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Job 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. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. 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.
- Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is 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 designed to 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:
Purpose:
Under limited supervision, provides visible safety and security services for Austin Public Library facilities by ensuring a safe and pleasant environment for 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.- Gathers and organizes reports for submission to supervisor; prepares management reports, policies, and other documentation.
- Responds to fire alarms, security alarms, and accidents - contacts appropriate emergency personnel.
- Conducts security patrols at branch locations, other Library facilities, parking lots/garages, and surrounding areas for unsafe conditions and reports them as necessary.
- Investigates disturbances and in the event of an emergency, maintains order and safety of occupants, while reporting to the appropriate agency.
- Provides customer service and acts as a source of information and assistance to inform the public of information, services, programming, policy, and regulations.
- Anticipates, de-escalates, and solves problems and when needed, provides reports to the appropriate agency.
- Issues and enforces Criminal Trespass Notices for violations and determines if police assistance is required.
- Monitors welfare of security personnel working after-hours, overnight, and at remote assignments.
- 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.
- Issues and monitors equipment for assigned staff (radios, badges, keys, uniforms, etc.).
- Provides direction and training to security personnel, contract employees, and other City departments regarding Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and other training areas.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:- May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.
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 three (3) years of providing security-related services.
Licenses and Certifications Required:- Requires a valid Texas Driver License.
PREFERRED SKILLS:- 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.
- Conflict resolution: Skills to handle challenging situations effectively using verbal and behavioral techniques, as well as knowledge of de-escalation methods.
- Customer service: Ability to have positive daily interactions with coworkers, customers, and the public. Position requires projecting friendliness, respect, and approachability.
- Emergency response: Ability 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, 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: May drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties.
- Scheduling: Ability to create and maintain equitable and transparent scheduling practices. Duties include tracking and approving requested time-offs.
- Safety compliance: Knowledge of designing, planning, and organizing training programs on security subjects in accordance with legal, contractual, and company-mandated requirements.
- Team management: Ability to build and foster a collaborative team culture and establish relationships with the management team.
- Delegation: Ability to assign duties based on individuals' abilities and development.
- Reports: Ability to write comprehensive and detailed reports based on incidents, projects, and assigned tasks.
Notes to Candidate:
Library Security Specialist Senior
The Library Security Specialist Senior. plays an important role in ensuring the safety and security of all Austin Public Library facilities, staff, and patrons. This position provides leadership, training, and guidance to team members. They oversee daily security operations and are responsible for maintaining a safe and welcoming environment. Key responsibilities include conducting inspections, responding to after-hours emergencies, monitoring electronic security systems, enforcing policies and procedures, and delivering training.
Work Location :- Central Library - 710 W. Cesar Chavez St. Austin, Texas 78701
- John Henry Faulk Building - 800 Guadalupe Street, Austin, Texas 78701
- Austin History Center - 810 Guadalupe Street, Austin, Texas 78701
Pay Range:
$ 23.44 - $26.83
Hours and Schedule:
Full-Time/ 40 hours per week (Monday - Sunday)- Shift Hours 12:00 pm- 8:30 pm.
- Hours, schedule, and shifts may vary based on operational or business needs.
- NOTE: Shifts may vary to include weekends, holidays, and extended shifts.
To view the City of Austin recruitment video, please click here.
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. NOTE: A cover letter and/or resume will NOT be used to substitute for an incomplete job application.
- 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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:- 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.
- The Austin Public Library reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs.
- 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.
- 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.
BENEFITS:- 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.
DRIVING REQUIREMENTS:- This position requires a Valid Texas Driver’s License or the ability to acquire one by 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: (Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus three (3) years of providing security-related services), 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.
ASSESSMENT:- An assessment may be required
JOB CLOSING:- 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.
- The Austin Public Library reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs.
- 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: 2025-10-17 - Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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City of Austin
Show moreThe City of Austin
This vibrant and dynamic city tops many lists for business, entertainment, and quality of life. One of the country’s most popular, high-profile “green” and culturally rich cities, Austin was recently selected the number one Best Place to Live in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report). In 2016, Forbes named Austin the city most likely to prosper over the next decade on their America’s Cities of the Future list, and the City of Austin ranked in the top ten on the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for 2017.
Austin continues to lead with its vision of being the Most Livable City in the Country, emerging as a player on the international scene with such events as SXSW, Austin City Limits, Formula 1, and being home to companies such as Apple, Samsung, Dell, and Ascension Seton Healthcare. From the home of state government and the University of Texas to the Live Music Capital of the World and its growth as a film center, Austin has gained worldwide attention as a hub for education, business, health, and sustainability.
The City offers a wide range of events, from music concerts, food festivals, and sports competitions to museum displays, exhibits, and family fun. Austin is also home to a wonderful ballet, world-class museums, one-of-a-kind shopping, and beautiful outdoor spaces. You can just as easily spend your morning paddling the lake as you can strolling through a celebrated history museum.
Located at the edge of the Texas Hill Country—rolling terrain of limestone bluffs, springs, rivers, and lakes—Austin’s temperate climate is ideal for year-round jogging, cycling, hiking on the City’s many trails, or swimming at Barton Springs or one of the area’s many other swimming holes.
There are a number of excellent golf courses in the area as well as recreational opportunities for rowing, kayaking, canoeing, camping, rock climbing, disc golf, mountain biking, fishing, and more. Austin truly has something to offer for everyone.
City Government
The City of Austin is a progressive, full-service municipal organization operating under the Council-Manager form of government. Austin has a 10-1 council system with an at-large Mayor and Council Members that represent ten districts. The Mayor and Council Members may serve in their respective seats for four years with a maximum of two consecutive terms.
The City Council appoints the City Manager who is the chief administrative and executive officer of the City. The City Manager is responsible for guiding and directing day-to-day operations, as well as providing strategic research, recommendations, and management leadership to the City Council on the city budget, programs, policies, and services. The City Manager implements the organization’s administrative responsibilities with a strong team of Assistant City Managers and department executives. Supported by a staff of more than 14,000 and a budget of $4.1 billion, the City Manager and staff deliver a broad range of services to the citizens of Austin.
The City Council and City Manager of Austin are committed to the mission of delivering the highest quality, cost-effective services. Austin is a beacon of sustainability, social equity, and economic opportunity; where diversity and creativity are celebrated; where community needs and values are recognized; where leadership comes from its community members, and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all.
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