Manager of Bronx Zoo Security @ Employer

Job Description

Position: Manager of Bronx Zoo Security

Reports to: Executive Director of Admissions, Parking & Bronx Zoo Security

Positions Managed: Assistant Manager of Security

Location: Bronx Zoo/ In Person

Department: Bronx Zoo Security

Scope: Site

Position Type: Full Time

Job Summary

The Manager of Bronx Zoo Security provides leadership and operational oversight of the Security Department to maintain a safe and secure environment for guests, employees, animals, and facilities. Reporting to the Executive Director of Admissions, Parking & Bronx Zoo Security, the Manager leads a team responsible for 24-hour security coverage, access control, patrols, incident response, emergency preparedness, and protection of the zoo’s physical assets.

This position establishes clear standards, strengthens staff performance and accountability, and works closely with park leadership, NYPD, emergency responders, and other WCS departments. The Manager promotes prevention, professional guest interactions, and de-escalation, with timely law enforcement involvement when necessary. The position leads operational improvement, compliance, and department readiness.

Major Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Lead, coach, and develop the Security management team and union, full-time, and seasonal personnel; establish clear expectations, accountability, professional conduct, and consistent performance standards.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, training, performance evaluations, coaching, corrective action, and employee relations in collaboration with Human Resources and in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements.
• Direct workforce and succession planning; oversee staffing plans and labor deployment for a 24-hour, seven-day operation, including peak attendance, weekends, overnight shifts, and special events.
• Supervise the Assistant Manager and Security Supervisors, ensuring effective daily management, shift coverage, post assignments, and timely issue escalation.

Security Operations & Public Safety

• Oversee daily and overnight security operations, including patrols, service and staff entrances, controlled access points, restricted areas, visitor assistance, and facility protection.
• Establish and maintain post orders, patrol standards, radio communications, dispatch procedures, shift reports, and consistent operational practices across the park.
• Oversee incident response involving guest conduct, theft, vandalism, trespass, missing children, suspicious activity, and other security concerns; emphasize prevention, de-escalation, and appropriate coordination with law enforcement.
• Coordinate security plans for high-attendance days, special events, construction activity, and seasonal programs such as Holiday Lights; balance security needs with an accessible, welcoming guest experience.
• Support lost property procedures and work with park partners to safeguard assets and protect sensitive locations.

Emergency Preparedness, Response & Risk Management

• Coordinate Security readiness and response for medical emergencies, fire alarms, severe weather, evacuations, animal-related emergencies, and other critical incidents in cooperation with designated incident leaders.
• Maintain and improve emergency notification, escalation, response, and after-hours coverage protocols; participate in planning, exercises, drills, and after-action reviews.
• Conduct routine security assessments and facility inspections; identify vulnerabilities, recommend corrective actions, and monitor resolution of identified risks.
• Oversee the Bronx Zoo’s Emergency Response Team, including training, readiness, and coordination during emergencies. Serve as the designated custodian of departmental equipment, ensuring proper storage, inventory, maintenance, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations and WCS policies.
• Serve as a primary Security liaison with NYPD, FDNY, EMS, and other responding agencies, while maintaining effective coordination with WCS park leadership and operational departments. Further serve as relationship manager with zoo-assigned NYPD detail.

Compliance, Training & Incident Management

• Oversee compliance with applicable New York State security guard registration and training requirements, WCS policies, and relevant safety and employment procedures, in partnership with HR and Legal.
• Maintain accurate training, certification, scheduling, personnel, and incident records; monitor completion of required training and refreshers.
• Ensure prompt, accurate incident documentation, evidence preservation, management notification, and follow-up; identify trends and recommend preventive measures.

Financial Management, Technology & Protection of Assets

• Manage department operating expenses, labor costs, overtime, equipment, supplies, and vendor services within approved budgets.
• Manage security equipment and systems, including radios, surveillance, alarms, access controls, keys, and related technologies; coordinate maintenance, inventory controls, and improvement projects.
• Evaluate operational and capital needs, develop recommendations, and support implementation of approved investments that strengthen safety, readiness, reliability, and efficiency.

Administration & Cooperative Management

• Provide timely reports, staffing updates, incident summaries, risk assessments, and operational recommendations to the Executive Director and other designated WCS leaders.
• Build strong working relationships with Animal, Operations, Maintenance, Admissions, Human Resources, Legal, IT, and other park departments; participate in cross-functional safety planning.
• Model WCS mission, vision, and values, and promote professional, respectful service for guests and employees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

#LI-SC1

Qualification Requirements

Job Qualifications

Education & Training

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, security management, emergency management, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant professional experience considered.
• Knowledge of New York State security guard training and registration requirements; ability to maintain required credentials if applicable to assigned duties.
• CPR/AED and first aid certification preferred, or ability to obtain within a reasonable period after hire.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in security operations, public safety, emergency management, law enforcement, or a related field, including at least three years supervising teams.
• Experience leading a 24/7 operation and managing union employees, staffing, incidents, and time-sensitive decisions strongly preferred.
• Experience in zoos, attractions, campuses, cultural institutions, or other complex public-facing environments preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership, integrity, judgment, conflict resolution, and de-escalation skills; ability to coach employees and address performance concerns.
• Effective written and verbal communication; ability to prepare clear reports and coordinate during emergencies.
• Knowledge of security operations, incident management, access controls, surveillance systems, radios, and emergency procedures.
• Ability to collaborate with law enforcement, emergency responders, park leaders, and diverse employee groups.
• Strong planning, organization, confidentiality, and problem-solving skills; proficiency with common computer and reporting tools.
• Availability for evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call response as operationally required.

WCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value. EOE/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled