Senior Security Officer - San José Public Library

City of San Jose; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking institution dedicated to enriching lives through lifelong learning. As a Senior Security Officer, you will play a vital role in ensuring safety across multiple library branches. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse community, enforce safety policies, and contribute to a welcoming environment. Your skills in conflict management and customer service will be essential as you patrol the premises, de-escalate incidents, and collaborate with law enforcement. If you are passionate about safety and community service, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 4 years of security, safety, or law enforcement experience required.
• Valid California driver's license needed.

Responsibilities

• Patrol library premises to deter illegal activities.
• Interact with diverse library users to maintain safety.
• Document incidents accurately and maintain security records.

Skills

Conflict management

Customer service

Problem-solving

Empathy

Teamwork

Bilingual skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

MS Office applications

Job description

The San José Public Library (SJPL) is a renowned institution with over 600 employees, a 23% bilingual workforce, and 24 branches across San José, including the main Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library operated in partnership with San José State University. Serving approximately one million residents, SJPL has nearly 700,000 library members, attracts over 6 million visitors annually (pre-pandemic), and circulates more than 8 million items each year.

In recent years, SJPL has developed a modern library experience centered on public service and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. It leads citywide initiatives such as the Education and Digital Literacy Strategy and SJ Access, providing free Wi-Fi, tech device lending, and multilingual digital literacy programs. Jill Bourne, the City Librarian, received national recognition as Library Journal’s “Librarian of the Year” in 2017.

SJPL aims to enrich lives through lifelong learning and access to information. More about its impact can be seen at www.sjpl.org. Join us to make a difference!

Position Overview

This role requires flexible availability, including mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends, with possible shift rotations based on department needs. Under the Security Services Supervisor, the Senior Security Officer supports safety and security at any of the 24 branches, with opportunities to build community trust. Responsibilities include enforcing behavior policies, monitoring incidents, mitigating criminal activity, reporting, and providing staff training.

Key Duties

1. Interact with diverse library users and staff to maintain a safe, welcoming environment and provide excellent customer service.
2. Patrol library premises to deter illegal activities and promote safety.
3. De-escalate security incidents and enforce policies.
4. Handle difficult situations professionally, including reporting violations and assisting with evacuations or suspensions.
5. Investigate hazards, communicate with law enforcement, and liaise with partner police departments.
6. Document incidents accurately and maintain security records.
7. Draft suspension requests and analyze incident data.
8. Review and improve security procedures.
9. Interpret laws, policies, and regulations, and provide staff training.
10. Respond to emergencies, including medical situations, with potential first aid or CPR.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent plus four years of security, safety, or law enforcement experience.
• Valid California driver’s license.
• Bilingual skills preferred.

Additional Competencies

• Knowledge of legal and departmental procedures.
• Empathy and organizational awareness.
• Conflict management and customer service skills.
• Teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Problem-solving and initiative.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications.

Application Process

Applicants will be evaluated based on their training and experience. Selected candidates will be invited for interviews. During application, answer the job-specific questions thoroughly, including details about your experience, licenses, and skills.

Additional Information

Application deadline is May 16, 2025. Ensure timely submission; confirmation emails will be sent upon successful application. For questions, contact Daniel Aholt at [e-mail]. Apply via www.sanjoseca.gov/citycareers. Applications through third-party sites are not accepted.