Protective Services Guard

WORCESTER ART MUSEUM; Belmont Hill (MA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

The Worcester Art Museum is seeking part-time Protective Services Guards to help keep visitors and the collection safe while delivering a welcoming experience. The role blends safety, hospitality, and attentiveness, with shifts including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Guards work throughout the museum, may open or close galleries, monitor activity, answer questions, and remind guests of guidelines. Training is provided; prior security experience isn’t required.

Qualifications

• Reliable and punctual with strong time management.
• Observant and composed in galleries, public areas, and event spaces.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with diverse visitors.
• Safety-minded, able to follow procedures and report issues promptly.
• Comfortable using basic technology like email and scheduling systems.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.

Responsibilities

• Monitor galleries, public areas, and event spaces to ensure safety and security.
• Assist visitors by answering questions and providing directions.
• Open/close gallery spaces and monitor for irregular activities.
• Communicate with supervisors or the control room to address incidents.

Skills

Reliable and punctual

Observant

Strong communication

Safety-minded

Comfortable with technology

Must be 21+

Job description

Description

The Worcester Art Museum is looking for part-time Protective Services Guards to help keep the Museum’s visitors and collection safe while creating a welcoming, positive experience for everyone who walks through our doors. This is a highly visible, people focused role that blends safety, hospitality, and attentiveness. Shifts include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays, so flexibility is important. If you enjoy working with the public and staying engaged on your feet, this could be a great fit.

Protective Services Guards work throughout the Museum in spaces like galleries, construction areas, and event venues. On a typical shift, you may open or close gallery spaces and keep an eye on visitor activity. You’ll answer questions, offer directions, and gently remind guests of museum guidelines when needed. Part of the role includes monitoring artwork and gallery conditions and watching for anything out of the ordinary. Guards are often the first people visitors interact with, and you play an important role in noticing potential safety issues. When something needs attention, you’ll communicate with supervisors or the control room to make sure it’s addressed. Most days are calm and routine, but being ready to respond when conditions change is an important part of the job.

We’re looking for people who are observant, approachable, and comfortable working independently while following clear protocols. You should be comfortable spending most of your shift walking or standing, staying aware in both quiet galleries and busy spaces, and interacting with a wide range of visitors. Clear communication, good judgment, and the ability to stay calm in unexpected situations are essential. This is an entry level role, and prior security experience isn’t required—many guards come from customer service, hospitality, retail, or other public facing backgrounds. We provide training, and we value reliability, professionalism, and a genuine interest in helping create a safe and welcoming environment.

Position Title: Protective Services Guard

Employment Type: Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Department: Protective Services

Division: Operations

Reports to: Security Operations Manager

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Salary Range: $15.50 - $17.00 hourly

Requirements

Key Requirements:

• Reliable and punctual, demonstrating strong responsibility and effective time management throughout each shift.
• Attentive and composed, able to stay observant while working independently in galleries, public areas, and event spaces, and respond professionally to changing conditions or unexpected situations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, interacting respectfully with a diverse range of visitors by providing directions and information and reinforcing museum guidelines calmly and professionally.
• Safety-minded and procedural, able to identify potential safety or security concerns, follow established protocols, and communicate issues promptly to supervisors or the control room (by radio/phone).
• Comfortable using basic technology, including email, scheduling, and timekeeping/payroll systems.
• Must be 21 years of age or older

Physical Requirements

This role involves regular movement throughout the Museum. Candidates must be able to stand and walk for extended periods, navigate stairs and multiple levels of the building, and remain attentive while working on hard surfaces during assigned shifts, with or without reasonable accommodation.

About WAM

The Worcester Art Museum connects people, communities, and cultures through the experience of art. Our wide-ranging exhibitions tell global stories—from art made thousands of years ago to works being created today. The Museum’s collection of nearly 40,000 objects, assembled since its opening in 1898, provides a foundation to connect visitors of all ages with art, artists, and the ideas they spark. With strong ties to both our local community and the international art world, the Worcester Art Museum is an essential cultural venue for Central Massachusetts and beyond.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility at WAM:

At WAM we are committed to building a diverse environment, one where staff feel a sense of belonging, and are valued for their contributions and the perspectives they bring. Please visit our Mission, Vision, and Values page to learn more.

The Museum is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity.