Supervisor, Security

Summary:

We are seeking a dedicated Security Supervisor to lead and support our team in protecting one of the most beautiful and respected botanical gardens in the country.

In this role, you'll oversee daily security operations, train and mentor officers, and ensure all officers perform their responsibilities with integrity and attention to detail. You'll hold team members accountable to established standards while fostering a culture of safety, respect, and teamwork.

Working closely with the Manager of Security, you'll help develop, implement, and maintain security policies and procedures that protect the Garden's people, property, and peaceful environment. You'll also assist with investigations, incident response, and large-scale events all while maintaining a visible, professional, and approachable presence throughout the Garden.

This position involves working outdoors in all weather conditions and engaging regularly with the public. The Garden offers a predictable rotating schedule, 24/7 on-site security coverage, and holiday pay when working assigned holidays.

We're looking for an experienced, hands-on leader who takes pride in accountability, teamwork, and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment.

The Garden offers a competitive benefit package including, but not limited:

• A Predictable Monthly Rotating Schedule
• Uniform and Security License paid 100% by the Garden
• On-Demand Pay
• Paid Holidays and accrual of paid sick and vacation time, up to 3 weeks of vacation per year.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• A competitive retirement plan with up to a 6% match after one year of service.
• Work-Life Balance

Schedule:
1st Shift: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead & Develop Staff: Recruit, train, and coach security officers to deliver exceptional service and uphold Garden standards. Conduct performance evaluations and foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Operational Oversight: Supervise daily security operations and contract officers to ensure safety across Garden events and activities. Attend event coordination meetings to plan appropriate security coverage.
• Safety & Emergency Preparedness: Partner with Safety Manager to maintain OSHA compliance, update safety manuals, and support emergency action plans. Ensure first aid kits, AEDs, and fire extinguishers are maintained and accessible.
• Incident Management: Respond to emergencies and accidents, provide first aid/CPR as needed, and ensure timely completion of all incident and maintenance reports.
• Administrative Support: Approve timesheets, manage scheduling, and assist with security systems such as ID badges, camera monitoring, and guard tour systems.
• Essential Role: Serve as an essential staff member-available to work all scheduled shifts in varying conditions to support Garden operations.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Provides supervision for a team of staff security officers (3-5 officers per shift), contract officers, and contract police officers, depending upon shift and events.

Competencies:

• Communication - Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; Writes clearly and presents information accurately; Speaks professionally and responds well to questions; Supports positive visitor relations.
• Collaboration - Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; Engages in problem solving and group initiatives; Cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; Strives for positive visitor experiences.
• Accountability - Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions; Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; Strives to proactively, address visitor and internal colleagues' concerns.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems; Includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; Recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision-making process; Includes appropriate people in making decisions.
• Stewardship - Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety and security protocols; Fosters a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion; Demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources; Maximizes contributions during work hours.
• Leadership: Leadership competency incorporates a cluster of knowledge, skills and abilities required for management of people, budgets and assigned business functions/operations

Qualifications/Experience:

• Three (3) years' security officer or guard experience required, public venue experience a plus.
• Minimum one (1) year supervisory experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of safe operation procedures for fire extinguishers, AED and first aid equipment.

• Ability to identify suspicious characters, movements and dangerous situations. Must always be alert and ready to deal with security emergencies.

• Proven ability to maintain a calm demeanor when handling routine and crisis situations; poised, professional, self-confident, friendly attitude.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively/clearly at all levels; must enjoy and feel comfortable interacting and working in close proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions regarding the Garden and its operations.
• Demonstrates highest level of professional and ethical conduct; knowledge and understanding of organizational policies, procedures and systems.
• Desire and willingness to work as part of a team required; proven ability to work collaboratively with internal team members and external organizations (i.e., vendors, etc.) for the purposes of achieving goals/objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively write reports, construct emails and business correspondence using correct grammar/sentence structure, spelling, etc.
• Exceptional time management skills, problem solving and conflict resolution skills required; ability to work independently with little instruction, coordinate and prioritize multiple tasks, and complete in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to collect and research data and use intuition and experience to complement data.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and follows Garden policy and procedures, especially safety and security guidelines.
• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education:

• Associate's degree required. Prior experience in Security, Military or similar role will be considered.
• An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills:

• Knowledge of Word, Outlook/email and ability to use report-writing software.

Language Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English (verbal and written).
• Fluent Spanish, Chinese or Japanese Bilingual skills preferred.

Mathematical Skills:

• Requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals.

Reasoning Ability:

• Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.
• Requires ability to exercise tact to resolve situations in a positive manner.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and clean driving record (prior to employment).
• Ability to obtain and maintain the following license within (2) months of hire date is required: security officer's licenses (St. Louis City or County).
• Ability to obtain the following certifications within (2) months of hire date and renew annually is required: American Red Cross CPR, First Aid, and the Garden's Automatic External Defibrillator (AED).

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., step stool, climb ladder, etc.).
• Must be able to work outdoors year-round.
• Ability to do considerable standing, walking, bending, stooping and reaching for extended periods-ability to walk up to 90 minutes a stretch, 2-3 times per shift; 85% or more of the workday is standing on feet to patrol the premises.
• Ability to wear Garden-issued Personal Protective Equipment to complete tasks as needed.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

• Must be able to conduct outdoor patrols on foot or using garden vehicles.
• Comfortable working in immediate proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions regarding the Garden and its operations.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (i.e., in temperatures over 100F as well as temperatures below 0F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed), especially during summers.
• Ability to drive/ride in Garden motor vehicle transporting employees to other campus buildings/parking lots as needed for up to (8) hours daily for several weeks.
• Quiet indoor office setting; shared work space, office environment with multiple staff within the department.

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:

• Garden managers, staff, volunteers, board members, donors, visitors and vendors.
• Local officials such as local fire, police, and ambulance/EMT personnel.
• Area neighborhood associations and the general public.