Security Officer

At the Whitney, we believe that security is not only about protecting physical assets but also about ensuring the safety and dignity of our visitors, staff, and other audiences.  Guards are responsible for following our Code of Ethics and other related policies, for bringing violations to the attention of Security leadership, and for demonstrating integrity and professionalism as part of their jobs.  Reporting to the Director of Security, Security Officers are part of the public-facing team and are principally responsible for the safety and security of our visitors and staff. Security Officers contribute to the overall protection of art and aim to prevent any serious art incident. 

Security Officers provide security service in the lobby, in the galleries, at the staff entrance, in central and at our art storage facility. On occasion they may be asked to work in locations different from those listed. They assist with the management of visitors.

As part of the Visitor Experience team, Security Officers create a positive environment for the general public and museum members.

Shifts Include Weekends, Overnights, Evenings and Mornings.

Requirements:  8- and 16-hour New York State Certification; promptness; strong customer service skills; ability to stand for long periods and a neat appearance; fire Security Officer experience is required.

Responsibilities:

• Enforce the Museum rules of conduct for visitors
• Patrol designated area in the galleries or lobby
• Ensure that the public, the Museum Staff and other outside contractors adhere to certain fundamental rules of security to prevent theft, fire, damage, and personal injury
• Responsible for preventing disorder and overcrowding
• Monitor and report safety conditions
• Monitor CCTV Cameras as required
• Responsible for elevator operation
• Check packages of persons and/or staff leaving the Museum
• Responsible for any other duties as directed by Director of Security or designee.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Must possess a current NYS Security Officer License
• High School Diploma or equivalent required and a minimum of two years’ experience in security field
• An ability and willingness to participate in events outside the workday schedule
• Must be available to work evenings and weekends
• Organizational skills preferred
• Excellent communication skills preferred
• Bi-lingual a plus
• Must be able to stand particularly for sustained periods of time.
• Respond to First Aid and Emergency Situations
• Maneuver safely up and down flights of stairs multiple times a round or shift.
• Must able bend, jump, run and lift about 25 pounds

Confidentiality:

• As required in relation to any sensitive information in relation to safety or security

Compensation & Benefits: 

• Hourly rate of $21.34
• Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(B) elections
• Generous PTO benefits
• Commuter benefits - parking and mass transit
• Admission to world-renowned museums across the city and nationally
• Pet insurance and discounted membership for Citibike

The advertised pay rate is not a promise of a particular wage for any specific employee. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may be dependent on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, special licensing or qualifications, and other factors.

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet, women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you’re new to arts and culture administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or take the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. 

About the Whitney:

The Whitney Museum of American Art, founded in 1930 by the artist and philanthropist Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, houses the foremost collection of American art from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. From her vision arose the Whitney Museum of American Art, which has been championing the most innovative art of the United States for 86 years. The core of the Whitney’s mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit American art of our time and serve a wide variety of audiences in celebration of the complexity and diversity of art and culture in the United States. Through this mission and a steadfast commitment to artists themselves, the Whitney has long been a powerful force in support of modern and contemporary art and continues to help define what is innovative and influential in American art today.

EEO Statement:

The Whitney Museum of American Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate because of age, sex, religion, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, partnership status, veteran status, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, or any other factor prohibited by law. The Museum hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. The Museum encourages all qualified candidates to apply for vacant positions at all levels. This description shall not be construed as a contract of any sort for a specific period of employment.