Security Officer - Resource

Security Officer

Exemption Status:
Non-Exempt

Department:
Security

Reports to:

Supervisor, Security

Resource, scheduled varies as needed, approximately 9 months

Resource employees of the Chicago Botanic Garden are eligible for the following benefits:

• Wellness initiative benefit, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Retirement plan
• Garden membership - free to employees at Household Plus level
• Discounts to Garden Shop, Cafe, Garden-sponsored educational classes
• Employee events such as Orchid show, Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns, Lightscape employee & friends preview night

Compensation Philosophy:

At the Chicago Botanic Garden, our compensation philosophy is rooted in our core values:
Growth, Understanding, Resilience, and Trust through Transparency. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and appreciated.

Our objective is to create compensation and growth opportunities for our employees that are highly competitive, internally equitable and transparent. The foundation of our efforts is a straightforward approach that can be easily communicated by managers with defined pay ranges for all positions. When posting job openings, we share the minimum salary up to the budgeted amount.

The starting salary for new staff members is determined by considering the salary range assigned to the position and by reviewing the candidate's qualifications for the job as compared with job responsibilities. Prior work experience should be considered in determining the salary offer, provided that it is relevant to the job. Additional factors such as secondary language proficiency or advanced degrees that enhance performance may also be considered.

A candidate's salary may exceed the minimum amount based on factors such as experience, additional skills (e.g., secondary language proficiency), or pertinent degrees that enhance the individual's contribution to the role but are not required. Opportunities for increased compensation are provided through referral bonuses, shift differentials, Thank You Pay, promotions, and periodic pay increases based on the Garden's overall performance and financial budgets.

Our total compensation and benefits package is people centric. We prioritize employee wellness across three pillars: physical, mental, and financial. Our goal is to offer innovative total rewards that support continuous professional growth, personal development, and provide the flexibility needed to balance personal and professional commitments.

Position Overview:

A Security Officer at the Chicago Botanic Garden serves the visitors, members, and staff by maintaining the safety and security of the property, personnel, and collections of the Chicago Botanic Garden. This is accomplished through a combination of driving patrols, foot patrols, emergency response, standing guard duty, observation, reporting, and working closely with local law enforcement and emergency response personnel. Coverage to work as needed, typically 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain the safety of visitors, employees, and property at the Garden while enforcing Garden rules and regulations.
• Provide information and assistance to the visitor in a pleasant, professional manner.
• Work closely with Visitor Services to provide the best information and service for the visitor.
• Maintain valid certification in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), the use of AEDs, and Standard First Aid through Garden-provided training.
• Provide emergency first aid to employees and visitors.
• Prepare accurate and clear reports of accidents, illness, theft, vandalism, or any other unusual occurrences with immediate notification to Security Management.
• Perform responsibilities specific to each post as assigned:
  Gatehouse, West Gate, Dundee Gate, Education Center, Front of Gateway, Information Desk, Japanese Garden, Evening Island, Fruit & Vegetable Garden, etc.
• Perform patrols including all buildings, islands, gardens, and other Garden property. Control traffic whenever needed.
• Make appropriate Security Department vehicle operating and safety checks.
• Pick up and deliver people and materials as needed.
• Assist Security Management in other areas as directed.

Qualifications

• At least one year of security or similar experience preferred
• High School diploma or equivalent
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to successfully complete First Aid and CPR training
• Valid driver's license insurable by the Chicago Horticultural Society
• In addition to English, ability to speak and understand one or more other languages preferred
• Ability to use computers/email proficiently

Physical Demands:

Ability to lift and carry 25 pounds. Frequent driving, walking, standing. Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Why Apply?

Come work in a setting that is like no other as you support our mission:
We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. Take the first step toward being one of the employees who make the Garden one of the treasures of the Forest…