Security/Public Safety Officer - Patrol Historic Area

Colonial Williamsburg; Williamsburg (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A historical institution in Virginia is looking for a dedicated Security Officer. The role involves patrolling properties, assisting employees and guests, and responding to emergency situations. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills, a high school diploma, and the ability to work irregular hours. This position offers a chance to be part of a vibrant team in a cultural setting while ensuring the safety of guests and valuable exhibits.

Qualifications

• Must be able to deal with people under stressful circumstances.
• Must be able to read and write reports using a computer.
• Must pass pre-employment substance abuse testing.

Responsibilities

• Patrol Foundation properties to protect exhibits.
• Document and report unusual conditions.
• Administer first aid and CPR as needed.

Skills

Public contact skills

Communication skills

Sound judgment

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Who We Are

Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not‑for‑profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best‑known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18th‑century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301‑acre restored colonial capital with 88 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world‑class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.

Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.

About the Position

Security Officers patrol all Foundation properties to protect exhibits; to assist employees, guests, and contractors; and to respond to emergency situations and calls for service in a timely and efficient manner.

Essential Functions

• Perform routine patrol activities to include:
  • Conduct routine patrols and inspections of all Colonial Williamsburg buildings, grounds, parking lots, etc., including but not limited to the art museums, historic area properties, hotels, golf courses, restaurants, retail establishments, outlying properties, etc.
  • Document and record unusual conditions, situations, or events, and provide timely and accurate information to management.
  • Monitor safety conditions, and report deficiencies to management.
  • Provide assistance and backup to other Public Safety employees.
  • Monitor and provide emergency assistance to the public.
  • Perform and follow documented opening and closing procedures in designated buildings as required.
  • Detection and preliminary investigation of crimes/unusual activities, which may include surveillance of individuals vehicles or locations; interviewing victims, suspects, and witnesses; identification and collection of property and evidence; and documenting and reporting findings to the supervisor in charge of the shift.
• Maintain order/mediate disputes and quell disturbances.
• Administer first aid, CPR and use of AED including moving/assisting incapacitated persons.
• Enforce Foundation rules and regulations.
• Control access to restricted areas, when necessary.
• Relieve communications operators, as required, by becoming familiar with all alarm monitoring systems, communications equipment, logs, records, and CAD system.
• Escort employees and guests as needed.
• Setup crowd/traffic/parking control barriers/equipment.
• Maintain open communications to develop relationships and direct partnerships between employees, guests, and residents to reduce the potential for crime.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must have excellent public contact skills, including the ability to deal with people under stressful circumstances.
• Must have excellent communications skills.
• Must be able to read, write and prepare reports using a computer.
• Must be able to exercise sound judgment under stress.
• Must have completed high school/GED.
• Must not have a history of criminal convictions, except minor traffic violations.
• Must be able to qualify annually in CPR, first aid and the use of an AED.
• Must be able to work irregular/extended work hours (including frequently fluctuating work hours and rotating shift work).
• Must be able to work holidays, evenings, and weekends.
• As an essential employee, must be able to report to work/stay at work during poor weather, storm events, and/or emergency conditions.
• Must pass pre‑employment substance abuse testing and is subject to random alcohol and controlled substance testing.

Preferred Qualifications

Two years public contact experience; two years of college, one‑year experience with Colonial Williamsburg; current certification for CPR, first aid, and use of an AED.

• Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s criteria.
  • Must be able to provide a 5‑year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment.
  • Must be at least 21 years of age.
  • May not have more than 1 moving violation or at fault accident within 12 months.
  • May not have more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 months.
  • May not have any serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to walk, sit or stand for extended periods of time. Walking can be up to 8 hours a day in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to perform work such as:
  • Lifting
  • Climbing stairs and ladders
  • Reaching
  • Pushing hard‑to‑move objects by hand.
  • Squat, Crouch or kneel (e.g., to collect evidence, inspect cases/exhibits, etc.)

Environmental Requirements

• Must be able to work in varying weather conditions, including storm events, extreme heat and cold, rain, snow, etc.
• Must be able to work and to come in daily contact with pollen and dust.
• Must be able to work in areas with conditions such as:
  • Slippery surfaces (e.g., wet floors, wet pavement/brick sidewalks, etc.)
  • Uneven surfaces (e.g., cobblestones, brick sidewalks, gravel surfaces, etc.)
  • Poor lighting (e.g., glare, night vision conditions.)
  • Noise (e.g., activated fire alarms, etc.)
  • Faint sounds
  • Other poor auditory conditions (e.g., distracting background noise, telephone/radio)

This is a non‑exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.

Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.