Role of the Public Safety Officer at the Philadelphia Zoo

The Public Safety Officer at the Philadelphia Zoo will have a range of responsibilities focused on fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all staff, visitors, and vendors at the while on-site. This is an hourly position, with a schedule designed to align with the Zoo’s operational and safety needs. Additionally, the Public Safety Officer will comply with all Zoo policies, departmental regulations, and applicable state and local laws, ensuring consistency with both departmental and Zoo standards.

Essential Job Functions

Reasonable Accommodations Statement: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Essential Job Functions

• Primarily assigned to Gate H (Communication Center), which is responsible for Zoo-wide functions such as relay communications, emergency summon activations, incident entry into ALLY CAD, monitoring all zoo-wide camera systems, access control, and others as assigned.

• Partner with the Logistics Specialist to create and maintain all badge access control requests.

• When assigned, supervise the patrol of Zoo-owned property, either day or night, acting as a visible deterrent to crime and providing a reassuring presence for guests, staff, and vendors.

• When filling in for the Supervisors, manage front-line supervisory responsibilities, including report writing, responding to service calls, overseeing subordinate officers, other duties as assigned.

• Diligently enforce Zoo policies and procedures.

• Serve as a primary responder during an Animal Recapture Incident or Incident Command Activation.

• Provide escorts to and from the campus upon request when assigned.

• Efficiently handle multiple incidents utilizing a priority call reporting system, managing the summon function for site-wide communication during emergencies.

• Respond to and address both major and minor medical emergencies, drawing on training and experience.

• Work with a Logistics Specialist to evaluate staffing requirements for shifts based on guest expectations.

• Duties will be allocated according to the operational needs of the department and the Zoo on a daily or nightly basis.

• Other duties as assigned.

Experience/Qualifications

• Keep all current certifications up to date.

• Ensure that all existing ICS (FEMA) certifications are maintained.

• Have prior experience in public safety, security, or police training.

• Possess a strong understanding of all Public Safety systems, including CCTV, Access Control, Evolv, Ally CAD, Report It, Relay, and any others as identified.

• Complete all responsibilities associated with the recapture team and be available to serve as a Recapture Team member.

• Be able to obtain ACT 235 Certification or possess an active ACT 235 Certification.

Knowledge, Skills and Ability Requirements:

• Effective organizational skills and two-way communication skills.

• Ability to collaborate and work within a team.

• Ability to work independently,

• Ability to prioritize, make decisions and problem solve.

• Ability to give and receive feedback.

• Willingness to continuous learn and participate in professional development opportunities.

• High emotional intelligence.

• Ability to remain curious or seek appropriate ways to solve problems; unquestionable integrity.

• Ability to problem solve and identify solutions based on job role.

zoological society of PH

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