Security Guard - Full Time

Position: Security Guard

Reports to: Security Manager

Status:   Full-Time 

General Description: The Museum Security Guard has general responsibility for public safety, and protection of works of art in the museum, historic sites, and on its campus, and is responsible for maintaining order and secure conditions within the Museum and on the Museum campus. Duties include performing security patrols by foot, answering visitor inquiries, responding to emergencies according to defined procedures; and monitoring the movement of staff, visitors, assets, equipment and materials. The ideal candidate has great customer service and communication skills and is able to interact with guests while maintaining the safety of the building

Responsibilities:

• Continually patrol the museum galleries and campus properties, protecting the building and its contents from potential losses, theft, or vandalism
• Watch for and report irregularities, such as fire hazards, leaking pipes, unsecured window and doors, assist in safety checks of equipment
• Inform and assist visitors with museum guidelines, elevator access, other questions and or problems
• Respond to alarms when on duty notifying chain of command as appropriate
• Sound alarms or call appropriate emergency response personnel as needed
• Cooperate with police, fire and other safety and law enforcement agencies on matters affecting the museum
• Prepare incident reports when necessary 
• Answer freight bell, assist with delivery upon direction 
• Assist with special event assignments
• Maintain professional demeanor with visitors, staff, and volunteers
• Knowledge of Standard Operating Procedure and Disaster Plan reviewing periodically as directed
• Assist with light maintenance and housekeeping duties as assigned, including trash collection and clearing sidewalks of snow and ice 
• Operate audio/visual equipment throughout museum as requested
• Recommend procedures to enhance the security of staff, property and public safety

Important Functions:

• May assist with maintenance and housekeeping duties as needed
• Provide assistance with audio/visual equipment throughout museum as requested
• May regulate pedestrian traffic to maintain orderly flow

Qualifications:

Any combination of education, training, and experience providing the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Knowledge

Knowledge of safety and security practices and procedures

Abilities

Ability to observe and report security situations which are potentially hazardous or which may cause loss to the Museum; prepare accurate reports based on observations; follow oral and written instructions; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; deal effectively and courteously with associates and the general public; effectively welcome and embrace differences among employees and visitors; perform effectively as a member of a team in carrying out the Museum’s stated Mission and Core Values; present an overall professional image

Experience, Education, and Training

Typically requires approximately six months experience in security work, law enforcement, military or art museum experience

Physical Requirements

Performs bending, climbing, kneeling, reaching from ground level to overhead, pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds; may be subjected to long periods of standing or walking while performing foot patrol of facilities

Working Environment

Primarily indoors with heating and cooling regulated. May be exposed to extreme weather conditions when patrolling Museum grounds or performing outside duties

Miscellaneous Requirements

Frequently required to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed, depending on Art Museum exhibition schedules and other activities. Must successfully complete and pass a security background check

About the Farnsworth

Founded as a bequest of Lucy Copeland Farnsworth, the Museum opened its doors in 1948 in Rockland, Maine, with a singular mission to celebrate Maine’s role in American art. The Farnsworth’s primary purpose is to be a repository for American art objects related to Maine and a resource for all, including local and state residents, as well as tourists visiting from throughout the United States and abroad. 

Throughout the Museum’s history, it has championed the unique role that Maine plays in the larger story of American art. The Farnsworth’s collection of almost 16,000 works focuses on American art from the 18th century to the present, in all media, with a special emphasis on artists with deep connections to Maine. From purchasing works by a young Andrew Wyeth–becoming the first museum to do so–to collecting pieces by pivotal Maine artists such as Fitz Henry Lane, George Bellows, Rockwell Kent, Lynne Drexler, Lois Dodd, Daniel Minter, Ann Craven, and Jeremy Frey,  the Museum has and will continue to represent the excellence of the arts in Maine. We are also broadening and diversifying collections to more fully reflect the breadth of Maine artists working today and the interests of our growing and multicultural audience.

The Museum also cares for two historic properties: the Farnsworth Homestead, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and the Olson House, joining the campus in 1991 and designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2011. 

The Farnsworth is the first art museum in Maine to receive accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, which recognizes institutions that have demonstrated a commitment to excellence, accountability, and the highest professional standards in education, public service, and collections care.