Safety Security Officer - Variable Hour

Safety Security Officer - Variable Hour

Salary

$24.45 - $32.77 Hourly

Location

Oregon Zoo, OR

Job Type

Variable Hour

Job Number

2026-6026-Zoo2

Department

Oregon Zoo

Division

Guest Services Division

Opening Date

08/03/2026

Closing Date

8/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Summary

Hello, we're Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

Do you have a positive attitude and enjoy providing customer service to guests from around the country and the world who represent many backgrounds? Do you lead your work with a solutions based approach and with a collaborative spirit? And do you thrive on having a variety of job functions so no two days are the same?

If you would thrive in this type of work environment the Oregon Zoo may be a perfect workplace for you. "Come be a part of our team!"

The Oregon Zoo is hiring for multiple positions as a Public Safety Officer. In this role you will perform a variety of functions that may include grounds patrol, crowd management, medical assistance, traffic control, emergency response, reporting, guest safety reminders and other related duties. Public Safety Officer shifts may include days, swing, nights, weekends and holidays.

Note: These positions are classified as variable hour. These positions have no set schedule and cannot work more than 1040 hours per fiscal year.

Getting to work is simple, Trimet MAX Blue and Red lines conveniently have stops at the Oregon Zoo.

As the Public Safety Officer you will:

• Opportunity to assist the public, public officials and other employees in a professional and courteous manner, by answering any questions or provide directions and information about the zoo.
• Applicant must be able to patrol over a 65-acre area, which can equate to exceed 10 miles per day.
• Duties of the position are performed indoors and outdoors and maybe performed in inclement weather conditions. Investigates complaints and recommends corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.
• Perform basic First Aid and CPR on patrons and employees.
• Checks facilities for needed maintenance and repairs.
• Supports conservation efforts by turning off and reporting powered items not in use.
• Maintains time, equipment use and incident records.
• Writes detailed security incident reports (data entry skills needed).
• Maintains radio communications with supervisors and other security agents.
• Responds to all alarms and emergency calls, evaluates for additional response.
• Assists in the evacuation of patrons and employees in emergencies.

Attributes for success:

• Knowledge of materials, methods, practices and equipment used in security services. Knowledge of safe work practices.
• Ability to maintain operational records and prepare related reports in writing and on a computer and communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to walk up to ten miles per day and run from one area of the facility to another in an emergency situation.
• Ability to use a two-way radio.
• Ability to accurately assess a medical situation and respond appropriately. Ability to work irregular hours (holidays, evenings and weekends).
• Ability to work around and use alcohol-based products and disinfectant for workspace sanitizing.
• Must be able to pass a Fit test for a N95 respirator and the ability to wear a face covering for long periods of time.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro's goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.

Learn more about Metro's Diversity Action Plan

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.

Minimum qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED, AND
• Six months of responsible experience in providing security; OR
• Any combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skill and ability required for successful performance of the essential job duties.

Required:

• Oregon Unarmed Professional DPSST
• Valid drivers license (Driving check will be completed on finalist)
• Possession of or ability to obtain CPR, First Aid and AED certification.

Shift and schedule: As a member of the Public Safety Team, youll need to be flexible with your availability, as shifts may include nights, weekends, and holidays. Your schedule will vary based on operational needs, weather conditions, and special events at the zoo, including school breaks, holidays, summer, and the ZooLights season. Variable hour positions are limited to 1040 hours of work in a fiscal year.

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply:

If I was terminated for cause during any of my employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, I understand I may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• A completed online application
• Responses to supplemental questions

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Reference check
• Driving records check for finalist candidate

REPRESENTATON

This position is eligible for overtime and is represented by AFSCME Local 3580 union. It is classified as a Safety and Security Officer.

Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the

positions. View the classification description.

Questions?

Recruiter: Christina Rentas

Email: christina.rentas@oregonmetro.gov

Additional Information

Equal employment opportunity

All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.

Accommodation

Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

Veterans preference

Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Hybrid Telework

Positions designated as "hybrid telework," meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.

Pay equity at Metro

No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Online applications

Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

How to Apply

For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro's "How to apply" page.

Government Jobs

For assistance with your account or to reset your password please visit GovernmentJobs "Help and Support" page.

Metro

As part of the Metro family, the Oregon Zoo helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. Metro brings people together to shape the future of our area and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale.

The Oregon Zoo and Metro

The Oregon Zoo inspires visitors to learn about protecting endangered species and restoring native habitats and is the states most popular paid attraction. The zoo's roughly 320 employees welcome more than 1.5 million visitors each year.

As part of the Metro family, you play a vital role in serving the people of the greater Portland region.

This is a variable hour position with no guarantee of hours. The position is eligible for these benefits:

• Paid sick leave
• Paid parental leave
• Full contribution to Oregon PERS retirement if eligible and qualified.
• No-cost TriMet Hop Pass
• Employee Assistance Program

Metro also offers a variety of perks for all employees, including free admission to the Oregon Zoo (including ZooLights!), Oxbow and Blue Lake Regional Parks, membership discount at Lloyd Athletic Club, credit union eligibility and more. Employees also receive access to financial wellness and legal consultation services, as well as first-time home buying and ownership counseling.

Learn more about employee benefits.

Some variable hour positions are represented by a union and have additional benefits.

View union contracts here.

01

This position requires a valid DPSST. Do you have current private (unarmed) certification with Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST)?

• Yes
• No

02

What is your DPSST license number? (If you do not have a DPSST, enter NA)

03

Do you have a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

04

How much experience do you have with security enforcement? This experience MUST be listed on your application.

• Less than 6 months
• 6 months - 11 months
• 1 year but not more than 2 years
• 2 years but not more than 3 years
• More than 3 years

05

How much experience do you have with crowd control, first aid response and customer service. This experience MUST be listed on your application.

• Less than 6 months
• 6 months - 11 months
• 1 year but not more than 2 years
• 2 years but not more than 3 years
• More than 3 years

06

Are you able to patrol grounds up to 10 miles per day?

• Yes
• No

07

Are you willing and able to pass an N95 fit test prior to beginning work in this position? This requires you to have a clean-shaven face, with the exception of a closely trimmed mustache.

• Yes
• No

08

Check all the days you are available to work:

• Monday
• Tuesday
• Wednesday
• Thursday
• Friday
• Saturday
• Sunday

Required Question

Employer Oregon Metro

Address 600 NE Grand Ave

Portland, Oregon, 97232

Phone 503-797-1570

Website http://www.oregonmetro.gov