Security Officer - Part-Time

Champaign Public Library; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Champaign Public Library in Urbana, IL is seeking a part-time Security Officer to patrol interior and exterior areas, greet customers, and help maintain a safe, welcoming environment. You will enforce the library's rules, assist with emergencies, and support staff during opening and closing.

The position requires a strong public service mindset, the ability to stand and walk for long periods, and calm, clear communication with patrons.

Qualifications

• Public safety mindset required.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work with library customers and staff in a friendly and efficient manner.
• Knowledge of fire and security alarm systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct roving patrols of library buildings and grounds to deter inappropriate behavior and maintain a safe environment.
• Report to staff on current situations or issues upon arrival at the branch.
• Respond to and address significant incidents, involving law enforcement when necessary.
• Interact with all age groups to foster a respectful, safe library experience.
• Redirect negative behavior and provide positive choices to patrons to support a successful visit.
• Advise customers of potential policy violations and possible suspensions of privileges.
• Escort disruptive individuals from the premises and call police if needed.
• Assist with locating lost personal items and responding to illnesses or emergencies.
• Lock and secure buildings at closing and ensure staff safety.

Skills

Public service

Communication skills

Calm under stress

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Any equivalent combination of experience and training

Tools

Microsoft Office

CCTV software

Job description

Under the supervision of the Security Manager, monitors the building and grounds, greets customers in a friendly and attentive manner, and assists with general library use. Responsible for circulating throughout both the interior and exterior public areas of the library helping to maintain a safe, secure, and welcoming atmosphere for all visitors and staff in library buildings and on library property. The officer enforces the Library's Rules of Conduct and helps customers with lost personal items, illnesses or emergency situations. The position also helps with opening library buildings and securing the buildings at closing.

Part-time (20hrs a week). Schedule is as follows.

• Monday-Thursday: 2:15pm-6:15pm
• Saturday: 10:00am-2:00pm

Open until filled, with first review of applicants on October 5, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Conducts roving patrols of all areas of the library buildings and grounds, maintaining high visibility to deter inappropriate behavior, and ensure a safe, reasonably quiet and comfortable environment for customers
• Upon arrival at the assigned branch, reports in with staff, other security staff, or librarian-in-charge to be briefed on any current situations or issues
• Able to respond to and effectively address significant incidents, recognizing and referring situations best handled by law enforcement
• Interacts effectively with all age groups, especially our youth, in order to establish a positive environment based on respect and responsible use of the library
• Acknowledges negative behavior through redirection and providing positive choices for customers therefore ensuring customers continue to have a successful library experience
• Advises customers of inappropriate behavior that may result in further action and possible suspension of library privileges
• Ability to counsel customers to avoid possible suspension of library privileges
• Escorts disruptive customers from library premises; calls police when necessary
• Helps customers with lost personal items, illnesses, or emergency situations
• Locks and secures building at closing; ensures safety of staff as they leave the building
• Stays with unaccompanied children after closing to ensure their safety until picked up
• Assists with transporting library materials and equipment around the building and outside
• Assists during weather emergencies, guiding library customers to shelter areas
• Observes and reports matters pertaining to library building condition and maintenance
• Observes and acts appropriately when faced with fire or other emergency life threatening situations
• Completes incident reports as required
• Assists with emergency preparedness drills
• Participates in departmental and library-wide training and activities, including technology and safety training
• Provide excellent internal and external customer service
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• A strong commitment to public service
• Ability to exercise discretion appropriate to various circumstances
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to remain calm and communicate effectively with all segments of the population, including during times of high stress or emergency
• Demonstrated ability to accomplish timely high-quality work, handle a variety of duties, adapt to changing demands and priorities
• Ability to stand and walk for long periods
• Ability to work with library customers and staff in a friendly and efficient manner
• Knowledge of fire and security alarm systems
• Ability to issue guidance and ensure compliance with the Library's Rules of Conduct and policies
• Ability to utilize video (CCTV) software
• Ability to maintain reliable attendance and regular schedule
• Ability to maintain a varied schedule, including day, evening, and weekend rotations
• Good vision and hearing to communicate effectively with customers
• Manual dexterity to operate computer and phone equipment
• Familiarity with workplace productivity software, including skills in Microsoft Office Suite
• Physical ability to lift materials weighing up to 40 pounds and to push fully loaded carts of library materials and stand and/or walk for long periods of time
• Valid drivers' license, acceptable driving history, and personal automobile for required job related transportation
• Satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required
• Prior security experience or experience working with children and teens preferred
• Knowledge of French and/or Spanish is helpful
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities