Head of Security

Located along the pristine harbor in the heart of historic Charleston, the South Carolina Aquarium has been inspiring visitors for over twenty years. From our over 5,000 animals to our award-winning education team, from the Sea Turtle Care Center™ to our conservation programs protecting local species, visitors are struck with awe and inspiration as they journey through all our exhibits, representing the mountains to the sea of South Carolina.

About the South Carolina Aquarium

We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums with a mission to inspire conservation of the natural world by exhibiting and caring for animals, by excelling in education and research and by providing an exceptional visitor experience. We invite you to join the #1 visitor attraction located in one of the Top Cities in the World (Conde Nast, 2023).

At the South Carolina Aquarium, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. Our culture is built on having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together to increase our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. It brings us together in ways that help us stand out. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

The Head of Security will be responsible for security operations for the Aquarium and associated facilities to provide a safe and secure environment for visitors and staff.

Essential Functions:

• Schedule and manage Security department
• Develop and control budget for security
• Plan and coordinate security operations for afterhours events
• Manage, document, and report on all incidents
• Develop and implement Security Standard Operating Procedures for the organization.
• Responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring, and maintaining the Access Control System, Building Surveillance System, and Incident Reporting and Management System.
• Develop, produce, and report on continuous safety and risk assessment
• Directs the daily physical opening and closing of the building to include a walk-thru of the entire building to ensure safety, security, and cleanliness.
• Selects, develops, evaluates and maintains a highly qualified, motivated and diverse professional staff. Encourages teamwork, personal initiative and accountability.
• Adheres to the South Carolina Aquarium Policies & Procedures.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serves as liaison for outside public agencies (e.g., police, fire, NPS, etc.)
• Attend daily pre-opening operational meetings.
• Required to work weekends, holidays and some evenings.
• Schedules and coordinates Security systems and equipment repairs and maintenance
• Member of the Safety Committee.
• Required member of Hurricane Ride Out Team and/or Recovery Team as designated.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of security procedures and techniques
• Incident management, command, and reporting
• Strong proven de-escalation skills
• Strong computer knowledge. Proficient in all MS Office Products including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Outlook.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage and inspire front-line staff in a high energy environment with heavy public contact.
• Ability to work in a constantly changing environment, take initiative and be adaptable
• Commitment to providing enthusiastic customer service at all times.
• Ability to maintain a courteous manner, be flexible and solve problems under a variety of circumstances.

Licenses, Training & Certifications Required:

• Valid Driver's License
• CPR and First Aid certifications.
• SCA Security Field Training Officer Program
• SCA Safety Training
• Emergency Response Training
• AZA Training
• Customer Service Training
• De-Escalation/WPV Prevention Training
• Crisis Intervention/Mental Health Training
• Active Shooter Training
• Advanced Detection Training (As required by HOS)
• Legal Training
• Defensive Tactics Training
• Non-Lethal Weapons Training
• Handcuffing Training
• SCA Firearms Training (including Advanced Active Shooter/Combat Firearms Training)
• Stop the Bleed Training

Supervision of Others:

• All security personnel
• Other department personnel within Division as requested

Physical Requirements:

Requires average walking, standing, bending, stooping, and crouching, climbing ladders, sitting, kneeling, balancing, pushing and pulling, crawling, working with tools, computer tasks and phone usage; should be able to lift/carry at least 50 lbs.; requires driving Aquarium vehicles.

Hazardous Requirements:

Average exposure to minor or severe cuts; falls; falling objects; hazards to eyesight, hearing and sense of smell; and tight spaces. Often requires use of personal protective equipment due to exposure to chemicals, hazardous materials, and ozone.

Working Conditions:

• This position requires works in both an office environment and outdoors, sometimes in extreme weather including both hot and cold; requires weekend and late-night work as needed; requires contact with customers, the general public, and outside vendors; requires carrying a cell phone and radio; requires occasional travel.
• The South Carolina Aquarium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a security leadership role Minimum of ten years of experience in a related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience managing front line staff.

Perks

• Generous PTO, Rich Benefits, 401K, Amazing Culture!

Salary

• Commensurate with experience and education