Substitute Security Officer

Lawrence Public Library; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training provided

Engaging role with impact

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Lawrence Public Library in Lawrence, Kansas is seeking a Substitute Security Officer to support campus safety on a part-time basis. You will patrol the library, monitor entrances, and help maintain a quiet, welcoming environment.

This role requires responding to incidents, writing clear reports using library tech tools, assisting patrons, and serving as the on-site Person-In-Charge when supervisors are unavailable. Availability for nights and Sundays 2-6 p.m. is essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required with prior security/public-safety exposure preferred.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with patrons and staff.
• Willingness to work nights and Sundays as needed.

Responsibilities

• Patrol library and campus to maintain safety and a welcoming, quiet environment.
• Investigate incidents, write clear reports, and enforce policies.
• Open/close the facility and ensure all exits are secured at closing.
• Provide basic first aid/CPR when needed and coordinate emergency responses.
• Serve as Person-In-Charge when supervisory staff are unavailable.
• Assist patrons with questions and manage lost-and-found.

Skills

Customer Service

Initiative

Safety & Tech Savvy

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Google Suite

Security Cameras

Incident Software

Two-way Radios

Job description

Substitute Security Officer

Location: Lawrence, KS 66044. Position Type: Part Time. FLSA Status: Non-Exempt. Pay: $19.63 per hour. Variable schedule as needed and one weekly shift on Sundays from 2–6 p.m.

What You’ll Do

• Keep Our Campus Safe and Secure: Patrol and monitor the library building and outside campus to ensure compliance with established behavior guidelines, helping to maintain a safe, welcoming, and quiet atmosphere.
• Investigate & Respond: Identify and investigate security incidents, issue suspensions and bans according to established library policies, and utilize tech tools like the Google Suite, security cameras, and incident software to write clear reports.
• Be a Guardian of the Facility: Manage the opening and closing of the library facility, verify that all patrons have exited safely at closing time, and ensure all doors and entrances are locked and fully secured.
• Diffuse & Assist: Calmly diffuse tense situations, provide basic first aid and CPR/AED assistance during medical emergencies, and coordinate or initiate calls to police or emergency personnel when additional help is needed.
• Take the Lead: Act as the designated Person-In-Charge with added authority to manage security, safety, and operational issues when supervisory staff are not on-site or are unavailable.
• Support Our Patrons & Staff: Greet patrons, assist with general questions, manage the library’s lost and found retrieval system, and respond to inquiries, complaints, concerns, and suggestions with professionalism and courtesy.

Skills We’d Love You to Bring

• Outstanding Customer Service: Strong written and oral communication skills, with a proven ability to meet the public, discuss rules and complaints tactfully, and maintain friendly, helpful relationships with staff and the general public.
• Initiative & Independent Judgment: The self-motivation to work independently with little to no direction, and the ability to think and act quickly, effectively, and responsibly in unexpected or emergency situations.
• Safety & Tech Savvy: A general knowledge of safety and security practices, standard computer hardware/software, and two-way radio operations, alongside a readiness to learn standard library policies and routines.

Qualifications

• Minimum: High school diploma or GED and moderate experience working in a security or intermediate protective service role (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).

Bonus Points For:

• Previous security experience in a public-facing, customer service-oriented environment like a library, school, or community center.
• Active first aid, CPR, and AED certifications ( training is provided, but a head start is always welcome!).
• Demonstrated comfort and experience working with culturally diverse communities and public patrons of all ages.

Perks of the Job:

• An engaging, active role where no two days are the same, allowing you to make a direct positive impact on community safety and comfort.
• A supportive team environment.
• Paid professional training provided upon hire and on an ongoing basis to build your departmental safety, security, first aid, and CPR/AED expertise.

Special Requirements:

• Must successfully pass a criminal background check prior to employment.
• Expectation to complete all departmental safety, security, and CPR/AED training upon hire.
• Ability and willingness to work nights and weekends when needed to fill in for security staff; ability to work each Sunday 2-6 p.m.

Lawrence Public Library is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and make hiring decisions based on merit, talent, and potential—regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. Please contact us to request assistance.