LIBRARY SECURITY GUARD

The Library Security Guard patrols library facilities, responds to security incidents, and prevents security issues to ensure the safety and security of library staff, the public, facilities, and assets throughout the Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) system.

Security Patrol:

• Patrol and monitor library facilities to identify, prevent, and respond to violations of the library’s rules of conduct, policies, and procedures.
• Evaluate security issues of library staff, volunteers, patrons, and property, taking appropriate preventative and protective actions.
• Explain rules and procedures to library visitors, soliciting cooperation and compliance.
• Investigate and handle disturbances, collaborating with police and law enforcement as needed.
• Enforce exclusion policies, including banning patrons violating the MPL Code of Conduct.  
• Perform crowd control duties for special events.
• Provide security support for after hours and special events held on MPL property.
• Obtain, record, and maintain necessary documentation, records, and reports.
• Operate security and property specific programs.
• Serve as liaison between library staff, police agencies and personnel, contracted security personnel, and the public.
• Appear in court to testify and provide evidence in legal matters.
• Serve as MPL Security Investigator backup.

Emergency Management:

• Respond to medical emergencies.
• Lead building emergency and evacuation response efforts.

Prevention Activities:

• Identify and report security and safety conditions and concerns. 
• Identify and recommend property loss and damage prevention procedures and methodologies.
• Partner with library staff to identify and resolve security problems.
• Inform the Safety and Security Manager of security issues and activities.

The Library Security Guard must be willing and able to:

• Work rotating hours, including some weekends and evenings, and accept calls during off-hours.
• Work a 6 days per week, 40 hours per week schedule.
• Provide emergency support as needed to all 13 Milwaukee Public Library locations.
• Occasionally provide security support for after-hours and special events held on MPL property.
• Perform physical work that includes standing, walking, crouching, kneeling, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
• Lift items weighing 10-20 pounds and occasionally exert force to move items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Work on occasion in facilities without temperature regulation such as covered loading docks and garages.

1. One year of full-time security experience related to the essential functions listed above, including highly visible and sensitive public contact, conflict resolution and problem-solving, and responding to critical incidents in an occupational setting.
2. Valid driver's license at the time of appointment and throughout employment. 

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. 

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

• Associate degree in criminal justice or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Experience in comparable security occupations.
• Bilingual in Spanish or Hmong.

Technical:

• Knowledge of security monitoring, intervention, and case management best practices.
• Knowledge of the principles and best practices of interviewing, de-escalation, and conflict resolution.
• Competence in unarmed self-defense and suspect restraint methods; ability to train security personnel in use of non-lethal defensive tactics.
• Ability to efficiently utilize surveillance and communication equipment, including a two-way radio.
• Ability to remain observant of surroundings at all times.
• Ability to learn specialized computer security software, reporting tools, and internal electronic files and databases.
• Proficient in basic computer skills including the use of Microsoft Office Suite.

Communication and Interpersonal:

• Verbal communication and customer service skills to share information clearly and courteously with internal and external customers.
• Written communication skills to prepare clear and concise business correspondence and reports, using correct grammatical and punctuation conventions.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with library staff, contracted security guards, library patrons and visitors, elected officials, other City staff, community partners, and outside agencies.
• Ability to foster an environment of inclusion wherein all are treated respectfully, valued for their strengths, and feel that they can safely express themselves.
• Ability to work cooperatively and fairly with people whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.

Critical Thinking and Professionalism:

• Analytical and problem-solving skills to resolve and prevent challenging security issues.
• Decision-making skills and sound judgment to exercise authority in a competent manner.
• Ability to maintain situational awareness and handle emergency situations in a calm manner.
• Ability to exhibit a positive attitude, exemplary professionalism, and maintain composure.
• Ability to keep accurate, detailed records.
• Honesty, integrity, and the ability to maintain complete confidentiality.
• Tactfulness, discretion, and good judgment.

The current starting salary (Pay Range 8AN) is $43,036 annually, and the current resident incentive starting range for City of Milwaukee residents is $44,327 annually. 

BENEFITS

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program which includes:

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test, a structured interview or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

THIS IS A CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT. Applications will be accepted and interviews held during 2025 as often as required to meet the needs of the City. Qualified applicants will be notified by email of the date, time, and place of the examination. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative test administration. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee. Employment may be possible immediately following the examination if positions are vacant at that time. The names of successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list in a rank determined by the final grade without reference to the date of the examination. The names of candidates who pass all phases of the selection process may remain on an eligible list resulting from a continuous examination for up to six months.

• Applications can be accessed by visiting www.jobapscloud.com/MIL.
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

EEO 805

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.