Security Officer - Night [Full-Time]

San Antonio Zoo; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The San Antonio Zoo is seeking a Security Officer for overnight shifts to patrol the grounds and surrounding areas, ensuring safety for guests and animals while monitoring equipment and access points.

Responsibilities include incident response, report writing, and providing excellent guest service. A high school diploma or GED is required, with a Texas Level II Non-Commission certification preferred and CPR/AED/First Aid within three months of hire.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 1 year related experience.
• Texas Level II Non-Commission Certification preferred.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification within 3 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Patrol zoo grounds and surrounding areas to deter theft and safety violations.
• Monitor access control and verify credentials for restricted areas.
• Respond promptly to emergencies per established ERP protocols.
• Write clear, timely incident and activity reports for records.
• Provide guest directions and assist with inquiries during shifts.

Skills

Guest service

Communication

Emergency response

Observation

Physical fitness

Conflict de-escalation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Security Officer (Nights)

Collaborate with a passionate Zoo Crew in San Antonio

Choosing where to grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the place you choose to work at will support and guide you. With a diversity of passionate people, San Antonio Zoo is a place where you can collaborate with others securing a future for wildlife.

The Impact You’ll Make in this Role

As a Security Officer, you are responsible for patrolling the zoo grounds and surrounding areas to prevent theft, violence, and other infractions; and ensure operating equipment such as pumps, blowers, heaters, air conditioners, and fans are performing as required. In addition, you will render first aid and maintain public calm during emergencies, including assisting EMTs if needed and providing minor first aid to team members. This position is for a full-time overnight shift.

As a Security Officer, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people in San Antonio. Here, you will make an impact by:

• Access Control: Monitor and enforce access control measures, verifying credentials, and ensuring only authorized individuals enter restricted areas.
• Patrol and Inspection: Conduct regular patrols of zoo grounds, exhibits, and surrounding areas to deter theft, vandalism, and safety violations while ensuring the physical security of enclosures and facilities.
• Incident Response: Respond promptly and effectively to emergencies, including medical incidents, fire alarms, security incidents, or animal escapes, following established protocols and the Emergency Response Plan (ERP).
• Surveillance Monitoring: Actively monitor surveillance cameras and alarm systems to identify potential security risks, suspicious activities, or safety hazards, and take appropriate actions.
• Policy Enforcement: Understand and adhere to all San Antonio Zoo Policies, The Zoo Emergency Response Plan, Security Department Policies, and Security Department Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), engaging with violators professionally, and reporting incidents to Zoo Base or appropriate authorities.
• Report Writing: Prepare clear, accurate, and timely reports detailing incidents, routine activities, and observations for internal documentation and review.
• Public Assistance: Provide excellent customer service by assisting guests with directions, information, and resolving minor concerns, while maintaining a visible and approachable presence.
• Emergency Support: Render first aid and provide support to emergency personnel during critical incidents, ensuring the safety of guests, staff, and animals.
• Collaboration: Work closely with zoo staff, law enforcement, and emergency responders to ensure coordinated efforts in maintaining a safe and secure environment.
• Followership: Support and execute directives from supervisors and leadership, maintaining a positive attitude and contributing to the overall success of the security team.
• Perform any additional duties as assigned.

Your Skills and Expertise

• Positions require 24/7 availability, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts, to ensure round-the-clock coverage.
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and one year’s related experience and/or training OR the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous experience in security, loss prevention, and law enforcement, military, or public safety is preferred.
• Experience working in a high-volume customer-focused venue or attraction is preferred.
• Level II Non-Commission Texas Department of Private Security Certification.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills.
• Proven experience in and passion for guest service.
• Ability/demonstrated experience with evaluating situations, making decisions, and reacting quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Ability to interact effectively and calmly with angry or emotional guests and employees during intensely aggravated circumstances.
• Ability to write clearly and informatively.
• Basic computer skills and knowledge.
• Ability to maintain guest, employee, and organization confidentiality.
• Must be able towalk (80 acres) and/or stand up to 10 hours daily in adverse outdoor conditions such as cold, rain, snow or heat.
• At times during busy seasons, you must be available to work overtime and/or double shifts.
• Clear driving record.
• Must be able to lift to 50 lbs.
• CPR/AED (adult, child, infant) and Basic First Aid certificate within three months of hire.

The San Antonio Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. San Antonio Zoo will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.