
• Operates and monitors security control screens, alarm systems and CCTV.
• Communicates via intercoms and two-way radios.
• Monitors fire and facility alarms and responds to inquiries.
• Covers Watch Desk duties as needed.
• Maintains logs, completes paperwork and data entry.
• Controls access of employees, visitors, and contractors.
• Provides incident reports to management and emergency services.
• Performs CPR and defibrillation when necessary.
• Enforces museum policies on security and safety.
• Inspects incoming/outgoing packages and bags.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Public safety experience

Judgment and decision making

Communication skills

Self-direction

Observation and vigilance

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Google Workspace

Security systems monitoring

Job description

Description

Department: Security

Reports to: Associate Director, Security

Classification: Non-exempt, hourly; full-time with benefits

Pay rate: $24.65 per hour

This is a full-time on-site position with a regular schedule from 12:00 a.m. (midnight) to 8:00 a.m.

Position Summary

The Overnight Security Officer safeguards the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum’s collection, buildings, grounds, and occupants through active monitoring, regular patrols, and prompt response to alarms and emergencies. Working at assigned security posts and throughout the Museum, the officer monitors electronic security and fire alarm systems, controls access, and identifies and responds to potential threats.

This role requires sustained attention and vigilance throughout the overnight shift, including during periods of limited activity, along with sound judgment, reliability, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Officers must remain at their assigned post until properly relieved, which may require extending a shift in emergency situations.

Essential Functions And Primary Responsibilities

• Accesses, patrols, and responds to emergencies in all parts of the historic Palace, New Building, and Museum grounds. This includes being able to access the sub-basement area and the attic (and connected spaces).
• Conducts the required number of patrols in all parts of the Palace and New Building.
• Operates and monitors security control screens and panels, alarm systems, and CCTV camera surveillance systems.
• Operates the communication systems, including intercoms and two-way radios.
• Monitors and responds immediately to fire and facility alarms, as well as potentially suspicious activity or emergencies occurring within or on the Museum’s premises.
• Covers and performs Watch Desk duties.
• Maintains timely logs and records of occurrences, completes necessary paperwork, and uses the computer to input and retrieve data.
• Controls the access of employees, visitors, and contractors.
• Makes timely reports of incidents and emergencies to Museum management and emergency agencies.
• Provides emergency CPR and defibrillation when necessary.
• Follows and enforces the Gardner’s policies, rules and procedures with respect to access, operations, security and safety of the collections, and all Museum occupants.
• Handles inspection of all incoming and outgoing packages and bags.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the department head or supervisor.

Requirements

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Must have prior public safety, security, or related field experience.
• Must be able to demonstrate superb judgment, decision making skills, initiative, and reliability.
• Must have knowledge and experience in the operation and monitoring of electronic security systems.
• Basic computer skills required for data entry and recordkeeping, including Google Workspace.
• Fluency in English and strong communication skills are required. Must have the ability to write clear, concise reports.
• Must be able to ascend and descend stairs, steep inclines, and ladders (including a ship-style ladder).
• Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time (e.g., room monitoring or patrols) and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to walk through wet conditions.
• Must be able to operate reliably at heights.
• The successful candidate is self-directed, self-disciplined, alert, observant, trustworthy, accountable, and able to execute all expected work functions with minimal supervision.
• Dependability, professionalism, courtesy and ability to deal with stressful situations. Strong customer service skills are required.
• Commitment to advancing the Museum’s Strategic Plan.
• Ability to work evening hours and weekend hours reliably. This role may require occasional overtime when emergent situations arise.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment exam.
• Museum and/or non-profit experience is a plus.