Security Operations Specialist

An Exciting Career Opportunity is Available in a Place Where Other Come to Visit!

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 encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Job Summary:

• Provides the South Carolina Aquarium with 24-hour Security support services, including building operations systems and alarm monitoring, building access control, and thorough support and communication with all departments.
• Ensures the reliability of operations and life support while maintaining the safety and security of the staff, animal collection and SCA facilities.
• This position also coordinates and supervises the daily activities of the entire Security Department and assures that Security staffing needs are met, that training standards are met, and that departmental policies/procedures are implemented and adhered to by team members.
• Assumes the role of Training Officer.
• This position will regularly report and support the Head of Security.

Hours:

• 1st, 2nd, 3rd shifts as determined by scheduling supervisor.

Essential Functions:

• Designated Training Officer
• Adhere to all South Carolina Aquarium Policies/Procedures and SCA Security Department General Orders.
• Develop/Maintain a highly qualified, motivated, and diverse team that performs Security standard work.
• Assure proper Security staffing for 24/7 coverage.
• Assist with coordination and implementation of regular training for all Security Department team members.
• Provide staff feedback on team performance.
• Provide excellent customer service to guests and manage all safety/security related concerns.
• Review and approve Security team members schedules and hours worked.
• Assist with supervision of building operations during special events and incident management.
• Help prepare and reset the building during weather related events
• Administer the SCA's access control and surveillance systems.
• Monitor alarm panels, building automation systems and alert response teams as needed.
• Coordinates emergency response with external fire department, law enforcement and EMS services.
• Assist with any internal/external SCA investigation as needed, reporting directly to the Head of Security.
• Assist internal departments (primarily Husbandry and Facilities) by facilitating adjustments to equipment for life support systems and building control systems, especially after-hours.
• Conduct regular rounds of the building, communicate incidents to the appropriate contact and log findings.
• Identify and analyze problems; use sound reasoning to arrive at conclusions and make logical judgements.
• Provide outstanding customer service to Aquarium guests, contractors, vendors and internal contacts.
• Monitors and anticipates potential safety and security issues and engages conflict resolution techniques to defuse situations before they become critical.
• Excellence in customer service/communications skills are essential with the desire to de-escalate emotional induced situations.
• Model high standards of honesty, integrity, trust, openness and respect for individuals.
• Create and issue access ID cards and parking permits.
• Check in and maintain log for all Aquarium visitors (contractors, media, etc.).
• Issue keys to volunteers or other SCA staff as needed.
• Clear building of guests at closing, secure doors and set-up for evening conditions.
• Communicate with event staff during evening special events.
• Coordinates lost and found.
• Assists with the lost child and parent process.
• Maintains medical equipment and provides medical assistance to staff and guests as needed.
• Must be able to work 40 hours a week, which may include nights, weekends and holidays and some overtime.
• First aid and CPR trained.
• Participation on the Ride Out Team may be required with short notice.
• Assumes the responsibilities of a Security Officer or Senior Security Officer as needed. This position will also act in place of the Head of Security or as a Senior Facilities representative as needed.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supports the mission by participating in Aquarium sponsored programs and events on a regular basis.
• Assists internal and external staff as needed.
• Show proficiency in report writing and observation skills and be able to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Active member of the SCA's Safety Team and Operations Team.
• Active support and participation in SCA sponsored events and programs on a regular basis.
• Attend SCA staff and developmental meetings when requested.
• Assure that all Security Department team members are up to date on certifications, training, etc.
• Support the Head of Security and provide report of regular Security Department statistics and updates.
• Ability to assume responsibility as Incident Manager during any emergency/critical facility incident.
• Provide coverage for Head of Security position as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook computer software.
• Ability to interact professionally with visitors and staff personnel.
• Working knowledge of building access systems and camera systems.
• Basic understanding of building support equipment.
• Ability to coordinate with other departments and manage a fast pace, changing work environment.
• Ability to obtain Security Licensing through South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
• Ability to complete and maintain the following training certifications (within 90 days of hire/promotion):
• 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
• Security Leadership Training
• Incident Command Training
• Emergency Management Training

Licenses, Training & Certifications Required:

• Valid Driver's License

Supervision of Others:

• Security Officers
  
• Security Supervisor

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

• Education and Experience Required: High School Degree or GED.
• Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• Previous Supervisory experience (2+ years) in Security or Law Enforcement background preferred.
• Must be able to operate South Carolina Aquarium vehicles and have and maintain a valid SC driver's license.
• Familiarity with automated control systems and building support equipment a plus.

Perks

• Robust Benefits;
• 401K Options;
• Generous PTO;
• Amazing Culture!