Security Officer - PT

Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library

Location: Winterthur, Delaware, United States
Job type: Full-time

Required skills

Microsoft 365/Outlook
Security and office systems

About the role

Description

Position Title:	Public Safety Officer (PSO)		Supervisor:	Director of Safety & Security
Division:	Garden & Estate		Category:	Non-Exempt
Sub-Division:	Public Safety		Position Type:	Full Time / Part Time (Varies)
Department:	Public Safety		Travel Required:	NO
Grade Level:	3		Work Schedule:	Variable; may include weekends, evenings, holidays

Position Summary
The Public Safety Officer is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of Winterthur’s staff, guests, visitors, Collections, and physical assets. Serving as a warm and welcoming first point of contact, the Officer performs a wide range of safety, security, and customer-service functions across the estate. Public Safety Officers respond to emergencies, support de-escalation efforts, monitor and operate security systems, and ensure adherence to institutional policies. Duties may include patrols of galleries, the House during self-guided tours, museum buildings, grounds, and all exterior and interior access points. In addition, selected PSOs will be cross-trained to work in all departmental positions and roles, enabling operational flexibility and professional development across all Public Safety functions.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Emergency Response & Incident Management 1. Respond to, investigate, and document via the Department Report Management Systems (RMS) any type of incident involving the safety of staff, guests, assets or property. 2. Provide First Aid/CPR; guide and assist evacuations for fire, flood, severe weather, and other emergencies; follow established emergency procedures. Customer Service & Visitor Engagement 3. Deliver professional, courteous service; answer questions and provide directions to locations, events, and services. 4. In the House and Galleries, welcome visitors, ensure collection safety protocols (no touching objects; restrictions on food/beverage/backpacks), and maintain a visible, helpful presence. 5. Keep a supervisor informed of safety/security issues and assist visitors or staff during incidents. Campus Patrol, Access, and Compliance 6. Patrol interior/exterior areas (Museum Wing, Galleries, Research Building, House, and grounds) on foot or by vehicle, maintain vigilance for hazards, and take proactive corrective steps, which include documenting all hazards via the RMS. 7. Ensure compliance with policies governing people, vehicles, and property; provide elevator escorts as needed; secure exterior doors as required. 8. Staff Main Gate: screen entry when not open to the public; greet/direct first-time guests; receive outside contractors; answer incoming calls and assist as needed. Security Systems & Dispatch 9. As needed, monitor computerized access control, fire systems, and cameras; sign guests in/out; answer and direct calls; notify Fire Brigade and 911 as appropriate. 10. Document incidents and complete required reports in the Department RMS. Training, administration, and teamwork 11. Assist as needed with onboarding/training of new personnel; support designated administrative tasks using Microsoft 365/Outlook, and other Departmental computer programs. 12. Model exemplary customer service and teamwork; attend all required training.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Experience: Customer service, safety, or law-enforcement related experience or the ability to rapidly learn public safety duties. (Entry-level candidates accepted.) Preferred Experience: 1–2+ years in public safety/security or customer service in high-traffic environments; experience with large crowds; First Aid/CPR/EMT a plus.		Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Preferred Education: CPR/First Aid Certification.
knowledge/Skills:
1. Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record 2. Strong, friendly customer-service orientation; clear, confident verbal communication (including projecting voice when needed) and professional written skills. 3. Calm, decisive judgment; de-escalation and problem-solving in stressful situations; ability to take control when appropriate. 4. Team mindset: flexibility with workdays/hours and occasional short-notice overtime. 5. Basic computer literacy; ability to use computerized security and office systems, including email, after training. 6. Proficient verbal and written communication skills. 7. C.P.R./First Aid certification is preferred. Without prior certification, you must be able to pass a written and practical test after attending a training course as designated by Winterthur.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Work within museum/collection areas requiring tight security and attention to detail; enjoy engaging the public in a cultural property setting. 2. Stand and/or walk for extended periods (up to or exceeding 8 hours); climb multiple stair flights (at least 9 floors). 3. Operate a Patrol Vehicle up to or exceeding 8 hours; lift 50+ pounds; climb ladders; open/close heavy doors; push/pull up to 20 lbs. 4. Work outdoors in varied weather, available for weekends, evenings, overnights, holidays, and special events. 5. Must enjoy dealing with the public in a Cultural Property setting. 6. Must be capable of performing C.P.R. /First Aid after training. 7. Must be able to lift 50+ pounds. 8. Must be able to climb a ladder.
Additional Notes:
All PSO’s must continue to meet the essential functions of the position.

Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum Experience: Customer service, safety, or law-enforcement related experience or the ability to rapidly learn public safety duties. (Entry-level candidates accepted.)

Preferred Experience: 1–2+ years in public safety/security or customer service in high-traffic environments; experience with large crowds; First Aid/CPR/EMT a plus.

Essential Functions:

Work within museum/collection areas requiring tight security and attention to detail; enjoy engaging the public in a cultural property setting.
Stand and/or walk for extended periods (up to or exceeding 8 hours); climb multiple stair flights (at least 9 floors).
Operate a Patrol Vehicle up to or exceeding 8 hours; lift 50+ pounds; climb ladders; open/close heavy doors; push/pull up to 20 lbs.
Work outdoors in varied weather, available for weekends, evenings, overnights, holidays, and special events.
Must enjoy dealing with the public in a Cultural Property setting.
Must be capable of performing C.P.R. /First Aid after training.
Must be able to lift 50+ pounds.
Must be able to climb a ladder.

Knowledge/Skills:

Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record
Strong, friendly customer-service orientation; clear, confident verbal communication (including projecting voice when needed) and professional written skills.
Calm, decisive judgment; de-escalation and problem-solving in stressful situations; ability to take control when appropriate.
Team mindset: flexibility with workdays/hours and occasional short-notice overtime.
Basic computer literacy; ability to use computerized security and office systems, including email, after training.
Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
C.P.R./First Aid certification is preferred. Without prior certification, you must be able to pass a written and practical test after attending a training course as designated by Winterthur.

About Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library

Historic estate and museum promoting American decorative arts.

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