Supervisor, Bronx Zoo Security @ Employer

Job Description

Position: Supervisor, Bronx Zoo Security

Reports to: Assistant Manager of Security

Positions Managed: Zoological Park Maintainers, Assistant Zoological Park Maintainers, and Seasonal Security Guards

Location: Bronx Zoo / In Person

Department: Bronx Zoo Security

Scope: Site

Position Type: Full Time

Pay Range: $58,900 - $70,000

About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.

Job Summary

The Supervisor of Bronx Zoo Security oversees assigned Security personnel and daily shift operations to help maintain a safe and secure environment for guests, employees, animals, and facilities. Reporting to the Assistant Manager of Security, the Supervisor directs patrols and post assignments, monitors radio communications, responds to incidents, and ensures staff follow established procedures and standards. This is a hands-on frontline supervisory role focused on coverage, readiness, communication, incident documentation, and professional guest interactions. The Supervisor emphasizes prevention and deescalation, promptly notifies senior management of significant concerns, and coordinates with emergency responders as directed.

Major

Responsibilities

Leadership & Shift Supervision

• Supervise Zoological Park Maintainers, Assistant Zoological Park Maintainers, and seasonal guards assigned to Security; provide daily direction, coaching, and feedback on performance and professional conduct.
• Assign and verify security posts, patrol routes, breaks, and relief coverage according to approved schedules and direction from the Assistant Manager and/or Manager.
• Monitor attendance and shift coverage, address immediate staffing gaps within established authority, and promptly communicate call-outs, overtime needs, and other scheduling concerns to senior management.
• Reinforce WCS policies, post orders, uniform standards, guest service expectations, and safe work practices; document and elevate personnel concerns as appropriate.

Security Operations & Public Safety

• Oversee assigned security activity, including patrols, service and employee entrances, access-controlled areas, buildings, exhibits, and other designated locations.
• Monitor radio traffic and dispatch requests for assistance; respond to or direct staff to incidents involving disruptive behavior, theft, vandalism, trespass, suspicious activity, or other security concerns.
• Promote calm, respectful guest interactions and de-escalation; request NYPD or other emergency assistance when necessary and follow established notification procedures.
• Inspect post readiness, security logs, key controls, and patrol records; report operational deficiencies or equipment concerns to the Assistant Manager.
• Assist with lost-child reunification, lost-property procedures, crowd management, and special-event security assignments.

Emergency Response & Incident Reporting

• Act as a first-line Security supervisor during medical calls, fire alarms, severe weather, evacuations, animal-related emergencies, and other incidents, following approved response procedures and incident command directions.
• Assist with scene safety, access control, perimeter support, crowd direction, and coordination with designated park personnel, NYPD, FDNY, and EMS as needed.
• Prepare accurate incident reports, shift summaries, patrol records, and other documentation; promptly escalate serious incidents and preserve relevant information according to WCS procedures.
• Participate in emergency drills, required training, and shift briefings; ensure assigned employees understand immediate response and notification expectations.

Equipment, Compliance & Coordination

• Check the readiness and proper use of radios, keys, alarms, access controls, and other assigned security equipment; report malfunctions and assist with inventory and follow-up.
• Confirm staff follow applicable Security procedures and assigned training requirements; alert management to missing records, expired credentials, or compliance concerns.
• Communicate shift handoffs, outstanding incidents, staffing issues, and operational needs to the Assistant Manager and/or Manager, and incoming supervisors.
• Work cooperatively with Animal, Operations, Maintenance, Admissions, Health Services, and other Bronx Zoo departments to support safe and effective park operations.
• Model WCS mission, vision, and values and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualification Requirements

Education & Training

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional training in security, public safety, emergency response, or a related field preferred.
• 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.
• Ability to obtain and maintain all required licenses, permits, and authorizations related to assigned security responsibilities, in accordance with applicable New York City and State regulations.

Experience

• At least three years of experience in security, public safety, emergency response, or a related field, including experience directing or supervising staff preferred.
• Experience with 24-hour operations, guest-facing environments, and union or seasonal workforces preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to supervise employees on an active shift, provide clear direction, and address routine issues promptly and professionally.
• Sound judgment, strong de-escalation and interpersonal skills, and ability to remain calm in emergencies.
• Clear radio, verbal, and written communication; ability to prepare accurate incident and shift reports.
• Familiarity with patrol procedures, access controls, incident response, and basic security equipment.
• Ability to walk throughout the zoo, work outdoors in varying weather, and work evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays as assigned.

Physical Demands

• Use of Keyboard/Mouse: Occasional
• Telephone and Radio Use: Frequent
• Wrist/Hand Movement: Frequent
• Standing: Frequent
• Walking: Frequent
• Stair Climbing: Occasional
• Driving (authorized vehicles): Occasional
• Lifting and Carrying 0-10 lbs.: Frequent
• Lifting and Carrying 11-20 lbs.: Occasional
• Lifting and Carrying 21-35 lbs.: Occasional

Workplace Conditions and EnvironmentBased at the Bronx Zoo; duties include indoor and outdoor work in a public-facing, 24-hour security environment.

• Work Inside: Frequent
• Work Outside/Exposure to Weather: Frequent
• Work Closely with Others: Frequent
• Work Alone: Occasional
• Exposure to Excess Noise: Occasional
• Working Non-Traditional Hours: Frequent
• Travel to Other Parks: Never

EOE/ AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled