Security Officer

Security Officer

Southern Research + You

Discover a career where your work truly matters. Southern Research has been translating science into real-world solutions since 1941. Join our innovative team and enjoy benefits like medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, life insurance, PTO, an employee assistance program, and more.

General Summary

Officers will perform duties related to the enforcement of security regulations and procedures to protect Southern Research Institute personnel, customers, visitors, information, property, and other assets. Must be proficient in the operation of security, safety, and emergency monitoring devices and systems. Must be willing to work additional hours as needed in an emergency or personnel shortage. This position is a full-time security position, which requires working various hours at short notice. When not available to work for any reason, prior notice must be provided as soon as possible. Must maintain a valid state-issued driver's license.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Ability to respond to alarms, emergencies, and work with outside responders as needed for effective emergency response.
• Ability to be available to work in a dynamic and changing schedule.
• Responsible for maintaining a secured facility including monitoring access, checking identification, and monitoring deliveries as appropriate. This also includes monitoring the city sidewalks and roads surrounding the Institute.
• Must enforce compliance with the Institute Parking Policy and address those that are illegally parked and creating safety hazards.
• Creates and maintains a sense of safety and security on the worksite.
• Understands what to do in all emergencies.
• Facility surveillance: Patrols the Campus in a vehicle, on foot, or monitors surveillance from a fixed stationary post. When scheduled duty is at the front desk, must monitor the electronic surveillance system continuously for intruders. During each scheduled shift, will be required to make rounds stopping at each "Diggy point." Detects breaches in security and contacts appropriate authorities. Maintains detailed and accurate reports on each shift. Must lock and unlock doors and turn off lights during certain shifts. Always maintains dependable vigilance.
• Facility Access: Monitors and controls employee and non-employee access to all areas. Follows correct procedures for visitors and after-hour sign-in.
• Emergency Response: Must understand and implement the incident response command system during an emergency. Cooperates with local authorities as needed. Must be able to obtain CPR/AED and PPCT (Levels of Force, Pepper Spray, Expandable Baton, and Hand Cuffing) Certifications.
• Alarm Response: Respond to internal and external alarms following all required procedures.
• Reports all security concerns as observed and any failures of security systems (Access/ Intrusion/ Video systems).
• Displays courtesy, tact, and effectiveness in dealing with others, and provides outstanding customer service to everyone.
• Must follow all specific procedures and directives identified in the "Guard Book" or other guidance documents.
• Must notify the Security Manager and Lead Security Officer of any suspicions of and/or security breaches.
• Ability to follow guidance or complete tasks directed by the Security Manager or Lead Security Officer which may include administrative tasks, notifying other security team members of related information, and/or other tasks necessary for the security department.

Citizenship

• This position requires US citizenship.

Requirements/Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Possess effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of and ability to utilize MS Office product suite (email, word, excel).
• Must possess a valid Alabama Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record to drive a company vehicle on patrol.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new tasks.
• Willing to be flexible and work extra hours/overtime when necessary.
• Able to use judgment within defined practices and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment.
• Applicants will be required to qualify with a firearm through the Alabama Security Regulatory Board and meet required certifications through the ASRB.

Preferred Qualifications

• Alabama Security Regulatory Board Certification.
• Prior law enforcement, military, or armed security experience preferred.

Job Specific Behaviors

Planning and Organization - Systematically identifies issues to be addressed and plans a course of action for self and others to ensure the accomplishment of specific objectives

Contributes to Team Success - Actively participates as a member of a team to move the team toward the completion of goals.

Customer Focus - Makes customers and their needs a primary focus of one's actions; developing and sustaining productive customer relations.

Quality Orientation - Accomplished tasks by considering all areas involved; no matter how small; showing concern for all aspects of the job; accurately checking processes, procedures and tasks; being watchful over a period of time.

Attention to Detail - Ensures details of assigned tasks are followed

Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time

Safety Awareness - Identifies and corrects conditions that affects employee safety; upholds safety standards.

Physical Demands

• This position will be performed in both indoor and outdoor environments and may be subject to various weather conditions.
• Ability to perform work standing or walking for extended periods of time
• Ability to physically respond to emergencies and security threats

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations

• Be able to obtain certification in the use of handcuffs, chemical deterrent sprays, and baton usage. Must be able to certify in first aid and CPR/AED.
• May be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
• Maintain yearly certification through the Alabama Security Regulatory Board.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Southern Research is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

We are an equal opportunity employer and seek to create a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our hiring, training, promotion, and compensation practices are based on the principles of fairness, equality, and merit.

Southern Research prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind, including harassment based on any protected characteristic. We are committed to maintaining a work environment where all individuals are treated with respect, dignity, and fairness.

In addition, we provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws. We also offer support for individuals who require accommodations due to religious practices or beliefs.

If you have any concerns about discrimination or harassment, please contact humanresources@southernresearch.org immediately. We are committed to investigating all concerns thoroughly and promptly and taking appropriate corrective action when necessary.