Security Guard: Weekend Graveyard Shift - Part Time

Join our fun and professional team in our efforts to save the natural world!

Position Status: Part-Time, Regular, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Required: Current and Clear California Guard Card from BSIS Schedule: Saturday & Sunday, 12:30 AM to 8:30 AM
Compensation: $22.10 to $24.00 depending upon experience

*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*  
JOB DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY: Under general direction of the Director of Safety & Security, and the Security Manager, the Security Guard Weekend - Graveyard conducts a continuous roving patrol of all public areas of the Zoo, providing support and responding to a variety of incidents and emergency situations in a timely and professional manner, ensuring the Zoo is a safe environment for everyone.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES include the following:

• Monitors activity at all gates leading into the Zoo, ensuring that only authorized personnel gain access to the Zoo  at all times during the shift.
• Physically checks all spaces, gates, doors, locks, and windows, ensuring they are locked or secured for the night.
• Ensures full coverage of scheduled shift, making appropriate contacts for assistance or relief from duty should an emergency arise requiring the guard to leave the Zoo before the scheduled end of the shift.
• Changes light bulbs as needed to ensure security and common public spaces are adequately lighted.
• Patrols the entire park on foot on a regular and continuous basis throughout shift and reports all physical and security problems to the Director of Safety and Security and/or S.B. Police Department.
• Maintains Nightly Log and Nightly Report to accurately reflect hours during which rounds were made and breaks were taken, as well as record any discrepancies or incidents that present a security or safety problem.
• Utilizes guard tour system device when making rounds to check in at all guard tour  stations on every round.
• Sets and maintains traps as directed for raccoons and other small mammals that pose a significant threat to the health of animals in the collection.
• Maintains open lines of communication with all departments in the Zoo, with special attention given to animal care staff concerns and issues.
• Renders assistance to all other Zoo departments and personnel as requested, including care taking or observational duties in the animal department, irrigation and watering of Zoo grounds in summer months, and assisting the Private Event Hosts during an evening event.
• Operates a radio, cellular telephone, guard tour system device, pepper spray, and basic hand tools such as screwdriver, pliers, and hammer.
• Adheres to Zoo policies regarding tardiness, absences, and other attendance related issues.
• Adheres to the Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual.
• Apply and Exemplify “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible.

SECONDARY DUTIES:

• Greets every guest with a smile.
• Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo.
• Answers phone calls promptly.
• Insures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions.
• Associates with guests to assist and share information.
• Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relation procedures.
• Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code.
• Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings.
• Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement and the Employee Pledge.
• Performs other duties as required.

POSITION CRITERIA: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 Education and Experience:

• High school graduate or any equivalent occupation, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:

• First Aid and CPR certification preferred. 
• Current, Clear California Guard Card certification from BSIS is required.

 Knowledge, Skills and Ability:

• Comprehensive knowledge of the policies, procedures, and equipment of the Security Department as they relate to Security and general Zoo operations.
• Ability to use independent judgment in handling routine as well as emergency situations.
• Ability to oversee and monitor conditions and to promote and exercise safety precautions.
• Ability to interact and communicate with the general public in a courteous and friendly manner.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize assignments and complete patrols within a reasonable amount of time (roughly one hour for a standard round).
• Ability to complete assigned work and meet established deadlines and timetables under a minimal amount of direct supervision.
• Ability to consistently work scheduled shifts without significant numbers of absences or tardiness.
• Problem solving and conflict management skills.
• Capacity to analyze, interpret and use sound judgment in the application of Zoo rules, policies, guidelines and regulations.
• Capacity to perform under stress when confronted with an emergency, unusual or dangerous situation.
• Ability to develop productive and friendly relationships at work.
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests.
• Ability to exercise safe work habits.
• Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Ability to sustain the physical speed and attention that are vital to the safe and effective completion of duties.
• Ability to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving the whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Physically able to walk and remain on feet up to 8 hours, as well as work up to 16 hours at a time.
• Must be able to exert a minimum of 25 pounds of force and able to lift, carry, push or pull or otherwise move objects whose weight may exceed 25 pounds.
• Ability to negotiate all areas of the Zoo over a variety of terrain, including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, hilltop, and attic storage.
• Must be physically able to operate a variety of equipment including two-way radio, cellular phone, telephone, pepper spray dispenser,  guard tour system device and alarm system controls.
• Adequate hearing capabilities to hear vehicles approaching, detect warning sounds, ascertain sound direction and recognize related danger.
• Eyesight must be at a sufficient level to perform duties without trouble or impairment.
• Exposure to extreme environmental conditions including smoke, dust, heat, cold, and wetness.
• Involves working out-of-doors in all weather conditions.
• Supportive and open employment culture.

Tools Used:

• Guard tour system device
• Two-way radio
• Cellular phone
• Pepper spray dispenser
• Alarm System controller
• Hand tools

*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*


--The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time.  The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time.  The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.

The Santa Barbara Zoo is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas. Compensation: $21.20 - $23.40 per hour

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Do you love animals and working with people? Join the fun, caring, friendly, and energetic team at the Santa Barbara Zoo in our mission of preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the natural world and its living treasures through education, research, and recreation.

Once you apply, please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
The Santa Barbara Zoo is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and is a fully accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Known as one of the world’s most beautiful zoos, it is located on 30 acres of lush botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is home to more than 146 animal species living in open, naturalistic habitats. Our wonderful collaborative team includes up to 220 employees and 50 volunteers.