What are the responsibilities and job description for the Security Operations Manager position at San Antonio Zoo?
Security Operations Manager
Collaborate with a passionate Zoo Crew in San Antonio
Choosing where to grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the place you choose to work at will support and guide you. With a diversity of passionate people, San Antonio Zoo is a place where you can collaborate with others securing a future for wildlife.
The Impact You’ll Make in this Role
The Security Manager oversees the 24/7 security operation, ensuring coverage, incident response, and policy enforcement while leading and supervising Security Group Assistant Managers. This role manages security scheduling, optimizes coverage, and ensures compliance with labor laws. The Security Manager is responsible for maintaining security systems, including surveillance, access control, alarms, and emergency communication, as well as overseeing the zoo’s radio communication system. Additionally, they develop post orders, enforce policies, conduct internal security training, and provide external security awareness training for zoo staff and stakeholders. The Security Manager also manages security logistics, represents the Zoo for security licensing compliance, and supports the Director of Security in implementing the Emergency Response Plan.
As a Security Operations Manager, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people in San Antonio. Here, you will make an impact by:
- 24/7 Security Operations Management – Serve as the primary manager for all security operations, ensuring coverage, incident response, and policy enforcement always.
- Leadership & Supervision – Lead, mentor, and manage Security Group Assistant Managers, ensuring accountability and effectiveness in their respective areas.
- Duty Schedule Management – Oversee scheduling for all security personnel, ensuring adequate coverage while managing overtime and staffing levels efficiently and in compliance with applicable laws.
- Security Systems Management – Maintain operational integrity of all security systems, including surveillance cameras, access control systems, building alarms, duress alarms, weather monitoring systems, and emergency communication systems, ensuring repair and maintenance needs are met promptly and within the assigned budget.
- Company Representative for Security Licensing – Act as the official representative for the Zoo’s security license, ensuring compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
- Zoo Radio System Management – Oversee the operation, repair, and maintenance of all zoo communication radios, ensuring reliable functionality and effective communication across departments within the assigned budget.
- Post Order Development & Management – Create, update, and maintain comprehensive post orders for all security duty positions, ensuring clarity in responsibilities and procedures.
- Policy Compliance & Enforcement – Ensure all security group personnel understand and follow company and departmental policies, employee handbook, standard operating procedures, and post orders.
- Internal Security Training Program – Develop and implement training programs for all security personnel, ensuring competency in operational procedures, emergency response, and site-specific protocols. Train security staff to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and customer service, ensuring positive and effective interactions with guests during security incidents.
- External Security Awareness Training – Develop and conduct security awareness training for zoo staff and stakeholders to enhance overall security literacy and emergency preparedness.
- Security Group Supply & Logistics – Oversee procurement, inventory management, and distribution of security-related equipment, uniforms, and supplies to ensure operational readiness.
- Emergency Response Plan Support – Assist the Director of Security in managing, updating, and implementing the Zoo’s Emergency Response Plan, ensuring Zoo personnel are trained and prepared for various emergency scenarios.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
Your Skills and Expertise
To set you up for success in this role from day one, the San Antonio Zoo recommends the following skills/qualifications:
- Minimum of six years of experience in security-related work.
- At least four years of security management experience, preferably in a high-traffic public environment.
- Texas Private Security License required.
- Certification in first aid, CPR, and AED required; instructor certification is desirable.
- Ability to calmly and accurately report emergencies, ensuring clear communication with emergency personnel and Zoo stakeholders.
- Ability to effectively manage public interactions while remaining calm and professional in all situations.
- Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or a related field preferred.
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, and after-hour assignments.
- Must be 18 years of age or older with a clean driving record for vehicle operation.
- Valid Class ‘C’ Texas Driver’s License required or the ability to obtain one within 45 days of employment if licensed in another state.
- Ability to safely operate light motor vehicles.
- Ability to speak English and write detailed and accurate incident reports, ensuring clarity, completeness, and compliance with security and legal standards.
The San Antonio Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. San Antonio Zoo will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.