Position Summary

The Director of Security at The Florida Aquarium (TFA) plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of all TFA campuses, their visitors, team members, and aquatic inhabitants. This position combines elements of security management, emergency response, and risk assessment within the unique context of an environment that welcomes diverse audiences to experience engaging aquatic and terrestrial plant and animal habitats. The Director of Security is responsible for creating, implementing, and enforcing security protocols, managing security personnel, and collaborating with other departments to maintain a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Essential Position Functions

• Manage the Security program and all internal security matters including perimeter control, behind the scenes access, internal and external theft investigations, and all other security issues as outlined by security plan.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive security protocols tailored to specific needs of the Aquarium.
• Continuously assess security risks and adapt protocols as necessary to address emerging threats.
• Oversee the daily function of the third party security service provider, to include unarmed and armed security guards/officers.
• Respond promptly and effectively to security breaches, incidents and/or emergencies, such as accidents, medical issues, or disruptive behavior.
• Collaborate with Director of Engineering and Director of CFC Facility Operations to ensure the physical security of facility on both campuses.
• Collaborate with Director of Occupational Health & Safety to develop and execute emergency response plans for natural disasters, security breaches, and other critical incidents; may serve as Incident Commander as appropriate within Incident Command (IC) structure for security-related emergency situations.
• Co-Lead the aquarium’s safety committee, working closely with the Director of Occupational Health & Safety and department Safety Champions.
• Facilitate security-related training programs to ensure security protocols are understood by all team members, highlighting every team member’s role and responsibility in maintaining a safe workplace.
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of surveillance systems, alarms, and access control systems.
• Utilize existing and emerging technology to enhance security, such as facial recognition, ID verification or biometric access.
• Coordinate with local law enforcement and emergency services as necessary.
• Collaborate with guest services team to provide a welcoming and secure environment for guests.
• Assist with lost and found procedures and ensure procedures for lost children or individuals are properly implemented.
• Maintain accurate records of security incidents, investigations, and security-related expenses.
• Manage the annual security budget, identifying and planning for budgetary and contracting needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of eight (8) years’ proven experience in security the field with five (5) years at the management level with personnel management required; prior experience ideally in a similar environment (e.g., museums, aquariums, zoos, large public attractions).
• Bachelor’s degree, in security management, criminal justice, or a related field preferred.
• Strong knowledge of security technology, emergency response, and risk assessment.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and make critical decisions in high-stress situations.
• Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations, including safety and security protocols.
• Certification in security management (e.g., Certified Protection Professional-CPP) and/or Florida Class D or G security license preferred.
• Certification by a nationally recognized training organization as a CPR/First Aid/AED instructor preferred.
• Excellent organizational, multi-tasking and communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Software.

Skills and Competencies:

• Customer Focus – Demonstrates courtesy, cooperation and friendliness with staff, volunteers and customers. Actively listens, anticipates and evaluates the customer’s needs. Ensures that customer satisfaction is a priority in all areas of responsibility. Actively engages
• Teamwork — Supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrating sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and supporting team goals.
• Professional/Technical Knowledge and Competency — Remains current on developments in the field within and outside the organization; maintains proficiencies
• Decisiveness—Willing to make quick decisions and take immediate action
• Communication (oral and written) — Effectively expressing ideas verbally and non-verbally and actively listening to individuals and groups; preparing and focusing presentations to the characteristics and needs of the audience; expressing ideas clearly and concisely in written form, through memoranda, letters, reports, and other documents.
• Follow-up — Institutes methods for monitoring people and projects.
• Integrity/Trust — Maintaining social, ethical, and organizational values and norms; building trust and confidence with the staff and with internal and external customers; respecting the confidentiality of personal and proprietary information.
• Planning and Organizing — Establishing a course of action with specific long-range goals for the aquarium; setting priorities among competing requirements and allocating resources in the most efficient and effective way; developing contingency plans that participate changes in the work environment.
• Coordinating — Organizes and moves a group of individuals and/or activities toward a common goal
• Concern for Detail — Pays attention to every portion of any task, down to the smallest item

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in weather conditions typical to west central Florida.
• Ability to use radio, telephone, and computer to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Must be willing and able to work varied and long shifts including holidays and weekends.
• Lifting/Carrying (up to 50 lbs.) — Occasionally
• Ability to travel (car/air) as needed — locally and/or nationally
• Sitting / Standing (4+ hours per day)
• Walking (4+ hours per day)
• Bending/Stooping — Frequently
• Squatting — Occasionally
• Crawling — Occasionally
• Reaching above shoulders — Frequently
• Crouching/Kneeling — Occasionally
• Pushing/Pulling — Frequently
• Typing on a computer keyboard
• Excellent vision for proofing and detail work
• Coping with demands (stresses that are associated with the job and/or the work environment) so that acceptable levels of performance and overall contribution are maintained.