Department

ISAC: Visitor Services & Security

About the Department

The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures was founded in 1919 by James Henry Breasted with the financial support of John D. Rockefeller Jr., and was originally envisaged as a research laboratory for the investigation of the early human career that would trace humankind’s progress from the most ancient days of West Asia and North Africa. The goal of the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is to be the world’s leading center for the study of the ancient civilizations of West Asia and North Africa by combining innovation in theory, methodology, and significant empirical discovery with the highest standards of rigorous scholarship.

The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum was opened to the public in 1931. The majority of ISAC's collections are from its expeditions in West Asia and North Africa during the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. A major reinstallation of the Museum, including the construction of a climate-controlled wing for housing collections and archives, took place in the 1990s and early 2000s. A complete renovation of the Museum was completed in 2019 in celebration of ISAC's centennial. The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is a unit within the University of Chicago and the name of the corporation is 'The University of Chicago.' The corporation was originally incorporated on September 10, 1890.

Job Summary

The ISAC Assistant Security Officer is the face of the Institute and ensures to make a good first impression on visitors. The employee will perform a supporting role to the Visitor Services & Security Manager in administrative and security tasks that will require coordination and execution. Logistical and operational goals will be the main activities enforced for the security of the Institute.

The Assistant Security Officer will also be in an interim security manager position when needed. Tasks include, but are not limited to monitoring the premises, welcoming guests, coordinate scheduled events. The Assistant Security Officer has a good communication skillset due to interacting with various audiences, employees, and vendors daily. The position reports to the Visitor Services & Security Manager, but will be relied upon personally for the protection, safeguarding and security of personnel, customers, guests, visitors, and other people and property on ISAC grounds.

The person will have prior experience in security, with a quick reaction time in the detection of any suspicious or criminal behavior, and prevention of theft or vandalism.

Responsibilities

Monitors security technology including cameras and electronic door systems.

Coordinates with Security Manager on authoring and execution of new security and safety policies regarding the Institute.

Tracks recording of controlled inventory.

Ensures that security team follows security and privacy laws and standards.

Data collection and analysis of museum visitor patterns to coordinate with security manager, communication, and marketing department, and museum department.

Supports security training sessions.

Maintains accountability in all aspects of daily safety and security activities in accordance with scheduling and events.

Maintains open lines of communication with all department Associate Directors to ensure a reactive daily management of the premises.

In the absence of Security manager, assumes the role of Head of Security at the Institute.

Responsible for entire building when closed to public and staff.

Responsible for safety of museum visitors and security of museum holdings.

Respond immediately to distress calls, panic alarms, and emergency calls for disorderly conduct, disruptive persons, and incidents swiftly and appropriately.

Responds to building emergencies and fills in at security desk as needed.

Provides operational support, including security monitoring and identification checks at designated entrances and areas, ensuring compliance with internal policies and procedures.

Completes incident reports and makes appropriate notifications to the proper parties, completing work with a limited degree of supervision.

Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

Proven experience as security officer/guard in organizations with visiting public.

Preferred Competencies

Demonstrated capacity to work independently in an organized, detailed manner.

Ability to use independent judgment to appropriately manage and escalate workplace events in accordance with organizational guidelines.

Knowledge of basic recordkeeping and Microsoft Office (especially Microsoft Word and Excel).

Good organizational skills and multitasking abilities with independent problem-solving skills.

Experience with fire safety panels.

Familiarity with intrusion systems.

Familiarity with operating CCTV software.

Experience with Mac and PC environments.

Working Conditions

This position will require extensive standing and walking throughout the facility, and for extended periods.

Application Documents

Resume (required)

Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Police & Security

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

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FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

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Pay Range

$20.00 - $25.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.