Protective Services Lead
Medora, ND
THE THEODORE ROOSEVELT PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY FOUNDATION
“Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.” -Theodore Roosevelt
Since 2014, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation (TRPLF) has been planning and building a new, ambitious kind of presidential library and museum. Other presidential libraries tell the story of a single individual, but the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library (TRPL) – being built more than a century after T.R.’s death – will do more than preserve history. The TRPL will be a people’s library, bringing Roosevelt’s values and relentless spirit to life at a critical time in our nation and world, while simultaneously championing the stories of all who “dare greatly, think boldly, care deeply, and live passionately.”
Set in Medora, North Dakota, the library is surrounded by the breathtaking Badlands landscape. Participants at the TRPL will learn from – not just about – Roosevelt’s story, being transformed into the same stunning Badlands that served as the fulcrum in T.R.’s incredible life story.
Guided by the pillar principles of leadership, citizenship, and conservation, the Foundation has partnered with innovative partners – like the award-winning architecture firm, Snøhetta, and the best-in-class story crafters, the Future of Storytelling – to build an institution like no other. With plans to be the most sustainable presidential library and campus ever, a revolutionary approach to interpretive design, and programming that will spread the library’s message into neighboring Theodore Roosevelt National Park and beyond across the globe, the opportunity to join a talented team in building and opening this institution is truly unique.
About the Role
The Lead of Protective Services is responsible for delivering consistent, high-quality safety and security operations across the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. This role provides shift-level leadership for TRPL’s in-house protective services team, implements protocols, oversees daily security activity, and responds to incidents and emergencies with calm, clear judgment.
The Lead plays a key role in shaping the culture of safety at TRPL, ensuring the environment remains secure, welcoming, and aligned with the Library’s mission and values. This position is hands-on and essential to maintaining readiness during day-to-day operations and high-profile events involving dignitaries, federal partners, and large public audiences.
This role reports to the Manager of Protective Services.
Core Competencies
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Emergency Preparedness & Response
Understands emergency protocols and leads initial actions during incidents, drills, and real-time events.
- Security Technology & Systems
Competent with surveillance platforms, access control, intrusion detection, and radio communication systems.
- Shift Leadership & Coordination
Provides clear direction, maintains standards, and ensures productive communication across shifts.
- Crisis Management & De-escalation
Stays composed under pressure; manages conflicts, disturbances, and medical incidents with steady judgment.
- Risk Awareness & Mitigation
Identifies vulnerabilities and supports timely corrective actions that reduce operational risk.
- Policy Execution
Applies and enforces protective services standards for access control, visitor safety, and incident handling.
- Collaboration & Communication
Works effectively with Visitor Experience, Facilities, Exhibits, Programs, and Events teams as well as external public safety partners.
- Cultural Institution Awareness
Understands the operational realities of museums and public institutions balancing public access, artifact protection, and guest experience.
- Discretion & Integrity
Handles sensitive information, emergencies, and security concerns with professionalism and sound judgment.
Responsibilities
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Support daily protective services operations across buildings, trails, exhibitions, and public spaces.
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Provide shift leadership to Protective Services Officers, ensuring smooth coordination and clear expectations.
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Monitor control room activity, including CCTV, radios, alarms, and access control systems.
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Conduct patrols, safety checks, and vulnerability assessments; respond to incidents and emergencies until relieved.
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Implement protective services protocols, including access control, incident reporting, and visitor safety standards.
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Assist with training, drills, and emergency preparedness activities.
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Coordinate with law enforcement, fire/EMS, and federal partners during high-profile events as needed.
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Maintain documentation of incidents and follow-up actions.
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Support credentialing, access permissions, and key control processes.
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Maintain a visible, calm, visitor-centered presence that reinforces TRPL’s mission.
Supervisory Assistance
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Provides day-to-day guidance, coaching, and shift leadership to in-house Protective Services Officers.
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Supports onboarding, training, and performance development in coordination with the Manager of Protective Services.
Education & Experience
Required:
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High school diploma or equivalent.
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3–5 years of experience in security, protective services, law enforcement, military service, emergency response, or a related field.
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Experience monitoring and operating security systems (CCTV, access control, alarm systems, radio communications).
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Demonstrated experience responding to incidents, emergencies, and public-facing safety situations.
Preferred:
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Experience working in a museum, cultural institution, park, or public-facing environment with high visitor engagement.
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Prior lead or shift-supervisory experience, especially in security or public safety settings.
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Training or certification in first aid/CPR/AED, incident command (ICS/NIMS), de-escalation, or conflict resolution.
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Experience supporting VIP or high-profile event security alongside law enforcement or federal partners.
Requirements
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Daily standing, walking, and patrols across both indoor and outdoor environments.
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Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and respond physically to emergencies or medical situations.
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Work in varied weather conditions, including rugged Badlands terrain.
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On-call availability and willingness to work evenings, weekends, and high-profile events.
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Full-time, onsite position in Medora, ND; must reside within 60 miles or within one hour of Medora
Benefits
Salary ranges between $60,000 to $70,000, commensurate with experience.
Employees receive discounts on food & beverage, retail purchases, and free museum tickets.
Full-time employees also earns 20 days of paid time off per year, 10 holidays per year, 100% paid health coverage including medical, dental, vision, life, short and long term disability benefits and your choice of medical flex spending accounts (HSA or FSA).
EEO Statement
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation (TRPLF) is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. TRPLF does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other reason prohibited by law as a provision of employment opportunities and benefits.
Reasonable Accommodation
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environment. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete your application, participate in an interview, or otherwise navigate our hiring process, please email careers at trlibrary.com. Our team will connect with you to explore the best way to support your experience.
