Security Operations Coordinator

Exemption Status: Non-exempt

Department: Security

Reports to: Manager, Security with a dotted line to Associate Vice President, Visitor Experience

Year-Round Full-time

Year-Round Full-time employees of the Chicago Botanic Garden are eligible for the following Benefits:

• 2025 Chicago Botanic Garden Benefit Guide - Year-Round Full-time

Compensation Philosophy:

At the Chicago Botanic Garden, our compensation philosophy is rooted in our core values: Growth, Understanding, Resilience, and Trust through Transparency. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and appreciated.

The starting salary for new staff members is determined by considering the salary range assigned to the position and by reviewing the candidate's qualifications for the job as compared with job responsibilities. Prior work experience should be considered in determining the salary offer, provided that it is relevant to the job. Additional factors such as secondary language proficiency or advanced degrees that enhance performance may also be considered. A candidate's salary may exceed the minimum amount based on factors such as experience, additional skills (e.g., secondary language proficiency), or pertinent degrees that enhance the individual's contribution to the role but are not required. Opportunities for increased compensation are provided through referral bonuses, shift differentials, Thank You Pay, promotions, and periodic pay increases based on the Garden's overall performance and financial budgets.

Our total compensation and benefits package is people centric. We prioritize employee wellness across three pillars: physical, mental, and financial. Our goal is to offer innovative total rewards that support continuous professional growth, personal development, and provide the flexibility needed to balance personal and professional commitments.

Position Overview:

The Security Operations Coordinator at the Chicago Botanic Garden serves the visitors, members, and staff by maintaining the safety and security of the property, personnel, and collections of the Chicago Botanic Garden. This is accomplished through overseeing and coordinating security staff, managing reports and information, and working closely with local law enforcement and emergency response personnel.

Responsibilities

In this role you will be responsible for the following:

• Provide support for Security department on all three shifts in their responsibility to enforce Garden rules and regulations, assuring safety of staff, visitors, and property.
• Attend meetings, as needed. Organize regular schedule of security meetings and in-service trainings and conduct them as needed.
• Disseminate information to the department and other departments as needed, including the distribution of reports and work orders.
• Assist with all Security administration functions including scheduling, training, safety inspections, and performance appraisals as needed.
• Assist with the creation and distribution of employee badges to ensure proper identification and access control.
• Oversee maintenance and upkeep of Security vehicles.
• Assist in managing departmental and Garden property, including keys, radios, and other equipment, ensuring proper inventory and functionality.
• Maintain working knowledge of the Garden's alarm systems, including performing basic troubleshooting and coordinating repairs when necessary.
• Provide information and assistance to visitors and others on Garden property, ensuring a positive and safe experience.
• Assume the responsibilities of Manager, Security and/or Supervisor, Security in their absence.
• Assist the Manager, Security, and Associate Vice President of Visitor Experience with other duties and projects as directed.
• Perform all duties of the Officer, Security and Senior Officer, Security when necessary to support the team and maintain high standards of security.

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• Minimum one year of Security or Operations experience required.
• Previous Security or Operations experience preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent. Bachelor's degree in related field a plus.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences.
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to exercise discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive or confidential matters.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to additional software systems such as alarm monitoring, communication tools, point of sale (POS) systems, and other software systems.
• Ability to successfully complete First Aid and CPR/AED certification training.
• Valid driver's license insurable by the Garden.
• Flexibility to work overtime as required by the department's operational needs.
• Proficiency in English; additional language skills preferred.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift and carry 25 pounds.
• Frequent driving, walking, standing.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Why Apply?
Come work in a setting that is like no other as you support our mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. Take the first step toward being one of the employees who make the Garden one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Apply today. Please note that applicants who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, or basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call (847) 835-8264 to contact our Title IX coordinator should you have questions or concerns. Please do not call this number to inquire about job postings or the status of your application, or with solicitations from companies or third-party recruiters.