Security Officer, Senior

Full Job Description

About Seattle Center:

Seattle Center is where community comes together—an iconic, inclusive destination that delights and inspires the human spirit.

Seattle Center is the region's premier civic, arts and family gathering place in the core of our city and region, home to more than 30 arts, cultural, and entertainment organizations, family attractions, and tourist amenities.

Seattle Center expanded its role recently beyond our well-known 74-acre campus, to serve as the City’s lead for operating Seattle’s new Waterfront Park, a series of new public spaces on Seattle’s downtown waterfront between Pioneer Square and the Seattle Aquarium.

As a department of the City of Seattle, Seattle Center contributes to the quality of life for Seattle residents—and the region's economy and image as its top visitor destination.

About this position:

We are seeking a qualified full-time Senior Security Officer to provide leadership and guidance to a staff of security officers responsible for Campus and Waterfront operations, including patrolling the grounds, safeguarding public safety and securing the facilities on Campus and at the Waterfront Park.

This position will assign patrol sectors, monitor completion of assignments, provide assistance for security, crowd control, accident or crime scene protection as well as interact with members of other work units and other external agencies on a regular basis by radio, telephone and in person.

The Emergency Services Unit places a very strong emphasis upon providing excellent customer service to guests, clients and staff as well as helping to ensure their safety and enjoyment while they are at Seattle Center and the Waterfront Park.

The position exercises discretion and judgment in handling security matters, using security and de-escalation methods and prioritizing the handling of multiple incidents, but does not have the formal arrest authority of a sworn officer.

The unit works 365 days a year on multiple shifts and operates 24 hours a day. This opening is for 3^rd shift (11 pm - 7 am, Sundays and Mondays off) and is located at Seattle Center Campus.

Requirements

Here is more of what you will be doing:

• Lead and assign the work activities of Security Officers. Ensure adequate coverage for events by assigning officers and checking the master schedule.
• Train and evaluate the work of staff.
• Assign patrol sectors, monitor completion of assignments, provide assistance for security, crowd control, accident or crime scene protection.
• Provide information and assistance to the public.
• Maintain routine records and prepare written reports.
• Administer first aid, call for emergency treatment, as needed.
• Perform other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.
• Interact with members of other work units and other external agencies on a regular basis by radio, telephone and in person.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience: Requires two years of experience in security work, including developing security policies and procedures and supervising or leading staff.

Experience and Education Equivalency: Combinations of appropriate education, training, certification, and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability to the minimum education and experience requirements.

You will be successful in this role if you have:

Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.

Ability to train staff to communicate clearly and diplomatically with the public while enforcing security rules, often under stressful situations.

Ability to resolve conflicts between the public and/or staff and negotiate solutions without resorting to force or provoking unneeded conflict. Ability to persuade.

Ability to elicit cooperation and compliance under difficult or stressful circumstances.

Leadership competencies that encourage open and transparent communication and create a culture of belonging amongst staff.

• Experience providing excellent customer service and equal protection under the law at all times to all persons regardless of circumstance.
• High organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly in English both verbally and in writing.
• Two years’ security or law enforcement experience in a supervisory capacity.
• Ability to work within a diverse workforce serving the public and clients of multicultural backgrounds.
• Ability to be effective in a team setting or alone after being given verbal or written instructions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Access and other software applications.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Must be available to work third shift, including weekends and holidays.
• Work full-time (40 hours) per week.
• Stand, walk, and bend for extended periods of time.

License, Certification, and Other Requirements:

• Possess a valid Washington State Driver License
• Obtain a Special Police Commission from the Seattle Police Department within 12 months of appointment

Additional Information

The full pay range for this step-progression position is $38.30 – 46.59 per hour (not including 2026 wage increase of 3.6%).

New employees begin at Step 1 of the pay progression, which is $38.30 hourly. Current City employees’ starting rate of pay will be based on Personnel Rules regarding promotions.

How to Apply:

Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. You must submit the following items to be considered for this position no later than 4:00 pm Pacific Time on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

1. Completed NEOGOV online application.
2. Supplemental questionnaire responses.

Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

IMPORTANT NOTE: To align with our commitment to equity and the City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative, Seattle Center is collecting cover letters and resumes without personal identifiers to achieve a blind screening process.

Driving Record - If you are selected to advance in this hiring process, you may be asked to obtain a complete 5-Year (Full) driving record from the Department of Licensing.

Candidates with driving history that does not meet our current safety standards will be disqualified from consideration.

Current City of Seattle Employees in a driving position may be required to submit an updated abstract.

Pre-Employment Physical - Due to the tasks associated with this role, you will be required to successfully pass a preemployment physical.

Background Check - Hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records. The hiring process will be conducted in compliance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain and correct background information.

Why work at the City?

The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism.

Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same.

To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in dismantling racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and create and provide equitable processes and services.

Seattle Office of Civil Rights)

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

For helpful tips on the application process and recruitment process: Working at the City - Human Resources | seattle.gov