LIBRARY SECURITY GUARD

Introduction

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a workforce committed to providing exemplary service to its residents. If you are passionate about being part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

Application Period Opens:


Application Period Closes:


*Written Exam: (Subject to change)


June 8, 2026


July 2, 2026


July 22, 2026

Purpose

The Library Security Guard patrols library facilities, responds to security incidents, and prevents security issues to ensure the safety and security of library staff, the public, facilities, and assets throughout the Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) system.

Essential Functions

Security Patrol:

• Patrol and monitor library facilities to identify, prevent, and respond to violations of the library's code of conduct, policies, and procedures.
• Evaluate security issues of library staff, volunteers, patrons, and property, taking appropriate preventative and protective actions.
• Explain rules and procedures to library visitors, soliciting cooperation and compliance.
• Investigate and handle disturbances, collaborating with police and law enforcement as needed.
• Enforce exclusion policies, including banning patrons violating the MPL Code of Conduct.
• Perform crowd control duties for special events.
• Provide security support for after hours and special events held on MPL property.
• Obtain, record, and maintain necessary documentation, records, and reports.
• Operate security and property specific programs.
• Serve as liaison between library staff, police agencies and personnel, contracted security personnel, and the public.
• Appear in court to testify and provide evidence in legal matters when required.
• Serve as MPL Security Investigator backup.

Emergency Management:

• Respond to medical emergencies.
• Lead building emergency and evacuation response efforts.

Prevention Activities:

• Identify and report security and safety conditions and concerns.
• Identify and recommend property loss and damage prevention procedures and methodologies.
• Partner with library staff to identify and resolve security problems.
• Inform the Safety and Security Manager of security issues and activities.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Conditions of Employment

The Library Security Guard must be willing and able to:

• Work rotating hours, including some weekends and evenings, and accept calls during off-hours.
• Work a 5 days per week, 40 hours per week schedule.
• Provide emergency support as needed to all 13 Milwaukee Public Library locations.
• Occasionally provide security support for after-hours and special events held on MPL property.
• Perform physical work that includes standing, walking, crouching, kneeling, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
• Lift items weighing 10-20 pounds and occasionally exert force to move items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Work on occasion in facilities without temperature regulation such as covered loading docks and garages or while performing external building tours.

Minimum Requirements

1. One year of full-time security experience related to the essential functions listed above, including highly visible and sensitive public contact, conflict resolution and problem-solving, and responding to critical incidents in an occupational setting.
2. Valid driver's license at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.


NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates' education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

Desirable Qualifications

• Associate degree in criminal justice or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Experience in comparable security occupations.
• Bilingual in Spanish or Hmong.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Technical:

• Knowledge of security monitoring, intervention, and case management best practices.
• Knowledge of the principles and best practices of interviewing, de-escalation, and conflict resolution.
• Competence in unarmed self-defense and suspect restraint methods; ability to train security personnel in use of non-lethal defensive tactics.
• Ability to efficiently utilize surveillance and communication equipment, including a two-way radio.
• Ability to remain observant of surroundings at all times.
• Ability to learn specialized computer security software, reporting tools, and internal electronic files and databases.
• Proficient in basic computer skills including the use of Microsoft Office Suite.

Communication and Interpersonal:

• Verbal communication and customer service skills to share information clearly and courteously with internal and external customers.
• Written communication skills to prepare clear and concise business correspondence and reports, using correct grammatical and punctuation conventions.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with library staff, contracted security guards, library patrons and visitors, elected officials, other City staff, community partners, and outside agencies.
• Ability to foster an environment of inclusion wherein all are treated respectfully, valued for their strengths, and feel that they can safely express themselves.
• Ability to work cooperatively and fairly with people whose backgrounds may differ from one's own.

Critical Thinking and Professionalism:

• Analytical and problem-solving skills to resolve and prevent challenging security issues.
• Decision-making skills and sound judgment to exercise authority in a competent manner.
• Ability to maintain situational awareness and handle emergency situations in a calm manner.
• Ability to exhibit a positive attitude, exemplary professionalism, and maintain composure.
• Ability to keep accurate, detailed records.
• Honesty, integrity, and the ability to maintain complete confidentiality.
• Tactfulness, discretion, and good judgment.

Current Salary

The current starting salary (Pay Range 8AN) is $43,036 annually, and the current resident incentive starting range for City of Milwaukee residents is $44,757 annually.


BENEFITS


The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program which includes:

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit

Selection Process

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job-related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience, and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test, a structured interview, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.


INITIAL FILING DATE - The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the City's needs have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative selection process dates or times. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

Additional Information

• Applications can be accessed by visiting
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io.
• The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

Conclusion

EEO 805

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.