Security Officer (On-Call)

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Job Summary:

Under direct supervision, execute the Monterey Bay Aquarium's frontline security operations through vigilant patrol activities, emergency response, and visitor engagement utilizing the Park Ranger approach that supports ocean conservation. Maintain operational readiness across all security systems while delivering exceptional guest experiences and ensuring compliance with safety protocols during both routine operations and critical incidents. Perform other duties as required.

Core Activities: 

• Patrol internal and external areas of the Aquarium and all properties, conducting thorough inspections during day or night shifts to maintain a secure environment.


• Perform opening and closing procedures for the main campus during normal business hours and special events while reporting to assigned posts for operational coverage.


• Respond to all emergency situations including medical incidents, lost persons, active threats, vehicle incidents, alarm activations, and other critical events according to established protocols. Provide medical care within scope of training, coordinate with first responders, and support evacuation procedures when necessary.


• Monitor security systems from the Security Operations Center, including surveillance cameras, access control points, alarm infrastructure, and radio communications.


• Dispatch appropriate personnel to incidents while maintaining vigilant observation of potential security concerns across the facility.


• Evaluate effectiveness of security related systems and report technical issues or vendor concerns to supervisors promptly. (e.g, access control, NSI surveillance systems, Evolv weapons detection, KeyTrak management, fire alarm systems, two-way radios, AlertMedia tools, and security software platforms, etc.).


• Document detailed security incidents, medical responses, and significant events through comprehensive written reports submitted in a timely manner.


• Maintain accurate daily logs, key control forms, vehicle records, and lost and found documentation while notifying supervisors of high-priority situations.


• Proactively greet guests, providing informational assistance, answering questions, and promoting Aquarium programs while creating positive experiences through approachable, informative interactions, and exemplifying the Park Ranger style approach to visitor engagement.


• Support disaster scenarios and emergency situations in accordance with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Incident Management Plan, including participation in Emergency Operations Center activities as assigned and maintaining availability for emergency recall during critical incidents.


• Operate security screening equipment and conduct bag inspections for guests entering the Aquarium, ensuring proper screening protocols are followed while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere that balances security needs with positive guest experiences.


• Enforce company policies and behavioral guidelines, addressing incidents involving intoxicated guests, staff misconduct, suspected criminal activity, and unauthorized access according to established procedures while reporting potential safety violations to appropriate departments.


• Participate in required training programs including AZA emergency drills, evacuation exercises, and Active Assailant response simulations to maintain operational readiness and regulatory compliance. Receives coaching and performance feedback to support professional development.


• Maintain required licenses and certifications including CPR, First Aid, BSIS Guard training, and Proprietary Security Officer credentials while continuously building knowledge of Aquarium exhibits, programs, and local area information to enhance visitor engagement capabilities.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs): 

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience; 2-years of college-level coursework in a related field


• Previous work experience in hospitality, customer service and/or attractions industry


• Previous work experience speaking to large groups


• Previous work experience within marine biology


• Previous work experience in a security related or emergency response field


• Previous work experience in surveillance systems monitoring


• Proficiency in PC environment and strong working knowledge of MS Office suite; must be Outlook proficient


• Ability to multitask and prioritize activities based on urgency


• Ability to identify and analyze problems; be able to use sound reasoning to arrive at conclusions and find alternative solutions to complex problems; able to distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information to make sound and logical judgements


• Must obtain and maintain a minimum CPR and Basic First Aid certification as training is provided


• Must become licensed as a Proprietary Security Officer with the Department of Consumer Affairs (BSIS) within 6 months of employment


• Must complete initial BSIS Guard training of 8 hours and a minimum of 2 hours updated training per year


• Must attend a minimum of 4 trainings per year when scheduled, to include departmental meetings, training, and retreats


• Must complete required Guest Experience training


• Must work a minimum of 12 hours per month in an on-call capacity


• Must be able to work Day (5am-1:30pm), Swing (1pm-9:30pm) and Nights (9:15pm-5:15am) shifts as assigned or scheduled


• Must be available for emergency recall in the event of a disaster, disaster response training, and when called in to fill sudden staffing vacancies


• Must be able to work week-ends and holidays


• Must possess, or be able to obtain within the first 3 months of employment, a valid California Driver's License and maintain clearance in the DMV Pull Program in order to operate Monterey Bay Aquarium vehicles


• Must be able to pass and maintain a comprehensive background and local police check; be free of felony, misdemeanor, and other types of convictions with a verdict of anything other than not-guilty


• Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the security function and reporting duties


• Adhere to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Attendance Policy and Service Standards, and the Guest Experience Image, Appearance and Uniform Standards


• Ability to be alert and vigilant, ready to be a good witness at all times, whether on the exhibit floor, behind the scenes, conducting building rounds, or sitting at the dispatch station in the Security Operations Center


• Ability to respond to and mitigate conflict situations in a safe and professional manner


• Maintain accountability of personal and shared department equipment


• NAI Certified Interpretive Guide or equivalent


• Develop proficiency in security-related technologies and equipment, including but not limited to NSI surveillance systems, Evolv weapons detection, KeyTrak management, fire alarm systems, two-way radios, AlertMedia tools, and security software platforms


• Express ideas and facts in writing in a clear, succinct, and organized manner


• Ability to recall and relate information accurately and reliably and be able to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing


• Experience with public speaking, writing clear and concise reports


• Ability to pass post-hire drug screening test and random, periodic drug screening tests


• Ability to work within, and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• Typical office equipment


• Constant sitting, standing, walking, bending


• Occasional unassisted lifting up to 100 lbs.


• Typical office environment, main aquarium and exhibits, all Aquarium owned properties, occasional offsite events, stairwells

Hourly Compensation:

$25.00 USD per hour