Security Operations Center (SOC) Operator

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking an experienced Security Operations Center Operator to protect our museum's collections, visitors, and staff through vigilant monitoring and rapid response to security events. Reporting to the Security Manager, this role requires someone who can effectively manage multiple alert streams in a cultural institution environment, follow established standard operating procedures (SOPs), and understand the logic behind automated workflows to ensure appropriate responses while balancing security needs with visitor experience.

This position operates in a 24/7 security operations center within our museum facility with multiple monitoring stations and display screens. The role requires extended periods of sitting with focused attention on computer screens and security monitors. You must be able to maintain alertness during periods of low activity while being ready to respond immediately when incidents occur. The position requires excellent judgment in an environment where the public interacts daily with priceless and irreplaceable objects, and where security decisions must balance protection with the museum's educational mission and visitor experience.

This position reports directly to the Security Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor multiple integrated security platforms simultaneously including access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, environmental sensors, and gallery protection systems
• Interpret and respond to system alerts according to established SOPs while considering museum context such as public hours, active exhibitions, and special events
• Execute appropriate response protocols quickly and accurately when security incidents occur
• Escalate incidents to the SOC Supervisor when thresholds are met or situations exceed standard response protocols
• Operate the Lenel OnGuard access control system, video management system, and other systems as necessary.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of all security incidents, system issues, and response actions in the incident management system
• Participate in shift briefings and handovers to ensure continuity of operations across the 24/7 schedule

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Alert Management and Prioritization: Ability to manage multiple simultaneous alerts and determine priority based on threat level and museum operations
• Procedural Compliance: Consistent adherence to established SOPs while recognizing when situations require deviation or escalation
• Workflow Logic Understanding: Comprehension of conditional logic and automated security workflows to ensure proper system operation
• Incident Response: Rapid assessment and appropriate action during security events ranging from minor infractions to critical emergencies
• Situational Awareness: Maintaining comprehensive awareness of facility status, visitor activity, and potential security concerns
• Communication and Coordination: Effective information sharing with supervisors, team members, and external stakeholders
• Documentation Excellence: Thorough and accurate record-keeping that meets organizational standards
• Team Collaboration: Working effectively within a structured supervisory environment and contributing to team success
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Proactively identifying opportunities to enhance SOC operations and security effectiveness
• Cultural Institution Awareness: Understanding the unique balance between security, collection preservation, and public access in a museum environment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, up to 8 hours per shift.
• Ability to move throughout multiple Museum locations, including galleries, theaters, outdoor spaces, and other public areas.
• Ability to maintain an active and visible presence while providing exceptional guest service.
• Ability to work in a high-volume, public-facing environment with large groups of guests, including school groups, tours, special events, and peak attendance periods, while maintaining professionalism, situational awareness, and composure.
• Ability to frequently bend, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb stairs as needed.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull items weighing up to 25 pounds, including wheelchairs, stanchions, signage, guest service equipment, and other operational materials.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with guests and colleagues in person, by telephone, and over two-way radio.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varying environmental conditions.
• Ability to maintain awareness of guest activity and surrounding conditions while monitoring galleries, queues, and public spaces.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven experience working in a security operations center or similar multi-system monitoring environment
• Demonstrated proficiency with Lenel OnGuard access control system, including workflow and automation capabilities
• Experience managing complex access hierarchies for diverse user groups (staff, contractors, researchers, VIPs, vendors)
• Previous experience in a museum, cultural institution, gallery, library, or similar public-facing environment with high-value assets
• Ability to work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays as part of 24/7 operations
• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's degree in criminal justice, security management, or related field preferred

Skills

• Advanced proficiency with Lenel OnGuard access control platform
• Understanding of "if-then-else" conditional logic and automated workflow structures
• Ability to operate multiple security management systems simultaneously
• Strong written communication for incident documentation and reporting
• Excellent verbal communication for coordination with staff and emergency personnel
• Ability to follow complex multi-step procedures under pressure
• Customer service skills appropriate to a cultural institution setting
• Typing and computer navigation skills for efficient system operation

Knowledge

• Security operations center protocols and best practices
• Standard operating procedures for incident response and escalation
• Emergency response procedures for various incident types (medical, fire, threat, environmental)
• Documentation standards and record-keeping requirements
• Chain of custody procedures for evidence preservation
• Basic understanding of museum operations including exhibitions, special events, and collection handling

Abilities

• Maintain focus and alertness during extended periods of monitoring activity
• Rapidly shift attention between different systems and priorities as situations demand
• Recognize cause-and-effect relationships in security system alerts and automated responses
• Remain calm and make sound decisions during high-pressure emergency situations
• Prioritize multiple simultaneous alerts based on severity and museum operational needs
• Recognize when situations require escalation beyond standard procedures
• Adapt to changing conditions during special events, exhibitions, or facility modifications
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding security protocols and incidents
• Work effectively as part of a team across multiple shifts