Security Specialist – Night Property

Position Type: Full-time employment, 40 hours per week. Non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Description: The Security Specialist will play a critical role in ensuring the safety and protection of Norfolk Botanical Garden's property, staff, guests, and valuable assets. This position safeguards the Garden's living collections, facilities, and equipment by conducting regular patrols, monitoring security systems, and responding to incidents during evening and overnight hours.

In addition to nightly security operations, the Security Specialist will take a leading role in developing and expanding the Garden's overall security program. This includes refining protocols, improving system use and reporting, assisting with vendor coordination, and helping to strengthen security awareness and procedures across the organization.

Essential Functions:

• Patrol Garden grounds, buildings, and parking areas during evening and overnight hours to ensure the safety of property, staff, and guests.
• Monitor and operate security systems, including CCTV, alarms, and access control equipment, occasionally serve as the front line of access in the tollbooth.
• Safeguard the conservatory's plant and art collections, maintaining awareness of environmental and physical security risks.
• Respond promptly to security incidents, disturbances, alarms, and emergency situations.
• Document and report all security-related activities, incidents, and observations to management.
• Conduct inspections of gates, doors, and restricted access points to ensure proper closure and security.
• Coordinate with vendors and contractors to ensure proper access and site safety after hours.
• Assist with system updates, security signage, and other improvements as directed by Facilities leadership.
• Provide leadership in strengthening the Garden's security infrastructure, including developing or updating security protocols, reporting templates, and patrol checklists.
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Facilities & Infrastructure and Facilities Operations team to identify and implement safety and security enhancements.
• Participate in emergency response planning, training, and drills in coordination with staff and local authorities.
• Provide courteous, professional assistance to staff, volunteers, and visitors as needed while maintaining a visible, reassuring presence.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Facilities & Infrastructure or designee.

Essential Physical Functions:

• Ability to patrol grounds and buildings on foot for extended periods, including outdoor environments in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for up to an 8-hour shift.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform basic physical tasks associated with security patrols.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies and navigate the Garden campus safely after dark.

Qualifications:

• Valid driver's license and proof of insurance required.
• Minimum of two years of experience in security, law enforcement, or a related field.
• Strong observational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Experience with security systems, CCTV monitoring, and alarm response preferred.
• Experience helping to develop or expand a safety or security program within a facility, campus, or public attraction preferred.
• Familiarity with emergency preparedness planning and coordination with local authorities preferred.
• Knowledge of environmental or property protection practices in settings such as museums, gardens, or educational institutions preferred.
• Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic computer skills for documentation and reporting.
• Availability to work evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts as needed.

Benefits:

Health insurance including an HSA or copay option (NBG pays 70% of individual premium and 65% of dependent/family premium)

403(b) retirement plan with discretionary 4% match

Company sponsored life-insurance coverage.

Group rates on voluntary benefits such as dental, supplemental medical expense insurance, FSA, DCA, vision, STD, LTD, accident and critical illness.

Paid vacation, sick leave and holidays.

Professional development opportunities.

Staff discounts on programming & gift shop. NBG logo wear for work provided.

EAP services for all employees.

Reports To: Vice President of Facilities & Infrastructure

Note: this position is considered Alpha Personnel. The employee is required to report to work during emergencies and inclement weather situations once it is safe to do so.

Equal Employer Opportunity (EEO) statement: NBG is committed to the principles and ideals of equal employment opportunity. It is, and shall continue to be, the policy and practice throughout NBG to foster equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for applicants, employees, and volunteers without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, status as a veteran, or other protected status, if qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $26.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person