Museum Security Officer

Rhode Island School of Design

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Providence Until 8/23/2026 First posted April 30, 2026 Last posted June 10, 2026
Job description

JOB SUMMARY (OVERVIEW) 

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a part-time Museum Security Officer to create a positive and welcoming experience by assisting visitors, and ensuring the safety and security of the Museum’s property by conducting continuous patrols of the premises.

 The RISD Museum was founded on the belief that art, artists, and the institutions that support them play pivotal roles in promoting broad civic engagement and creating more open societies. As one of the three largest university art museums in the United States, the RISD Museum is a place for investigation, transformation, and creative process. The RISD Museum is committed to connecting a diverse public with a collection of art and design from the ancient past to the present day. The Museum Security Office is an essential part of the museum operations.

We seek a culturally competent candidate who will thrive in a campus environment that is committed to advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, environmental and climate justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:

  • Museum Safety: Provide routine protection of galleries, visitors, and school tour groups by making continuous tours throughout the Museum, and informing visitors of museum rules. Ensure appropriate conduct and activity. 

  • Customer Service: Utilizes knowledge of RISD Museum and RISD community to help answer routine customer service questions and visitor inquiries regarding Museum events, exhibitions and gallery locations. Answer visitor’s questions or direct visitors to someone who can answer.  Assist with wayfinding, helping them feel safe, comfortable and empowered in their exploration of the Museum.  

  • Collection Safety: Provide protection for our collection by communicating collection safety rules to visitors, and report missing or damaged art work immediately.

  • Visitor Escort: Ensure contractors working within the Museum that you are assigned to escort are operating within the appropriate safety and security guidelines for Museum Operations.  

  • Emergency Response: Ensure conditions are safe for visitors.  Report any problems or exceptions immediately.  Provide initial response and assistance during emergency incidents, including fire, medical, and security.  This includes directing visitors during evacuations, implementing shelter in place rules, and calling for assistance immediately.

  • Attend required training, some of which may occur outside of regularly scheduled hours. Actively engage in on-the-job learning opportunities to maintain knowledge of policies and procedures.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS/SPECIFICATIONS 
High School diploma or GED required.  Strong communication skills and dependability. Must have demonstrated customer service skills. Minimum of one year customer service experience in a service-oriented environment required. Previous security or related work experience preferred. Ability to work independently and within a team. Ability to complete written reports; follow standard operating procedures; and interact with visitors in a courteous and respectful manner while ensuring the safety of patrons and art.  Required to obtain a CPR/AED course completion through training provided by the Museum

Preferred Qualifications

  • Strong preference for prior customer service experience in a higher education, Museum, security, or related industry

Union:

Yes, Museum Guards Association

Work Schedule:

20 - 25 hours per week; 12 months per year.

Thursday 11:45a-8:15p; Saturday 9:45a-5:15p; Sunday 9:45a-5:15p

Employment Status:

Part-Time; Non-exempt, Regular. 

Grade:

810NE

Work Modality:

On-campus

Documents Needed to Apply:

Resume (Required)

Cover Letter (Preferred)

Salary Grade Structure

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents.

The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.

RISD recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

For internal use only - Job Family:

Safety & Security
About this role

Summary

Provide security, assist visitors, respond to emergencies, and protect museum collections.

Job title

Museum Security Officer

Experience level

1+ years

Industry

education

Location requirements

on-campus in Providence, no remote work allowed

Salary

$15k–$20k

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

communicationcustomer servicesecurityreport writingCPR/AED

Preferred skills

higher education experiencemuseum security experience

Specializations

securitycustomer serviceemergency responsepatrolsmuseum operations
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Providence, RI, USA

On-site City