Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Position Description

Position Title: Security Guard

Department: Safety & Security

Supervisor: Safety & Security Manager, Environmental Health & Safety Director

Position Status: Full-time, Nonexempt

Why Work with Us:

At Nashville Zoo, we care for our team as much as we care for our animals. Full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their health, well-being, and future.

Comprehensive healthcare coverage – including medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – confidential support services for mental, emotional, and financial well-being.
401(k) retirement plan with company matching – helping you build a secure future while you make a meaningful impact today.
Generous paid time off and sick leave – because rest and recovery are vital.
Exclusive zoo perks – enjoy discounts on park experiences, retail, and food services, plus complimentary membership benefits.
A collaborative and inclusive culture – be part of a diverse team where your voice matters, your growth is nurtured, and collaboration thrives across all departments.
AZA-accredited facility – Nashville Zoo is committed to top-tier animal care, ethics and global conservation efforts.

Position Description:

The Security Guard is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment throughout Nashville Zoo and park grounds for guests, staff, volunteers, and animals. This position conducts routine patrols during assigned shifts to identify and respond to security, safety, and operational concerns, while providing excellent guest service and support.

The Security Guard is responsible for safeguarding zoo property, facilities, equipment, and other organizational assets. This role also communicates and coordinates responses to severe weather events and actively participates in emergency preparedness, response, and evacuation procedures in accordance with established zoo protocols.

Additional responsibilities include directing and coordinating guest parking operations as needed, responding to incidents and emergencies, and assisting with crowd management during special events and peak attendance periods.

Security Guards work a variety of shifts to support 24-hour operations, including days, evenings, overnight shifts, weekends, holidays, and special events, as assigned.

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

Conduct routine security patrols throughout the zoo and park grounds during assigned shifts to maintain a safe and secure environment for guests, staff, volunteers, and animals.
Identify, investigate, and respond to security, safety, and operational incidents, and promptly report findings to the appropriate supervisor.
Monitor weather conditions and communicate severe weather alerts, warnings, and response procedures to staff and guests in accordance with established emergency protocols.
Inspect, monitor, and report issues related to security systems, equipment, and safety devices to help ensure proper functionality and operational readiness.
Assist with parking operations by directing vehicle traffic, coordinating parking staff activities, and supporting the safe and efficient flow of guests entering and exiting the property.
Utilize effective communication and conflict de-escalation techniques to manage difficult situations, resolve concerns, and maintain a positive guest experience.
Prepare and maintain accurate daily activity logs, incident reports, and other required documentation in a timely manner.
Respond appropriately to emergencies, disturbances, medical incidents, and other situations requiring security intervention.
Provide courteous and professional customer service while assisting guests and addressing questions, concerns, or requests for assistance.
Support zoo emergency preparedness initiatives and participate in training exercises, drills, and emergency response activities.
Demonstrate a daily commitment to Nashville Zoo’s mission and values.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

Skills:

Strong customer service skills with a commitment to creating a positive experience for guests, including children, while representing Nashville Zoo professionally.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Strong conflict resolution and de-escalation skills.
Sound judgment and the capacity to remain calm and professional during emergencies or high-pressure situations.
Self-motivated and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to self-direct tasks while ensuring safety and productivity.
Strong observation, situational awareness, and problem-solving skills.
Accurate and timely completion of daily logs, incident reports, and other required documentation.
Professional demeanor with a commitment to maintaining organizational standards, integrity, and confidentiality.
Experience working collaboratively with diverse groups of guests, staff, volunteers, and external partners.
Basic proficiency with computers, mobile devices, and radio communications.
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.

Education/ Experience/ Licensure:

Must be at lease 18 years of age.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Required to hold a current State of TN Guard Certification with Dallas Law endorsement.
Minimum (2) years of experience working in the Security field
Required to have and maintain a valid driver's license.

Physical Responsibilities:

Work is performed primarily outdoors and requires regular exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, and humidity.
Stand, walk, and patrol zoo grounds for extended periods during assigned shifts.
Frequently bend, stoop, kneel, reach, climb, and perform other physical movements necessary to carry out job duties.
Lift, carry, push, and pull materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Safely operate zoo-owned vehicles and respond to incidents and emergencies throughout the property as needed.

Work Schedule and Availability:

Full-time employees typically work 38 to 40 hours per week.
This position requires flexibility in scheduling based on operational needs.
Employees must be available to work a variety of shifts, including weekdays, evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.
Additional hours may be required to support emergencies, severe weather response, or other operational requirements.

Pre-employment requirements:

Nashville Zoo is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and maintains a Drug-Free Workplace.

Employment is at-will and subject to the successful completion of all pre-employment screening requirements, including:

Criminal background check
Drug screening
Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review with satisfactory results

In addition, employees in this position are required to participate in annual Tuberculosis (TB) screenings as a condition of employment.

Pay Range

$17.31—$17.81 USD

Nashville Zoo

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