Seattle Art Museum

Visual arts museum across multiple sites

Gallery Security Officer

Security Guarding & PatrolPosted on Nov 12

Part-timeSeattle, WA, USA$26.41 /hr

About the Job

Requirements

A high school diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Reliable attendance and punctuality are required.
A customer-service orientation is required.
The ability to utilize, operate, and monitor a radio is required.
Strong observation skills and the ability to remain alert and attentive are required.
The ability to prepare clear, detailed, and accurate written reports is required.
The ability to remain calm and clear-headed in stressful situations and resolve complaints and incidents respectfully, diplomatically, and consistently is required.
The ability to work in potentially crowded and noisy environments is required.
The ability to use independent judgment and discretion to make immediate decisions about enforcing regulations by applying established policies and procedures for the security and safety of people, the collection, and the facility in a calm, professional, and tactful manner is required.
Adherence to policies and procedures outlined in the collective bargaining agreement is required.
The ability to represent the museum with integrity and professionalism is required.
Professional verbal and written communication skills are required.
The ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues and the general public is required.
The ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information with discretion is required.
Basic computer literacy is required.
The ability to pass and maintain a security background check clearance is required.
Clear and effective verbal and written communication in English with the public and co-workers is necessary.
The ability to effectively use a computer screen and interpret printed materials, memos, and other appropriate paperwork is required.
The ability to regularly and effectively operate a computer, keyboard, telephone, and radio is required.
Availability to work variable hours, including weekends and evenings, sometimes as late as midnight, is required.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with Visitor Experience, Membership, Volunteers, and Venue Experience to enhance and support the visitor experience.
Provide security for galleries, public spaces, meeting rooms, offices, storage areas, traffic corridors, and queues by continuously patrolling or staffing these areas as assigned.
Observe on-display collections for changes or inappropriate touching and report all incidents to the Security Supervisor.
Regulate and control access to private spaces.
Report building conditions requiring attention to the Security Supervisor.
Ensure patrons and vendors follow policies and procedures.
Maintain working knowledge of current policies, procedures, guidelines, processes, and systems to ensure the safety and security of museum facilities, the collection, staff, and visitors.
Report incidents and notable events, and respond to calls for emergency assistance.
Complete accurate and timely written incident reports detailing incidents, art touches, damage, and building and facilities maintenance issues, with necessary documentation.
Proactively prevent escalation and de-escalate situations whenever possible.
Provide customer service that creates a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environment for all.
Show sensitivity to visitors, including first-time museum-goers, non-native English speakers, and visitors of various ages and backgrounds.
Participate in training programs for emergency situations, including earthquake evacuation and active shooter preparedness.
Assist Security Supervisors and others in emergency response situations.
Participate in regular emergency drills and First Aid, CPR, AED, and de-escalation training.
Contribute to an institutional focus on delivering welcoming and inclusive customer service and positive visitor experiences.
Participate in institutional learning opportunities to grow collective understanding of and integration of antiracism, cultural competency, and equity values into the museum's work.

Desired Qualifications

One year of experience in protective, safety, or security work for an organization or security provider is preferred.
Experience as a member of a security team in an arts or cultural environment with significant public access and substantial physical assets is preferred.
Emergency planning and training experience is preferred.
Experience in a museum setting is preferred.

Salary Range: 26.41 to 26.41 (Currency: USD) (Pay period: per-hour-wage)

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is an exciting time to join our expanding Security team as we continue to grow and enhance support across the museum's three locations.

The Gallery Security Officer (GSO) role is centered on customer service, combining safety responsibilities with a welcoming, guest-focused approach. GSOs are stationed throughout the museum's galleries, lobbies, and other public areas during regular hours, as well as during private events and special programming. In this role, you will help ensure the safety and security of both visitors and the museum's collections. The position offers flexible scheduling and the opportunity to work in a dynamic and engaging environment.

This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement between the Seattle Art Museum and the SAM Visitor Service Officers union.

This role has a target start date of January 13, 2027.

ABOUT SAM

As SAM heads into its second century, we are boldly reimagining what we can and should be. Our goal is to be a model for the future of museums - a bold, dynamic hub of creativity, belonging, and cultural leadership, shaping the future of art and community. Embracing new ways of engaging communities and seeking innovative partnerships - all while keeping art and community at the center of what we do. This ambitious effort represents a transformative shift and radically redefining how art museums operate. This is a pivotal moment for SAM, and we are seeking great talent to join us on our journey. Working at SAM is not just a job—it's a chance to be part of a vibrant, creative community.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Collaborate with Visitor Experience, Membership, Volunteers, and Venue Experience to enhance and support visitor experience
Provide security for galleries, public spaces, meeting rooms, offices, storage areas, traffic corridors, and queues by continuously patrolling or posting these areas as assigned
Observe on-display collection for changes or inappropriate touches of any kind, reporting all incidents to Security Supervisor
Regulate and control access to private spaces
Report any building conditions requiring attention to Security Supervisor
Ensure patrons and vendors are following policies and procedures
Maintain working knowledge of current policies, procedures, guidelines, processes, and systems to ensure the safety and security of museum facilities, the collection, staff, and visitors
Report incidents, notable events, and respond to calls for emergency assistance
Complete written incident reports (IRs) detailing incidents, art touches, damage, and building and facilities maintenance issues along with necessary documentation, report in an accurate and timely manner
Proactively prevent escalation, and work to de-escalate whenever possible
Provide superior customer service, creating a welcoming, inclusive and accessible environment for all
Exhibit sensitivity to all visitors, including first-time museum goers, non-native English speakers, and visitors of various ages and backgrounds
Participate in training programs for emergency situations, such as and earthquake evacuation, active shooter preparedness
Assist Security Supervisors and others in emergency response situations
Participate in regular emergency drills, First Aid/CPR/AED training, and de-escalation training
Contribute to an institutional focus of delivering exceptional, welcoming, and inclusive customer service-creating positive, meaningful experiences for all visitors, every time
Participate in institutional learning opportunities to grow our collective understanding and integration of antiracism, cultural competency, and equity values into SAM's work

WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience
Reliable attendance and punctuality
Orientation towards customer service
Ability to utilize, operate, and monitor a radio
Strong observation skills, ability to remain alert and attentive
Prepare clear, detailed, and accurate written reports
Ability to remain calm and clear-headed in stressful situations and help resolve complaints and incidents in a respectful, diplomatic, and consistent manner
Ability to work in potentially crowded and noisy environments
Ability to use independent judgment and discretion to make immediate decisions related to enforcement of regulations by carrying out established policies and procedures for the security and safety of people, the collection, and the facility in a calm, professional, and tactful manner
Adherence to policies and procedures outlined in Collective Bargaining Agreement
Represent the museum with a high level of integrity and professionalism
Professional verbal and written communication
Ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues and the general public
Exercise discretion in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information
Basic computer literacy
Ability to pass and maintain security background check clearance

Preferred Qualifications

One year experience protective, safety, and/or security work for an organization or security provider
Experience as a member of a security team in an arts or cultural environment with significant public access and substantial physical assets
Emergency planning and training experience
Experience in a museum setting

FLSA Status: Part Time, Non-Exempt

Reports To: Security Supervisor

Work Location: Onsite, Seattle Downtown, Volunteer Park, and Olympic Sculpture Park
Work Schedule: Variable hours depending on event needs. Approximately 10-18 hours per week. Must be available weekends and evenings, sometimes as late as midnight.

WORK CONDITIONS

Work areas are primarily inside, in a climate-controlled environment with moderate background noise. Workspaces may include outdoor areas. May have contact with hostile or abusive members of the public. Work during events may have higher noise levels.
Approximately 5% of time is spent stationary while working at a desk. Balance of time (approximately 95%) is spent moving around the work area. Extended periods of standing will be required. Must be able to ascend/descend stairs in high-rise building.
Clear and effective verbal and written communication in English with the public and co-workers is necessary.
Ability to effectively use a computer screen and interpret printed materials, memos and other appropriate paperwork.
Ability to effectively and regularly operate a computer, keyboard, telephone, and radio

BENEFITS

As a non-exempt employee at SAM, you will be eligible for paid sick time accrued at a rate of 0.0385 per hour worked, and fringe benefits including two guest passes to SAM, access to fitness facility, access to our Employee Assistance Fund (EAP), Tier III AAM membership, discounts for SAM memberships, SAM Shop, and MARKET, and access to member rates for ticketed events at SAM.

ACCOMODATION

The Seattle Art Museum will consider reasonable accommodations for all employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions/duties of this position. If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact [email protected]. For candidates, we ask that, if possible, you wait until you're invited to a screen, online technical assessment or interview before requesting an accommodation.

SAM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming workplace for all employees and volunteers. Guided by our mission to connect art to life and engage diverse communities, we strive to create a sense of belonging for all of the communities we serve. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, military status, or any other protected characteristic

Not sure you check every box? Research shows that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often only apply if they meet 100% of the criteria. If you believe you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply!

About the Company

Seattle Art Museum

Visual arts museum across multiple sites

Seattle Art Museum operates three art venues in Seattle—the downtown museum, the Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park, and the Olympic Sculpture Park on the waterfront—where visitors explore art through exhibitions, educational programs, and site-specific installations drawn from a collection of about 25,000 objects from more than 140 cultures. The museum curates and presents art to the public, using its galleries and programs to help people see connections between art and daily life. Its distinctiveness comes from spanning multiple venues and cultures in the Pacific Northwest, offering a broad range of exhibitions and learning experiences beyond a single-location collection. The goal is to make art accessible to a wide audience, deepen understanding of visual culture, and inspire curiosity through public programs and immersive installations.

Company size: 201-500
Company stage: Not listed
Total funding: Not listed
Headquarters: Seattle, WA
Founded: 1906

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