Munson Museum of Art seeks a dependable, team-oriented, and service-minded Lead Gallery Guard to help ensure that every visitor enjoys a safe, welcoming, and engaging museum experience. The Lead Gallery Guard plays a vital role in protecting the museum’s collection, supervising gallery staff, and fostering a positive atmosphere that reflects Munson’s commitment to community, creativity, and care. This position is ideal for someone who values both leadership and collaboration in a dynamic art environment.
Position Summary:
The Lead Gallery Guard ensures the daily protective services and activities necessary to ensure a safe and secure environment for the collection, visitors, staff, students and faculty. The Lead Gallery Guard acts as the floor supervisor for Gallery Guards or contractual guards, ensuring adequate staffing levels to protect Museum property and works of art from theft, vandalism and damage, responds to visitor and staff needs, responds to incidents/accidents, submits reports and performs initial and general training and evaluates performance of gallery guard staff.
Our Culture:
Munson is committed to community engagement and belonging. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of background, and welcome the unique perspectives and experiences they bring. If your skills and qualifications align with this opportunity, we invite you to apply to join our team. This position will model the values and culture of the organization to colleagues and the public by being welcoming, inclusive, and respectful and will value collaboration across the organization.
Essential Job Functions:
Collection Protection
Open and/or close the museum in the proscribed manner, actively supervises Gallery Guard staff and/or contractual guards, provides daily rotation for breaks/meal periods to ensure guards remain alert on post. Coordinates gallery guard schedule for adequate staffing levels for normal operating hours, special hours and events in Museum buildings. Work with curatorial and installation staff to ensure safety and security requirements are met during regular operating hours or at special non-operating hours.
Communications
Communicate in a professional and courteous manger with all staff and visitors, assist with inquiries and problem resolution, respond to emergencies and take appropriate action(s), investigate accidents/incidents and prepare appropriate reports adhering to reporting requirements. Review and submit reports generated by other guard staff as needed. Maintain communications with outside security guards and security dispatch office as protocol requires. Prepare and submit daily attendance reports for Museum and event attendance. Prepare and submit other reports as noted.
Training
Under the direction of the Campus Safety and Maintenance Director, provide initial training for new hires and on-going training as needed to ensure strict adherence to departmental and Institute policies and procedures, emergency response procedures and “Suggested Guidelines for Museum Security”. Attend training sessions as required.
Supervision
Act as floor supervisor for Gallery Guard staff, provide introductory and annual performance evaluations as required. Initiate first level of disciplinary action as needed and advise Campus Safety and Maintenance Director of personnel performance issues. Maintain time and attendance records per Institute policies. Monitor Gallery Guards to ensure they are properly equipped and uniforms are clean and correctly worn. Request new or additional equipment and uniforms as necessary.
Organizational & Communication Skills
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Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
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Excellent written and verbal communication
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Professional demeanor and collaborative approach in team environments
Other responsibilities
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May be asked to serve on Munson interdivisional employee committees
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Work evenings or weekends for special events
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Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Computer, Machine and Equipment Skills
Proficient in sending/receiving email, posting information to databases or spreadsheets, and performing basic word processing, and data entry tasks. Familiar with operating computers, printers, photocopiers, phone systems, fax machines, and scanners. Experienced with Microsoft programs. Must have advanced knowledge of computerized intrusion alarm, access control, and fire alarm and CCTV systems.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Required: Associates Degree or completed training and honorable service as a Police Officer, Peace Officer, Military Service or 3 years of security experience. Minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience in security, law enforcement, corrections, or military service.
NYS Security Guard License is required for this position.
Desired: Additional education or security related supervisory experience. Certification in the following areas: General Topics Security Instructor for New York; Certified Institutional Protection Specialist (IFCPP); Certified Institutional Security Supervisor (IFCPP); AED/CPR Basic First Aid Instructor
Physical & Environmental Requirements
Lifting Requirements: Must possess the ability to exert up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally, and up to 5 lbs. of force frequently. Weights over 50 lbs. should only be moved with assistance.
Mental and Visual Demands
Close mental and visual attention required to perform work dealing primarily with the safety of visitors, staff, faculty, students and visitors. Using general office and computer equipment and/or extensive reading.
Environmental Conditions
Work is performed in an internal environment. Occasional seasonal events may require work in an outdoor setting.
This full time position offers a Tuesday through Saturday schedule. The hours are 8:30 am through 5 pm for a 40 hour work week.
The final candidate will be required to complete a post-offer, pre-employment background check.
Munson is an equal opportunity employer.
