Security Associate

About the California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is a globally renowned scientific and cultural institution located in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Home to a world-class planetarium, aquarium, research center, and natural history museum—all under one living roof—our mission is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.

Our extensive collections span plants, animals, fossils, and cultural artifacts from across the globe and throughout history. We are a diverse team of leading biodiversity scientists, educators, storytellers, designers, and communicators who work collaboratively to advance knowledge and inspire action through science and storytelling.

When you join the California Academy of Sciences, you become part of a mission-driven community that values curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. Whether you're working behind the scenes in research or engaging the public on the museum floor, your work will help connect people to the natural world and empower them to protect it.

About the Opportunity

This Security Officer position heavily emphasizes guest interaction and customer service. The Security Officer reports to a Security Shift Supervisor and provides security, safety, and guest services in public and non-public areas of the Academy. The position requires good observation, discretion, professional writing, speaking, and public relations skills. The physical ability to stand at indoor and outdoor posts, operate doors, and climb stairs is required. Ideal candidates must be available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays, the California Academy of Sciences is open to the public 365 days a year.

Organizational Culture
Join a team dedicated to the Academy’s mission, vision and values! Currently, the Academy has a new strategic plan including three initiatives – Hope for Reefs, Thriving California, and Islands 2030 – that leverage biodiversity science, environmental learning, and collaborative engagement to regenerate fragile ecosystems around the world. Learn more at https://www.calacademy.org/about-us/major-initiatives.

We hope you are inspired by what we do and are excited to contribute to our mission. The mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. The Academy is looking for candidates who do great work, and we know they may come from a number of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every qualification for the position.

This position is based in San Francisco, California. Staff are currently expected to work from the Academy offices at least 2-3 times per week, which may fluctuate based on business needs. Please do not apply if you are not able to work onsite. 

About the Security Department:
The California Academy of Sciences Security Department operates 24/7, 365 days a year. The Academy is located in Golden Gate Park, between the De Young Museum, Conservatory of Flowers, and Japanese Tea Gardens. The department highly emphasizes teamwork, communication, and a can-do attitude. The department provides security, safety, and guest services in public and non-public areas of the Academy, including our collection spaces off the public floor. We operate under regular museum hours and a primary function of the Academy's day to day operations, Thursday NightLife event for 21+ and all private events held at the Museum. We pride ourselves on executing the Academy’s Platinum Guest Experience by seeking out guest contact, welcoming guests, proactively asking guests if they need assistance, and providing information and suggestions to guests. 

Key Responsibilities

Qualifications: A successful candidate will have the following:

Provide for the safety and security of guests, staff, and visitors of the Academy through keen observation and proper reporting

• Provide for the security and protection of Academy property, including animals, exhibits, facilities, and assets, through keen observation and reporting
• Deliver the Academy’s Platinum Guest Experience by seeking out guest contact, welcoming guests, proactively asking guests if they need assistance, and providing information and suggestions to guests
• Interact with the public about the Academy’s mission, programs, and exhibits 
• Interact with Academy employees, volunteers, contractors, and other business visitors regarding security and safety procedures
• Respond with a first aid kit and perform basic first aid and CPR. Operate an AED and administer emergency oxygen 
• Enforce the Academy’s access control policies
• Provide building security, door security, the opening and closing of public and non-public areas, and conducting building rounds 
• Verify and record the identification and clearance of staff and visitors entering the Academy facility
• Interview individuals and prepare incident reports using a computerized records system
• Assist in the general upkeep and maintenance of the facility 
• Be willing and able to work shifts at varied times as needed 
• Be able to communicate clearly via a handheld radio device, including speaking and listening to routine and emergency communications
• Respond to emergencies and assist in directing crowds in evacuations
• Use a computer for incident reporting, visitor management, correspondence, and training 
• Knowing and following all Academy safety regulations
• Other duties as assigned 

Experience and/or Education:
A qualified candidate will possess a combination of the following education and/or equivalent experience: 

• High school diploma or equivalent 
• Be able to obtain certifications in Basic First Aid, CPR, AED, and Emergency Oxygen
• Be able to obtain and maintain a California Guard Card
• Be able to obtain CIPS certification issued by the IFCPP
• Customer service or guest-facing experience is a plus

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Ability to interact well with Academy guests, staff, volunteers, and visitors 
• Ability to work well with a team
• Ability to listen to accept feedback gracefully and integrate it
• Ability to keenly observe and accurately report irregularities 
• Ability to take appropriate action in emergency situations
• Ability to attend and successfully complete regular training in guest interaction, security officer policies and procedures, first aid, emergency response procedures, and other training as required by Academy policy 
• Basic computer skills
• Communicate via two-way radio

Physical Environment:

The physical demands and work environment described here represent those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Employees of this position are frequently required to: 

• Stand at a post for long periods of time 
• Patrol the main floor 
• Conduct building rounds 
• Sit at a post 
• Be posted outdoors while exposed to various weather conditions
• Reach out with hands and arms
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds
• Must be able to perform repetitive motions 10% of the time

Compensation and Benefits:
The hourly rate for this position is $25.00. Actual compensation will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications and aligned with the internal peer group. We believe in fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to providing competitive salaries within the industry and market standards. The Academy offers a total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and comprehensive benefits based on the hours per week worked. Further details regarding compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.

Schedule: Seasonal, on-call position with the possibility of extension or reevaluation at the end of the season.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and application through our Careers Page portal.

The California Academy of Sciences will give full consideration for employment to all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).