Security Guard

An employee in this class is responsible for performing tasks of average difficulty involving patrolling an assigned municipal facility in order to prevent fire, theft, vandalism, and personal injury to visitors. Tasks include ensuring that facilities are secured and that security systems are operational; observing, resolving, and/or reporting any unusual conditions or activities and assisting visitors with questions and problems; and event set up, traffic control and crowd control in facilities. It is important that employees be capable of remaining alert and observant during long periods of solitude. Although under general supervision, employees are sometimes required to work nights, weekends, and holidays, or at locations removed from the department’s primary facility, without proximity to the immediate supervisor. The exercise of reasonable initiative and independent judgment, as well as tact and courtesy, are expected in performing public contact tasks, particularly those involving complaints and disputes. Employees perform security work outdoors, sometimes in inclement weather. The operation of a motor vehicle might be required. Positions at Parks and Recreation may require use of a bicycle for patrol. Work is reviewed through observation, reports submitted, and results obtained.

Patrols municipal facilities on foot, on a bicycle or in a motor vehicle to guard against fire, theft, vandalism, and other disruptive acts; ensures that buildings, equipment, and materials are secured; checks gates and doors to ensure that they are locked; keeps unauthorized persons out of area and away from equipment and materials; observes any unusual conditions and resolves or reports as circumstances require; requests police, fire, or other assistance in resolving problems or quelling disturbances as necessary; detains persons violating rules and regulations until police arrive if needed.

Assists facility visitors by providing directions, answering routine questions about assigned area or the city, and referring to appropriate persons for other information.

Places safety cones, barricades and warning lights in hazardous areas in order to protect pedestrians and drivers from construction work.

Completes reports and other forms such as accident reports when required.

When assigned to park facilities: prevents visitors from bringing dogs, horses, or alcoholic beverages into park areas; maintains order in park; inspects park areas and reports safety hazards and special cleaning requirements to appropriate departmental personnel; investigates visitor complaints; schedules the use of picnic shelters; maintains safety of children playing in park and assists in locating lost children; turns lights on and off and opens band shell as needed; opens and secures restrooms and park entrances; issues parking violation tickets; provides coverage for stadium/special events, traffic control, and public safety within the park.

When assigned to the Parking Department: issues parking violation tickets in order to facilitate collection of fines; initiates procedures on vehicles illegally parked, abandoned, or recorded on the impound list in order to facilitate impounding of vehicles; checks monthly parking and other permits on cars to ensure that they are valid; accesses automotive vehicle license plate identification system to identify and immobilize vehicles with outstanding overdue parking fines.

Performs related work as required.

Working knowledge of: security procedures and responsibilities; rules and regulations of assigned department or area.

Some knowledge of: the city, its geography and the location of park areas/parking facilities as required; custodial procedures as required; basic reporting and records keeping procedures.

Ability to: remain alert and observant while working alone; think and act quickly and calmly in emergencies; safely and properly use and maintain a bicycle when required; establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, other employees, and the general public; perform minor first aid procedures as required; prepare routine reports as required.

Skill in: the operation of a lightweight motor vehicle; use and maintenance of a bicycle when assigned to bike patrol.

Completion of High School and six (6) months of general security, law enforcement, or public contact work experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Employees might be required to successfully complete a prescribed program of parking enforcement training. Employees assigned to Parks and Recreation might be required to successfully complete a public safety bicycle patrol training program.

Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

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