Public Safety Officer

Oregon Zoo / Metro; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oregon Zoo is seeking a Public Safety Officer to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors and animals. This full-time overnight position involves providing excellent customer service, responding to incidents, and maintaining security across the zoo. Candidates should possess a high school diploma and relevant security experience. Join a dedicated team committed to education, conservation, and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Six months of responsible security experience required.
• Oregon private DPSST certification needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide safety for all while maintaining an inclusive environment.
• Respond to safety incidents, including first aid and medical emergencies.
• Patrol zoo grounds on foot and report violations.

Skills

Customer Service

De-escalation Tactics

Detail-oriented

Physical Ability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

The Oregon Zoo is thrilled to extend this opportunity as a Public Safety Officer, seeking passionate individuals dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of our visitors and the animals that call our zoo home. As a Public Safety Officer, you will play a crucial role in creating a secure environment, fostering positive guest experiences, and safeguarding wildlife. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates committed to high security standards, with a deep respect for animals, education, and conservation. Join us in making a meaningful difference and embarking on a fulfilling career where every day is an adventure. We invite you to explore this opportunity and become a vital part of our dedicated team, working together to inspire, educate, and protect.

As the Public Safety Officer you will :

1. Provide safety for all while maintaining an inclusive environment. Act as a guest services ambassador, making guests feel welcome, answering questions, and giving directions.
2. Be committed to racial justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Provide excellent customer service and support to zoo guests.
3. Interact with guests, staff, and responders professionally and courteously. Respond promptly to requests and complaints.
4. Interact effectively with diverse teams and individuals.
5. Respond to safety incidents, including first aid and medical emergencies, and de-escalate situations.
6. Assist contractors and vendors. Monitor buildings, alarm panels, CCTV, access systems, and data entry.
7. Patrol zoo grounds on foot (64 acres; may exceed 10 miles during a shift). Observe, inspect, and report violations of policies and laws. Cooperate with law enforcement as needed.
8. Ensure safety of all persons within zoo policies, Metro code, and DPSST regulations.
9. Perform monthly checks of safety systems, fire extinguishers, and first aid supplies. Maintain a professional appearance.
10. Recognize and respond to safety or security risks, contacting outside agencies when necessary.
11. Assist medical personnel with traffic control, crowd management, and securing equipment. Perform lock-up and unlock procedures.
12. Manage keys and key cards, maintaining logs and activating/deactivating as required.
13. Serve as liaison among Oregon Zoo, Portland Parks & Recreation, Portland Police Bureau, and District Attorney's office regarding legal incidents.
14. Maintain records and reports on safety, security, medical, and emergency situations. Provide basic first aid, CPR, and AED as needed.
15. Keep accurate logs of all activities and incidents.

Attributes for success :

• Knowledge of de-escalation tactics.
• Positive demeanor and courteous interaction with the public. Anticipate guest needs and provide excellent service.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports clearly and concisely, both written and verbal.
• Ability to establish cooperative relationships and be detail-oriented. Manage multiple tasks and priorities under pressure.
• Physical ability to walk and run across the zoo grounds, assess medical situations, and respond appropriately.
• Ability to work independently.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion. We aim to attract and empower a workforce reflecting our community’s diversity, which is essential for providing quality support and services.

TO QUALIFY

We consider various combinations of experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills. Be specific about your background’s relevance in your application.

Minimum Qualifications :

• High school diploma or GED, AND
• Six months of responsible security experience; OR
• Any combination of experience and training providing the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Required :

• Oregon private DPSST certification.
• Valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements :

• May need to pass a Fit test for an N95 respirator.
• Possession or ability to obtain CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications.

Schedule : This is a full-time overnight position, with scheduling based on seniority. It may qualify for shift differential pay due to overnight hours.