Security Officer

The MFAH is an organization that is more than 100 years old and ranks nationally among the top 10 art museums in exhibition space, memberships, endowments, and attendance. The MFAH is a multifaceted institution comprising multiple gallery buildings, a sculpture garden, two art schools, and two house-museums for decorative arts. The encyclopedic collection numbers more than 70,000 works of art in a wide range of media. As an employer, MFAH offers a supportive, collegial and inclusive work environment and a competitive total compensation and benefits package.

The MFAH is currently seeking dependable security professionals with previous security experience and a strong sense of integrity. The Museum Security Officer plays the critical role of maintaining the physical security for the properties through mobile and stationary patrol and by maintaining access control points to the Museum.

Position Available:

Title: Security Officer

Reports to: Security Supervisor

Classification: Non-exempt/Hourly

Schedule: 38.5 to 40-hour work week (Depending on Assignment)

Overtime: Yes

Pay Rate: $16.50/hr.

Benefits: Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance, Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance, MFAH Retirement Savings Plan (403b), Flexible Spending Plans, Paid Time Off, Reserve Time Off, Paid Time Off to Volunteer, Holiday Pay, Free Museum Membership and Other Staff Discounts

Work Location: All MFAH Museum Locations

Job Summary:

Working under direct and indirect supervision, Security Officers provide for the safety and security of the museum buildings, contents, grounds, guests and employees.

Daily security assignments will vary but all will require a high level of awareness, diligence, an exceptional customer service. Security officers are expected to tactfully and professionally administer Museum and Security Department policies, including access control, code of conduct, provide escorts, and respond to requests for assistance.

A Security Officer provides a visual security presence, in addition to providing protection of the Museum’s physical environment by maintaining access control points and conducting patrols throughout the Museum ensuring the security and safety of the buildings and all occupants therein. This role also serves as an initial security and safety responder for events and escalates and/or reports as appropriate.

Essential Duties Responsibilities:

• Performs walking and stationary patrols of assigned areas of responsibility and reports security issues and/or safety concerns to the supervisor.

• Conducts opening and closing procedures, including inspection of assigned areas of responsibility and surrounding areas to ensure there are no safety issues or concerns prior to opening the Museum to the public.

• Communicates Museum policies regarding personal and other safety measures and ensures staff and visitors adhere to established protocols to safeguard Museum property from damage.

• Completes daily log and other security reports as required.

• Physically responds to emergency incidents (e.g. medical emergencies, natural disasters, etc.) and completes required reports. May also assist with medically or emergency related evacuations.

• Interacts with visitors to give directions, information, and provide general assistance.

• As needed, will tactfully, discreetly, and courteously speaks with visitors who do not comply with Museum policies.

• Will serve as a member of the museum emergency response team.

• Routinely complete written reports of accidents and incidents.

• May perform inspections as required to ensure bags and parcels do not contain any objects potentially hazardous to visitors or Museum property.

• Performs any other duties reasonably related to the functions described above, including exterior facility patrols, escorting contractors/vendors, etc.

• May be designated as “essential personnel” and required to report to work or remain at work during inclement weather or other emergency situations.

• Assists with other Museum activities as assigned.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Strong customer service mindset with ability to interact with the public to analyze situations and anticipate needs of visitors
• Must be tactful and polite in dealing with the public.

• Must be proficient in English, both written and verbal communications skills
• Present a neat and tidy appearance at all times in accordance with established security department guidelines

• Must be observant in order to detect and report unusual behavior or circumstances.
• Must be alert and able to respond quickly in an emergency.

• Ability to obtain and maintain First Responder, CPR and other related certifications on a yearly basis
• Be physically able to administer First Aid and CPR including carrying first aid equipment and assisting with lifting and moving victims if required
• Flexibility to work various shifts if needed and to work special events going past shifts schedule.

• May be assigned to a day, night, or early morning shift.
• Must be available to work weekends regularly.
• Strong “team” orientation, ideology and approach to work each day.

Education and Qualifications:

• Good verbal communication skills
• A neat, clean appearance
• Ability to remain alert and observant over a long period of time
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous customer service or security experience highly preferred.
• Must have in good standing or be qualified to obtain – level 2 Non-Commissioned Security Guard license with Texas Department of Public Safety.
• Security personnel must pass a national criminal background check in order to maintain non-commission status through the Texas Commission on Private Security.
• All applicants are required to have a valid state issued ID or driver license in order to complete the application process.
• Able to pass pre-employment job-specific physical skills assessment.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

With or without reasonable accommodation, the individual selected must have the capacity to perform effectively all essential functions. In addition to the other demands mentioned, the demands of the job may or will also include:

• Duties require standing for long periods of time and/or walking distances and climbing stairs throughout the work shift.
• Ability to respond quickly to and assist with emergencies
• May be required to administer first aid
• Must have accurate vision (22/20 or 20/40 with corrective lens acceptable).
• Ability to distinguish standard colors
  • Ability to hear normal conversation at a distance of 15 feet
  • Must be able to lift, push and pull 50 lbs.
  • Working conditions may be indoors or outside, depending on assignment. When working outside, inclement weather may also be a working condition.

Equal Opportunities for All

At the MFAH, we believe that diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity are fundamental to our organization. We welcome all candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our organization and our pledge for workplace diversity, inclusion, and excellence.

Our commitment to our policy and practice of nondiscrimination represents more than good intentions. It provides for employment decisions that are made without regard to race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law or any other reason unrelated to your ability to join and contribute to our organization and support our mission to provide a museum experience for all.

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.

The MFAH is equally committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals interested in employment with the organization. As part of this commitment, we want to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation needed to 1) participate in the job application or 2) interview process; 3) perform essential job functions; and/or 4) participate in the benefits and privileges of employment with the MFAH. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the human resources department: HR@mfah.org

Benefits:

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, offers an excellent benefits package that includes:

• Medical Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through a choice of managed health care programs
• Dental Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through two plan choices
• Vision Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through a vision program
• Group health, dental and vision insurance coverage available and effective the first of the month following employment with the MFAH for this role.
• Life Insurance & AD&D: Employee coverage at no cost to the employee
• Long Term Disability: Employee coverage at no cost to the employee

The MFAH provides a generous schedule for time off under the following benefit categories:

• Paid Time Off – Used for absences from work such as vacation, illness of short duration, and personal reasons. Hours are accrued biweekly, based on employment status, length of service, and hours worked
• Reserve Time Off – Used for extended illnesses. Employees accrue up to 6 days per year, up to a maximum of 120 days
• Holidays – Full-time employees receive ten paid holidays per year
• Volunteer Time Off – The MFAH supports activities that enhance and serve the communities in which we live and work. Employees receive up to 40 hours of paid time off annually to give back and volunteer.

Other Benefits

• Staff may contribute to the MFAH Retirement Savings Plan. Eligible staff contributing to the plan may receive up to a 5% matching contribution from the MFAH after one year of service. (We also recognize prior nonprofit service which will provide for an accelerated employer match!)
• MFAH Membership – Staff receive a free Family-level membership
• Discounts – Staff receive discounts on purchases at the Museum shop and all on campus eateries and the Glassell School of Art.
• Metro commuter subsidy available upon request

Application Procedure

Qualified applicants should apply online, which will be the most effective way to ensure consideration. Application materials should include a cover letter, your resume or CV, and if you prefer, a list of references will be accepted but not required at this early stage in the process.

Applications or letters of interest sent via mail, fax, or direct email to a staff member will not ensure consideration.