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Lead Safety Officer
Lead Safety OfficerGovernment Jobs • Seattle, WA, US
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Lead Safety Officer

Lead Safety Officer

Government Jobs • Seattle, WA, US
2 days ago
Job type
  • Full-time
Job description

Employer

City of Seattle

Salary

$41.35 - $50.33 Hourly

Location

Seattle, WA

Job Type

Civil Service Exempt, Regular, Full-time

Job Number

IC #52-25

Department

The Seattle Public Library

Opening Date

10 / 29 / 2025

Closing Date

Continuous

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

Position Description

Invitation to Compete #52-25 : Lead Safety Officer Safety and Security Services Regular, FLSA exempt, benefitted, full-time position (80 hours per two-week pay period) Salary Range : $41.35 - $50.33 per hour

A pay period is two weeks in length that starts on Wednesday and ends on Tuesday. Hours will include weekdays, weekends and evenings. Schedules are subject to change based on the Library's current operational needs. This classification is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME.

This recruitment is open to the public and to The Seattle Public Library's employees and will remain open until filled . Please read the How to Apply section of this bulletin for more information. Candidates are asked to submit their application materials in NEOGOV by 5 : 00 p.m. on November 8, 2025 for first consideration. Overview

At The Seattle Public Library, our mission is to bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and empower community. We envision the Library as the central hub of an equitable and connected city where knowledge flourishes, and people find opportunities. Since 1891, we have grown from a single reading room in Pioneer Square to a world-class library system with 27 locations. The Library works every day to foster and support a healthy city and a healthy democracy. We do this work guided by our commitment to intellectual freedom, literacy and the love of learning, racial equity, privacy and confidentiality, respect for the community, strong partnerships and innovation. We are an active and committed partner in the City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Ordinance.

Safety and Security Services at the Library

The Library's facilities include the 11-story Central Library in Downtown Seattle and 26 neighborhood branches located across Seattle. The Library's Security Team is based at the Central Library and provides safety and security services to all Library locations.

Mission :

The Security Team's mission is to foster a safe and welcoming environment for all Library patrons, staff, and community members. We maintain a visible presence at Library locations, uphold and enforce the Library's Community Use Agreement, respond quickly to resolve incidents, and serve everyone in the Library with compassion, respect, and professionalism.

Vision :

The Security Team's vision is to be the recognized gold standard for public service, safety, and security. Through our expertise, versatility, and commitment to constant improvement, we will provide a strong and trusted foundation for the successful operation and public use of the Library.

Values :

The Security Team is dedicated to the values of safety, compassion, and excellence.

If you support our mission and share our dedication to these values, we encourage you to apply for the Lead Safety Officer position.

About the Lead Safety Officer Position

Under the supervision of the Safety and Security Services Supervisor, the Lead Safety Officer performs the regular duties of a Library Safety Officer (commonly called "Security Officers"), while helping lead the work of the Security Team and providing input on the supervision of Safety Officers. In this capacity, the position maintains communications with Safety Officers and the Safety and Security Supervisor and assesses problems for immediate resolution or referral and follow-up.

The Lead Safety Officer provides courteous and professional customer service to all Library patrons and staff, and strives to ensure that all Library locations are safe, accessible and welcoming. This position requires discretion and sound judgment in handling safety and security issues, using various security methods including de-escalation techniques, and the ability to prioritize the handling of multiple incidents, occasionally under potentially stressful or volatile circumstances. Please note that this position does not have the formal arrest authority of a sworn police officer.

The Lead Safety Officer receives and acts on information about security incidents from personal observation or from Library patrons or staff. Regular work actions include patrolling Library locations, warning patrons about Community Use Agreement violations, giving information to patrons and staff, explaining safety and security procedures, investigating incidents and disturbances, reviewing incident reports and / or guiding staff on writing incident reports, suspending and / or removing patrons from Library facilities, and calling for police assistance.

The Lead Safety Officer documents security activities through verbal and written reports and communications which may be used for further administrative or police actions. The position communicates with police agencies and internal departments to assist with criminal matters occurring on Library property.

The Lead Safety Officer routinely engages in other safety and security-related activities, including monitoring and reporting on building safety and security, inspecting fire extinguishers, securing and processing lost and found articles, enforcing staff and visitor compliance with the access control program, assuring building security during non-public hours, and issuing building keys.

The Lead Safety Officer assists in the interpretation of policies and procedures, the evaluation of safety and security needs, the maintenance of program standards, and the planning and implementation of program improvements. The position also assists with selection, training, evaluation and scheduling of Safety Officers; with planning and implementing safety and security activities; and with the administrative support of the Security Team as directed.

This position is currently scheduled to begin shifts at the Central Library, but must be able to begin shifts at other Library locations as needed.

Job Responsibilities

Security Patrol : Provide for the enforcement of Library security standards, policies and procedures by monitoring and evaluating problems relating to the safety and security of Library patrons and staff, property and facilities, by taking appropriate actions. Patrol and monitor Library facilities as assigned in order to identify, prevent and respond to violations of the Library's Community Use Agreement, or other policies and procedures. Respond to medical emergencies. Take lead roles in responding to building emergencies and evacuations.

Prevention activities : Contribute to building safety and security by monitoring and reporting physical security and safety conditions. Identify and recommend procedures and methods to prevent property loss and damage. Work with Library staff to identify and resolve security problems and to keep the Safety and Security Services Supervisor informed of activities and / or problems.

Liaison activities : Provide for effective communications concerning security issues by serving as liaison between Library staff, police agencies and personnel, contracted security personnel, and the public in varying support or educational capacities.

Security support activities : Provide for timely and effective support of security operations and activities by obtaining, recording, and maintaining necessary documentation, reports, and records. Operate security and property-related programs such as lost and found materials, staff training, building access control, and security-monitoring activities. Post daily and weekly officer duty assignments.

Administration activities : Contribute to the administration of the security program and staff by, overseeing activities of the safety team, maintaining program standards and policies, ensuring effective communications, reviewing incident reports, approving leave requests in accordance with minimum staffing requirements, and assisting with the supervision of Safety Officers and security activities.

Additional Lead Safety Officer Duties : Conduct daily briefings with safety staff. Monitor vehicles assigned to the Security Team and report damage to the proper departments. Schedule routine maintenance and ensure vehicles receive service on schedule. Coordinate after-incident care at branches through training. Assist with the supervision of Safety Officers and security activities. Model the values of the Safety Team, Library and City of Seattle, and provide mentorship and guidance to officers and staff on safety and security-related issues.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications :

Experience requirement :

  • Minimum of three years of either Security experience or experience in performing similar duties in settings that required (1) highly visible and sensitive public contact, (2) exercising conflict resolution and problem-solving skills, and (3) the ability to respond appropriately to critical incidents in an occupational setting.
  • Minimum of one year experience acting in a formal leadership capacity, where any probationary periods were successfully completed, OR three years of articulable and successful leadership experience in an informal capacity.
  • Leadership experience should include setting tasks and leading teams, overseeing operational activities, taking initiative to solve problems, being accountable for your performance and the performance of others, and interacting with the public in a respectful and professional capacity.

    • Educational and general skills requirements :

  • Education : High School diploma or equivalent is required. Education, training and / or experience in social justice, criminal justice, public service, and / or hospitality are desired.
  • Verbal skills : Excellent verbal communication skills are required. This includes the ability to communicate in English and to communicate with Library visitors for whom English is a second language. Knowledge of conversational Spanish, Asian languages, Eastern European languages or American Sign Language is a plus.
  • Writing skills : Excellent written communication, including proofreading, editing and document production skills. The ability to apply written and verbal instructions to daily work and to correctly interpret and adhere to policy and procedure. The ability to perform while being tactful, diplomatic and maintaining confidentiality.
  • Conflict resolution skills : Ability to approach conflicts through a trauma-informed lens. Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills. Ability to communicate clearly and diplomatically with Library staff and the public while enforcing security rules, often under stressful situations. Ability to resolve conflicts between patrons and / or staff and negotiate solutions without resorting to force or provoking unneeded conflict. Ability to persuade and elicit cooperation and compliance under difficult or stressful circumstances.

    • Occupation-specific skill requirements :

  • Knowledge of accepted practices relating to security operations in an employer-operated Security Team, particularly those that relate to public facilities.
  • Excellent observation skills; an ability to remain alert and attentive, anticipate and assess potential disruptive behavior and safety or security threats and take preventative action.
  • Ability to provide effective leadership of security and staff, including resolving issues among Safety Officers, addressing workload impacts, and evaluating daily security activities and changing priorities and assigning tasks, as required.
  • Ability to prepare clear, detailed and accurate written reports, logs and other documentation.
  • Ability to operate two-way radio, communications and a camera system located at the Central Library.
  • Possession of a currently valid First Aid & CPR certification, or ability to obtain certification within sixty days of employment.
  • Ability to perform the physical activities inherent in security patrol duties for the duration of a typical shift. These activities include walking, running, standing, rapidly ascending and descending stairs in a high-rise building, and lifting a fully grown adult in emergency situations.

    • Other requirements :

  • Possession of a currently valid Washington state driver's license.
  • Ability to commute to any one of the 27 Library locations.
  • Available to work evenings and weekends as needed, with consistent punctuality required for all schduled shifts.
  • If selected, candidates will be required to provide a driver's record abstract and to authorize a check of criminal convictions.
  • This position requires the employee to wear the supplied uniform and related security gear, including non-lethal defensive equipment and a two-way radio.

    • Additional Information

    How to Apply

    Candidates who meet the qualifications are asked to submit the following items in NEOGOV by 5 : 00 p.m. on November 8, 2025 for first consideration. This recruitment will be open until the position is filled.

  • Online application with responses to the supplemental questions.
  • A cover letter that briefly describes how your experience and skills align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications. Please let us know why you are interested in this position.
  • Current resume that summarizes relevant education, experience, knowledge and skills.

    • Applications that do not include a cover letter and complete online application will not be considered.

    Applicants will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. Initial screening will be based on a review of application materials. The employment history detailed in your application materials MUST validate / support your responses to the supplemental questions. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the review / selection process. The most competitive candidates will be invited to participate in a series of one or more interviews.

    Benefits and Salary Information

    The full salary range for this position is $41.35 - $50.33 per hour

    The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at : https : / / www.seattle.gov / human-resources / benefits / employees-and covered family-members / most employees-plans

    Information about retirement plans can be found at : https : / / www.seattle.gov / retirement

    Additional information

    If you have questions regarding this bulletin or employment at The Seattle Public Library, please send an email to job.applications@spl.org . The Library promotes diversity and inclusion in employment. If accommodations are needed during the selection process, please contact us.

    Please keep in mind that job offers are contingent on a review of criminal history as well as verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process.

    The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at : "Most" Employees Plans - Human Resources | seattle.gov

    01

    Are you available to work weekdays, weekends and evenings?

  • Yes
  • No

    • 02

    Do you have a currently valid Washington state driver's license?

  • Yes
  • No

    • 03

    Please briefly your leadership experience. Type N / A for no experience.

    04

    Please briefly describe your experience working with racially, culturally and economically diverse communities. Type N / A for no experience.

    05

    I understand that this position may be deployed to any Seattle Public Library location and I confirm that I have the ability to commute to any one of the 27 locations as needed.

  • Yes
  • No

    • 06

    I affirm that the information I have included in my online application, resume, cover letter and answers to the above supplemental questions are true and correct.

  • Yes
  • No
  • Required Question

    • Employer

    City of Seattle

    Address

    Seattle Municipal Tower 700 5th Avenue, Suite 5500 Seattle, Washington, 98104

    Website

    http : / / www.seattle.gov / jobs

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