Security Shift Lead - Nights [Full-Time]

San Antonio Zoo; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

San Antonio Zoo is seeking a Security Shift Lead to act as the on-duty operational leader for the assigned shift, directing daily security operations, supervising Officers and Dispatch personnel, and ensuring safety and guest service across the zoo.

You will conduct briefings, assign posts, monitor radio, CCTV, and alarms, coordinate emergency responses with EMS, SAPD, SAFD, and other agencies, and maintain documentation while supporting training and a positive work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of progressively responsible security or related experience with leadership.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Texas DPS Non-Commissioned Security Officer Registration (Level II) required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Security Officers and Dispatch personnel on assigned shifts.
• Lead shift briefings and communicate priorities.
• Direct daily security operations across Zoo property.
• Respond to incidents and coordinate with emergency services.
• Prepare and review incident reports and logs.

Skills

Security leadership

Emergency response coordination

Radio & CCTV operation

Staff supervision

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Texas DPS Non-Commissioned Security Officer Registration (Level II)

Job description

Security Shift Lead

Collaborate with a passionate Zoo Crew in San Antonio

Choosing where to start and 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, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a diversity of passionate people and like-minded conservationists, 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

The Security Shift Lead serves as the on-duty operational leader for the assigned shift and is responsible for the supervision, coordination, and accountability of Security Officers and Dispatch personnel. The Shift Lead ensures the safe, secure, and efficient operation of the San Antonio Zoo by directing daily security operations, maintaining operational readiness, responding to incidents, and providing leadership during emergencies. The Shift Lead maintains department standards, mentors personnel, ensures policy compliance, and serves as the primary decision-maker until relieved by higher authority.

As a Security Shift Lead, 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:

• Provide direct supervision of Security Officers and Dispatch personnel during assigned shifts.
• Conduct shift briefings and communicate operational priorities.
• Assign personnel to posts and adjust staffing based on operational needs.
• Ensure all posts are staffed and relieved appropriately.
• Monitor employee performance and provide coaching, mentoring, and corrective guidance.
• Promote professionalism, accountability, and exceptional customer service.
• Direct daily security operations throughout Zoo property.
• Monitor staffing levels, radio communications, CCTV, alarms, and dispatch activities.
• Respond to significant incidents and assume the role of initial Incident Commander until relieved.
• Coordinate emergency responses involving Security, EMS, Animal Care, Facilities, SAPD, SAFD, and other agencies.
• Ensure timely completion of incident reports, activity logs, and required documentation.
• Maintain operational readiness of equipment, vehicles, radios, and emergency resources.
• Coordinate response to medical emergencies, severe weather, fires, dangerous animal incidents, evacuations, and security incidents.
• Ensure Emergency Response Plan (ERP) procedures are implemented.
• Maintain communication with executive leadership during significant incidents.
• Support emergency drills, exercises, and after-action reviews.
• Review reports for completeness and accuracy.
• Conduct routine inspections of facilities, posts, and equipment.
• Track operational issues.
• Recommend improvements to policies and procedures.
• Assist with onboarding and field training of new employees.
• Maintain a friendly working environment for security officers, leadership team, departments and able to provide optimal guest service during all work-related situations.
• Establish and maintain positive, cooperative, and effective working relations with fellow employees.
• Constantly exhibit a guest service attitude, a smile, and an obvious interest in guest comfort and service.
• Communicate with the public in a courteous and tactful manner and assist guests with questions and directions to various areas of the Zoo. Address the guest - do not wait to be asked.
• Perform any additional duties as assigned.

Your Skills and Expertise

To set you up for success in this role from day one, the San Antonio Zoo recommends the following skills/qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years of progressively responsible security, military, law enforcement, or related experience, including at least 1 year demonstrating leadership, mentoring, field training, or acting supervisory responsibilities. Dispatcher experience preferred.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Non-Commissioned Security Officer Registration (Level II) required.
• Ability to calmly and accurately report emergencies, ensuring clear communication with emergency personnel and Zoo stakeholders.
• Ability to effectively manage public interactions while remaining calm and professional in all situations.
• Able to contact San Antonio Park Police, SAPD, SAFD, Bexar County Sheriff, EMS, or other emergency agency to clearly, calmly, distinctly and correctly report an emergency requiring assistance.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and after-hour assignments including overnight and swing shift.
• Must be 18 years of age or older with a clean driving record for vehicle operation.
• Valid Class ‘C’ Texas Driver’s License required or the ability to obtain one within 45 days of employment if licensed in another state.
• Ability to speak English and write detailed and accurate incident reports, ensuring clarity, completeness, and compliance with security and legal standards.

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.