Lead Security Officer

Job Title:  Lead Security Officer

Department: Security

Reports To: Head of Safety/Security

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Last Revised: June 14, 2024

White Oak conserves and sustains some of the earth's rarest wild animals through innovative training, research, education, and conservation breeding programs that contribute to the survival of wildlife in nature.  The conservation programs span 600 acres along the St. Mary’s River in northeast Florida, surrounded by 17,000 acres of mixed forest and wetlands that make up the beautiful White Oak property.  Founded in 1982, White Oak leads professional efforts to improve veterinary care, develop holistic animal management techniques, and better understand the biology of critically endangered species by providing excellent care and managing conservation programs for over 30 species of imperiled wildlife in large, naturalistic habitats.     

Position Purpose

Responsible for the safety and security of White Oak’s owners, guests, staff, collection, and property.

Responsibilities and Tasks

The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include the following. Other duties may be assigned, and some duties may be shared with other personnel, or may not be assigned at all:

    • Enforce all company policies and procedures and report all violations to Head of Security.

  • Acts as a Dispatcher during emergency situations, and coordinates solutions to same; informs outside agencies of any unusual or suspicious situations on property.

   • Generates necessary written reports regarding security-related incidents involving guests, associate and/or the facility. 

    • Maintains a working knowledge of White Oak’s facilities, as well as special events on property, in order to advise guests and staff of same, whenever possible. 

     • Assist Head of Security in monitoring control of department assets, such as fire/safety supplies,  patrol/rover truck, and ensure they are properly maintained.

     • Safety: Assist the Head of Security/Safety in conducting property safety inspections relating to hazards and OSHA standards. Coordinate fire safety related inspections including alarm systems, fire extinguishers and hood suppression systems.

•                     Safety:  Assist the Head of Security/Safety with conducting various safety courses for White Oak employees

•                     Safety:  Maintain safety course data, including courses conducted and department attendees

•                     Assist with conducting orientation for White Oak new hire employees

•                     Inventory and maintain hurricane panels for security and Human Resources.

•                     Assist Head of Security in maintaining HAZMAT control, inventory, inspections and reporting.

•                     Work and/or ensure efficient Front Gate operations, including proper communications at all times with the                       rover  and monitoring of the base station radio.

•                     When working the Front Gate, provide access control, monitor alarm systems, and provide coordination for                      emergency response/casualty control when necessary.

•            When working at the Front Gate, monitor CCTV of back gate and operate gate remotely as required.

•                     When functioning as a patrol/roving officer, conduct patrols, security checks and various tasks assigned to that               position with a sense of urgency and detail.

 •           Coordinate and manage communications with Guest Relations and other departments to ensure guests’                         needs are met.

 •           Maintain inventory and control of property keys and assigned equipment.

 •           Performs as a Roving/Mobile Patrol Officer to include security visibility, building and other property                                   checks/observations, escorting guests, vendors and emergency vehicles, conducting investigations relating to               accidents, suspicious or illegal activities.

  •           As a Rover/Mobile Patrol Officer - Responds to emergency situations and acts accordingly as directed by                       emergency protocols for Security.

  •           Data entry for departmental logs and incident reports, monitor email, guest relations calendar,                                         arrival/departure schedules and Internet to maintain updated information as needed.

  •           Ensure that weather and traffic conditions are monitored, and any severe weather warnings are announced to               all personnel.

 •           May perform as an airport driver, shuttle driver if needed.

 •           Participate on White Oak’s Safety committee.

 •           Ensure safe and engaging experience for WO owners and guests. 

 •           Provide accurate and timely progress reports for related areas of responsibility.

 •           Perform other duties that are not specifically identified above, but are required to provide a safe, clean, healthy               and enjoyable environment WO owners and guests.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises all Security officers. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with White Oak policies, and all applicable state and federal laws.

Supervisory responsibilities include training new employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising, assisting with the documentation and evaluation of officer work performance; recognizing and commending good work performance; disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving personnel issues,

Preferred Qualification Requirements

•                      Three years of experience in a Security environment, which may include security or law enforcement                                education.

•                      Two years supervisory experience.

•                      Advanced computer software skills required, including Microsoft Excel.

•                      Adequate knowledge of personalized services, principles and processes.

•                      Excellent problem resolution skills along with outstanding communication and active listening skills.

•                      Excellent guest and employee relations skills.

•                      Highly responsible and reliable with a professional presentation

Special Working Conditions

Must be able to work all assigned shifts (days and nights as assigned). There is a .6% differential added to the hourly wage for night shift.  Must be able to work weekends, and holidays. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds regularly. Must have valid driver’s license. Shifts are twelve hours in length but may vary.

White Oak Conservation is committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are welcome, and to nurturing a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law