Lieutenant (Supervisor), Security
Location: Saint Louis Zoo – Forest Park
Division: People & Culture
Department: Security
Reports To: Director of Security
Classification: Exempt
Position Type: Full-Time
Position Summary: The Saint Louis Zoo’s Security Department is responsible for performing security patrols (building/gate checks), transporting cash banks to designated locations, responding to all emergencies, enforcing Zoo rules and regulations, protecting property from theft, responding to accidents, investigating and writing reports on accidents, incidents, suspicious activities and other security-related situations, and provide additional as-needed assistance to visitors and employees. The Security Team is also responsible for staffing various on-grounds assignments, as well as serving as a dispatching call center and camera observation center. The Security department provides a high level of service and serves as ambassadors to visitors while responding to potentially dangerous issues.
Responsibilities: Reporting directly to the Director of Security, serve as one of the key leaders of the Saint Louis Zoo’s Security Department, which is responsible for the overall safety, protection, and safeguarding of Zoo employees, visitors and property. Assist the Director with the management of both the armed Security Rangers and Sergeants, as well as the unarmed Public Safety Beats, Dispatchers and Camera Observers. Help prepare, execute and manage all security-related policies and procedures. Responsible for helping to develop and implement the overall security strategies related to keeping the Zoo safe. Help establish goals and objectives for the department.
Work with all internal Zoo departments to ensure their safety and understand what their department’s security needs are. Plan, complete and execute an operating budget, researching expenditures, and outlining what expenses would be needed to operate as a Security department in all Zoo facilities. May be responsible for departmental scheduling, approval of time and payroll and other computer software-related tasks. Ensure the professional development and training of the Security team that conforms to industry best practices. Help the Director with the performance planning and day-to-day employment issues of the team. Serve as the Security Department’s point-of-contact and person in charge in the absence of the Director. Serve as the liaison to local law enforcement and other security-related agencies to keep up-to-date on relevant security issues, trends, best practices, etc.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required, advanced degree preferred (some level of command college preferred—FBINAA, Command College, Northwestern or PERF). Security, law enforcement, military, firefighting or equivalent experience preferred. Minimum of 5 years’ prior upper level supervisory/management experience required.
The applicant will be asked to take a drug test and firearms training course provided by a Range Officer in the Security Department. The applicant must have valid driver’s license. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with employees, volunteers and visitors. First Aid, CPR/AED experience required. Must be able to successfully obtain an armed security license. Must be able to carry and qualify with a firearm, demonstrate efficiency, effectiveness, and accuracy while carrying a handgun, as well as qualify with a shotgun or rifle.
Must be able to implement a leadership style that embodies the Zoo’s values of Animals Always, People Matter and Operational Excellence within the context of keeping the Zoo safe and secure. Must demonstrate the ability to be impartial and thorough when investigating various issues. De-escalation skills as well as crisis communication skill are also required. Prior experience managing budgets preferred. Proficiency in the use of basic computer programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
All successful candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check and a drug test. As this is a safety-sensitive role, a negative drug test result is mandatory. The drug test screens for five substances, including marijuana.
Physical Requirements: Able to work in all types of weather and unpredictable crisis situations. Moderate physical activity is required, including working on and walking on Zoo grounds with the other Security Team members. Ability to defend yourself, fellow employees, and handle other potentially volatile situations. May be required to stand for long periods of time, sit and walk the Zoo grounds.
Work Schedule: Must be able to work all shifts, including weekends, evenings and holidays.
Position will close: January 30, 2026
About the Saint Louis Zoo: The world-renowned Saint Louis Zoo is dedicated to saving species and bringing people and wildlife together. The Saint Louis Zoo cares for approximately 12,000 animals, many of which are endangered, and is dedicated to local and global conservation to save wildlife. Learn more at: https://stlzoo.org/
The Zoo is committed to the Three Keys (Animals Always, People Matter, and Operational Excellence) and Core Values (Community, Creativity, Openness, Integrity, and Life-Work Balance. Learn more at: https://stlzoo.org/
About St. Louis, Mo: From Explore St. Louis: “Urban explorer, outdoor adventurer, aficionado of family fun – no matter your travel persona, you’ll find plenty to do in St. Louis. The city is brimming with free, world-class attractions and boasts an arts-and-culture scene that’s second to none. Plus, fans of fresh air will be surprised and delighted by our flourishing public parks, miles of trails and exhilarating waterways. Sprinkle in a bit of our secret sauce – the warmth and hospitality of the residents – and you’ll discover that St. Louis dishes up undeniably epic travel experiences. Don’t take our word for it, though. Come and see for yourself.” Learn more at https://explorestlouis.com/
