Library Security Guard

Job listing expires on July 26, 2026

The Library Security Guard patrols library facilities, responds to security incidents, and prevents security issues to ensure the safety and security of library staff, the public, facilities, and assets throughout the Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) system.

Security Patrol:

• Patrol and monitor library facilities to identify, prevent, and respond to violations of the library’s code of conduct, policies, and procedures.
• Evaluate security issues of library staff, volunteers, patrons, and property, taking appropriate preventative and protective actions.
• Explain rules and procedures to library visitors, soliciting cooperation and compliance.
• Investigate and handle disturbances, collaborating with police and law enforcement as needed.
• Enforce exclusion policies, including banning patrons violating the MPL Code of Conduct.
• Perform crowd control duties for special events.
• Provide security support for after hours and special events held on MPL property.
• Obtain, record, and maintain necessary documentation, records, and reports.
• Operate security and property specific programs.
• Serve as liaison between library staff, police agencies and personnel, contracted security personnel, and the public.
• Appear in court to testify and provide evidence in legal matters when required.
• Serve as MPL Security Investigator backup.

• Respond to medical emergencies.
• Lead building emergency and evacuation response efforts.

• Identify and report security and safety conditions and concerns.
• Identify and recommend property loss and damage prevention procedures and methodologies.
• Partner with library staff to identify and resolve security problems.
• Inform the Safety and Security Manager of security issues and activities.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

• Work rotating hours, including some weekends and evenings, and accept calls during off-hours.
• Work a 5 days per week, 40 hours per week schedule.
• Provide emergency support as needed to all 13 Milwaukee Public Library locations.
• Occasionally provide security support for after-hours and special events held on MPL property.
• Perform physical work that includes standing, walking, crouching, kneeling, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
• Lift items weighing 10-20 pounds and occasionally exert force to move items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Work on occasion in facilities without temperature regulation such as covered loading docks and garages or while performing external building tours.
• One year of full-time security experience related to the essential functions listed above, including highly visible and sensitive public contact, conflict resolution and problem-solving, and responding to critical incidents in an occupational setting.
• Valid driver’s license at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

NOTICE:
Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

• Associate degree in criminal justice or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Experience in comparable security occupations.
• Bilingual in Spanish or Hmong.

• Knowledge of security monitoring, intervention, and case management best practices.
• Knowledge of the principles and best practices of interviewing, de-escalation, and conflict resolution.
• Competence in unarmed self-defense and suspect restraint methods; ability to train security personnel in use of non-lethal defensive tactics.
• Ability to efficiently utilize surveillance and communication equipment, including a two-way radio.
• Ability to remain observant of surroundings at all times.
• Ability to learn specialized computer security software, reporting tools, and internal electronic files and databases.
• Proficient in basic computer skills including the use of Microsoft Office Suite.

• Verbal communication and customer service skills to share information clearly and courteously with internal and external customers.
• Written communication skills to prepare clear and concise business correspondence and reports, using correct grammatical and punctuation conventions.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with library staff, contracted security guards, library patrons and visitors, elected officials, other City staff, community partners, and outside agencies.
• Ability to foster an environment of inclusion wherein all are treated…