SLED Certified Armed Security Officer: Evolv Access

International African American Museum; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free employee parking

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Short-Term Disability Insurance

403(b) Retirement Plan

Complimentary IAAM Membership

Reciprocal museum benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Discounts at Gift Shop & Cafe

Paid Time Off

Up to 80 hours vacation leave

Up to 96 hours paid sick leave

10 paid holidays

Job summary

International African American Museum (IAAM) in Charleston, SC is hiring full-time Armed Security Officers to protect visitors and staff while delivering welcoming, professional service. You will operate Evolv Express weapons detection, manage access control, perform patrols, and respond to incidents to maintain a safe campus environment.

Successful candidates are calm under pressure, exercise sound judgment, communicate with diverse audiences, and uphold IAAM's standards of integrity and

Qualifications

• Current South Carolina SLED Armed Security Officer registration required.
• Must possess a valid South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) at hire or within timeframe.
• CPR and First Aid certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor Evolv Express Weapons Detection System and access control equipment.
• Screen guests, staff, contractors, vendors, and deliveries entering the museum.
• Verify identification, credentials, and authorized access.
• Conduct secondary screening per IAAM policies.
• Monitor visitor flow for safe entry.
• Perform interior and exterior patrols of galleries, spaces, grounds, and parking facilities.
• Monitor surveillance systems and inspect property for safety.
• Document and report suspicious activity or unsafe conditions.
• Respond to emergencies and coordinate with emergency responders.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Professionalism

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Evolv Express

Job description

International African American Museum (IAAM)

Charleston, SC

Starting Pay: $23.00 per hour

The International African American Museum (IAAM) is seeking professional, customer service-oriented Full-Time Armed Security Officers to support the safety and security of our museum campus.

As one of the first people our guests encounter, you play an essential role in creating a welcoming, respectful, and secure environment while protecting one of the nation's most significant cultural institutions. Security Officers serve as ambassadors of IAAM's mission by balancing hospitality, accessibility, and safety for every visitor, staff member, contractor, and volunteer who enters our sacred space.

This position is responsible for operating the Evolv Express® Weapons Detection System, monitoring access control, conducting security patrols, responding to incidents, and helping ensure a safe experience for everyone on campus.

Why Join IAAM?

Competitive Pay

• Starting pay of $23.00 per hour
• Full-time position
• Two shifts available: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 12 noon to 8 p.m.

Outstanding Benefits

• Free employee parking (valued at more than $6,000 annually)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Complimentary IAAM Membership
• Reciprocal membership benefits at participating museums nationwide
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts on purchases at IAAM Gift Shop and the IAAM Cafe
• Paid Time Off
• Up to 80 hours of vacation leave with tenure-based increases
• Up to 96 hours of paid sick leave
• 10 paid holidays

Position Summary

The Armed Security Officer is responsible for maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all guests, employees, contractors, vendors, and visitors. Officers provide professional access control, monitor museum property, conduct patrols, respond to emergencies, and support daily operations while delivering exceptional customer service.

Successful candidates are calm under pressure, exercise sound judgment, communicate effectively with diverse audiences, and demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and strong situational awareness.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor the eVolv Express® Weapons Detection System and related access control equipment.
• Screen guests, staff, contractors, vendors, and deliveries entering the museum.
• Verify identification, credentials, and authorized access.
• Conduct secondary screening in accordance with IAAM policies and procedures.
• Monitor visitor flow to ensure safe and efficient entry.
• Conduct routine interior and exterior patrols of galleries, public spaces, grounds, waterfront areas, and parking facilities.
• Monitor surveillance systems and inspect museum property for safety and security concerns.
• Observe, document, and report suspicious activity, prohibited items, or unsafe conditions.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies, including medical incidents, fire alarms, severe weather, disturbances, evacuations, and other critical situations.
• Coordinate with law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other emergency responders when necessary.
• Investigate security incidents and, when appropriate, safely detain individuals until law enforcement arrives.
• Conduct after-hours security checks of doors, gates, windows, and other access points.
• Escort unauthorized individuals, trespassers, or disruptive persons from museum property when appropriate.
• Assist with crowd management during special events, school programs, and periods of high visitation.
• Provide exceptional customer service by welcoming guests, answering questions, providing directions, and assisting with ADA accommodations.
• Complete Daily Activity Reports (DARs), incident reports, and other required documentation accurately and promptly.
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor consistent with IAAM standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Current South Carolina SLED Armed Security Officer registration required.
• Must possess a valid South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) at the time of hire or obtain one within the required hiring timeframe.
• Must successfully pass a SLED background investigation.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous verified security experience required.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification, or the ability to obtain both within 30 days of hire.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong judgment, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and prepare accurate written reports.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Experience in a museum, hospitality, luxury service, cultural institution, or other public-facing environment is preferred.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequent indoor and outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to lift, bend, reach, climb stairs, and perform routine patrols.
• Frequent interaction with the public in a high-traffic environment.
• Ability to remain alert, observant, and responsive throughout the workday.

At IAAM, security is more than protection; it is hospitality, stewardship, and service. We seek professionals who are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and welcoming experience while helping preserve and protect a place dedicated to honoring the African American journey through education, reflection, and remembrance.

The International African American Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce.