Summary:
The East Gate Officer position is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the Zoo by monitoring entrances, checking credentials, issuing visitor badges, and conducting property patrols. Duties include responding to alarms, conducting safety audits, securing gates and doors, and assisting emergency responders as needed. The role requires strong observation skills and the ability to operate communication equipment while ensuring the premises remains secure.
Essential Job Functions:
- Greet and check in visitors, employees, and vendors at the entrance station; verify badges and identification, issue visitor passes, and manage entry through secured gates and doors.
- Conduct routine patrols of Zoo grounds and facilities using a motorized golf cart to ensure safety, detect signs of intrusion, and identify any irregular or suspicious activity.
- Operate radios, telephone equipment, and surveillance monitors; respond to alarm calls and notify appropriate personnel as needed.
- Respond to safety and security incidents; contact supervisors or emergency services and assist with on-site direction and coordination until help arrives.
- Conduct regular safety audits and inspect outgoing traffic to prevent unauthorized removal of property or products.
- Unlock and secure designated doors and gates during opening, closing, and overnight shifts, ensuring all access points are properly maintained.
- Provide information and directional assistance to guests and employees; assist emergency personnel such as police or fire services when on-site.
- Identify and report potential safety and security hazards to maintain a safe environment for guests, staff, and animals.
Minimum Education and Experience:
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Two years of experience in security, loss prevention, or a related field.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Associates degree or equivalent coursework.
- Familiarity with basic radio communication protocols and use of surveillance or alarm systems.
- Five years of experience in security, loss prevention, or a related field.
- Bilingual is a plus.
Competencies:
- Observation and Situational Awareness.
- Written, Verbal, and Oral Communication.
- Emergency Response and Decision Making.
- Time Management.
- Organization.
- Detail-Orientation.
- Collaboration.
- Interpersonal Skills.
- Flexibility and Adaptability.
Supervisory Responsibility: None.
Reporting Structure: Reports to Safety & Risk Manager, Team Lead.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Full-time positions are defined as positions scheduled to work approximately 40 hours a week. Scheduling is at the discretion of the manager to meet the needs of the position. Available shifts may include daytime, overnight, and weekend hours.
This position is considered non-exempt under the federal and state wage and hour laws.
Work Environment: While performing the duties of the job, the employee will often be seated in a security booth at a Zoo access point, in addition to completing regular property patrols as required.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
This position requires frequent sitting, moving, and standing, and may occasionally move or lift objects up to 20 pounds. Occasional reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and climbing ladders is required.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Other Requirements:
- 18 years or older.
- Clear background check.
- Clear drug screening.
Benefits & Perks
The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see our Memphis Zoo Careers page for details.
EEOC and Inclusion Statement:
The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply.
The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org.
The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.
All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.
How to Apply:
Applications should be submitted via the Memphis Zoo Careers page. Please note that any other application submissions will not be considered. www.memphiszoo.org/careers.
