Library Security Specialist

Job Description:

Library Security Specialist

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Job Description:

Library Security Specialist

Purpose:

Under general supervision, provides visible safety and security services for Austin Public Library facilities by ensuring a safe and pleasant environment for employees and patrons.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Conducts security patrols at branch locations, other Library facilities, parking lots/garages, and surrounding areas for unsafe conditions and reports them as necessary.
  
• Responds to fire alarms, security alarms, and accidents - contacts appropriate emergency personnel.
  
• Investigates disturbances and in the event of an emergency, maintains order and safety of occupants.
  
• Provides customer service and acts as a source of information and assistance to inform the public of information regarding Library services, programming, policy and regulations.
  
• Anticipates, de-escalates, and solves problems and/or provides reports to appropriate agency.
  
• Monitors welfare of security personnel working after-hours, overnight, and at remote assignments.
  
• Provides direction and training to security personnel, contract employees, and other City departments regarding Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and other training areas.
  
• Issues and enforces Criminal Trespass Notices for violations and determines if police assistance is needed.
  
• Completes and maintains incident reports and other routine documentation.
  
• Directs traffic and provides crowd control and security services for after-hours events held by internal and external customers.
  
• Transports and safeguards cash pick up and drop offs at all Library locations.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• None
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of Federal, State, Local laws, and ordinances.
  
• Knowledge of city practice, policy, and procedure.
  
• Knowledge of equity, diversity, and inclusion principles and practices in libraries.
  
• Skill in oral and written communications.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software, including Microsoft Office products.
  
• Ability to facilitate discussions and resolve issues.
  
• Ability to lead and train diverse groups.
  
• Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with city employees and the public.
  
• Ability to provide high-level customer service.
  
• Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus one (1) year of experience in a field related to the job.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• May require a valid Texas Driver License.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Observational skills: Ability to observe surroundings to prevent incidents and policy violations while safeguarding self, others, and the environment.
  
• Effective Communication: Expert verbal and written communication skills to convey clear information to team members, clients, and the public. Ability to write comprehensive and detailed incident reports.
  
• Conflict Resolution: Skills to handle challenging situations effectively using verbal and behavioral techniques, as well as knowledge of de-escalation methods.
  
• Customer Service: The position will have daily interactions with coworkers, customers, and the public. Position requires projecting friendliness, respect, and approachability.
  
• Emergency Response: Knowledge of how to respond in emergencies, including fire safety evacuations, first aid, behavioral, and police encounters.
  
• Security Systems: Familiarity with systems such as Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV), fire suppression systems, badging systems, and digital/biometric security.
  
• Decision-Making: Ability to make informed decisions based on observations, training, and established policies and procedures.
  
• Event Security: Ability to effectively manage large groups by performing walk-through safety patrols within and outside events.
  
• Driving: You may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties.
  
• Safety Compliance: Design, plan, organize training programs, policies, and training schedules for employees on common and specialized security subjects in accordance with all legal, contractual, and company-mandated requirements
  
• Reports: Ability to create reports based on incidents, projects, and assigned tasks.
  

Notes to Candidate:

The Library Security Specialist plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of all Austin Public Library (APL) staff and patrons. This position is responsible for delivering comprehensive security and support services across all 23 library locations.

Security coverage is provided seven days a week. Responsibilities include conducting facility checks, responding to alarms and suspicious activity, and monitoring electronic access and CCTV systems. As the first point of contact in emergencies, the specialist must communicate effectively with law enforcement. Security staff maintain a visible presence. They enforce library policies to support a safe and welcoming environment.

Work Location:

All Austin Public Library Locations (Austin, Texas)

Salary Range:

$23.13 - $26.26 hourly

Hours:

Full-time - Shift Work | 40 hours per week

• Hours and shifts vary to include weekends, holidays, and extended shifts.
  
• Hours subject to change based upon Library needs.
  
• Security Specialists provide support 7 days a week.
  

To view the City of Austin recruitment video, please click here.

Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more. Please click HERE for more information.

Application Information:

• A detailed, complete COA employment application is REQUIRED. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine your salary if you are selected for this position.
  
• Please be sure to provide a COMPLETE and detailed employment history, including all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
  
• For each position, please describe your specific experience as it relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications.
  
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  

• Please understand that your job application, cover letter, and resume will be used to measure or assess your written communication skills, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling, in helping us screen applications and determine candidates to be interviewed.
  

Note: A cover letter and/or resume will NOT be used to substitute for an incomplete job application.

Additional Information:

• TRAVEL: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
  

• All new employees are required to attend City of Austin and Austin Public Library training as scheduled and should arrange their outside schedules to accommodate such training.
  

• This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies of the same job title that may become vacant. The additional vacancies may include a difference in work location, workweek hours, and schedule. Filling additional vacancies from this posting is based on the business needs of the department.
  

E ssential Personnel :

• This has been designated as an Essential Employee position. In the event of a city-designated extraordinary situation or emergency condition, essential employees provide services that impact the public health, safety, utility services, and welfare of members of the Austin community and other employees, as well as ensure the continuity of essential operations. Essential Employees may be called back in during such events, required to modify their schedule, assigned to a City -designated work site, or retained on-site to assist with operations and recovery.
  

Driving Requirements:

• This position requires a Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License or the ability to acquire one within 90 days of your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite . To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
  

If Selected as a Top Candidate:

• Verification of the minimum qualifications (Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus one (1) year of experience in a field related to the job) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institute.
  
• Veteran candidates will be required to provide a copy of their DD-214
  

Language:

• Must have the ability to read, write, and speak fluently in English.
  

Important note to applicants:

The Austin Public Library reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs.

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-03-03