General purpose

Essential accountabilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee daily security operations, ensuring consistent presence and professionalism from all team members.
• Maintain strong communication with the Director of Environmental Health and Safety regarding ongoing incidents, staffing, and operational needs.
• Proactively identify and resolve safety and security issues before escalating.
• Ensure consistent adherence to FCZC rules, emergency response protocols, and professional conduct standards.
• Serve as the on-site Incident Commander (IC) during emergencies or as delegated by the Director.
• Coordinate with outside agencies (law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) when required.
• Conduct and document routine inspections of safety and security systems, including gates, locks, radios, vehicles, and emergency kits.
• Ensure all weapons are handled, stored, and utilized in accordance with established safety protocols and organizational policies, maintaining strict adherence to safe weapons management practices, and assist with the coordination of weapons training to designated staff.
• Handle and maintain assigned weapons in accordance with established zoo protocols and participate in all required weapons drills to ensure readiness and compliance with safety standards.
• Safely operate a vehicle for business purposes, including but not limited to going to and from the zoo’s facilities and offsite.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support the team and organizational goals.

Team Supervision & Development

• Provide daily oversight, direction, and coaching to Zoo Rangers, ensuring consistent performance and accountability.
• Foster a culture of responsibility, teamwork, and clear communication across all shifts.
• Conduct performance check-ins and communicate concerns promptly to the Director.
• Train, mentor, and guide staff on guest engagement, emergency response, and workplace safety practices.
• Encourage initiatives and problem-solving among staff to support a proactive safety culture.

Guest Safety & Response

• Provide professional and empathetic first aid and emergency response to guests and staff.
• Maintain awareness of all incidents and ensure accurate, timely documentation in the incident reporting system.
• Assist in investigations of accidents, injuries, or security incidents and implement corrective actions as directed.
• Maintain regular communication with other Zoo departments to support events, animal operations, and emergency drills.
• Always represent the Safety & Security department with professionalism and integrity.

Administrative & Reporting

• Prepare accurate, concise reports and data summaries for inspections, audits, and shift activity.
• Support continuous improvement efforts through evaluation of procedures, response quality, and team feedback.
• Maintains flexibility, reliability, and initiative when adapting to changing operational priorities and organizational needs.

Management Accountabilities

• Customarily and regularly exercises discretion and independent judgement during the workday. Actively demonstrates leadership through actions, reactions, decisions, and professional demeanor. Practices solution-based problem solving and learns from mistakes. Works with the team to find solutions and asks for help when you need it.
• Reports to meetings and activities fully present, prepared and punctual. Thoughtfully and respectfully prioritizes other’s time. Respond to emails and other communications in a timely manner. All written communication contains professional and proper language. Demonstrates follow through and is accountable for the management of the team.
• Manages payroll timekeeping for direct reports and oversees the implementation of wage and hour regulations for direct reports.
• Accountable for ensuring all direct reports submit any required training, documents, or other deliverables on time.
• Willingly engages the team and other Zoo staff and proves to be an inspirational leader. Actively create connections that encourage open and honest communication with all.
• Remains accessible to the Zoo staff by cell phone. Uses professional courtesy and only call/texts on day off in the event of an emergency.
• Provides regular performance feedback to reporting staff. Completes timely and appropriate written evaluations that highlight strengths and areas for improvement.

Education and job Qualifications

• Possession of an associate degree in a related field to Safety or Security is preferred.
• Minimum two (2) years of work experience in security or safety operations required.
• Minimum three (3) years of work experience in a supervisory or leadership roles, preferably within a public environment, is preferred.
• Basic Life Support (BLS), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED), or First Aid certification preferred.
• Must obtain CPR Trainer Certification within 6 months of employment.
• California driver's license, valid vehicle insurance, enrolled in the CA Employer Pull Notice program, and successful completion of the FCZ Drivers Training Program required.
• Minimum of two (2) years previous work experience using Microsoft Office and incident reporting software required.  
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed.  Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position.  Upon request for reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.  

• Must be able to walk and stand for the entirety of the 8-hour shift.
• Regularly lift and carry up to 25 - 50 lbs. 
• Bending, stooping, kneeling, and climbing are required frequently (2.5 - 5 hours during a standard 8-hour shift) to inspect facilities and assist in emergencies.
• Must possess adequate hearing and speech to communicate clearly via radio, phone, or in-person during emergency or high-noise conditions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position functions both indoors and outdoors, with possible exposure to heat, cold, inclement weather, Zoo environments and external events
• The employee may be exposed to environmental substances such as dust/dirt from Zoo grounds.
• The position may work in close proximity to Zoo animals.
• Regular local travel and occasional out-of-town travel may be required.
• Ability to work overtime, evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.