Many of us have seen classic heist movies involving stealing timeless artwork, artifacts, and precious jewels. While mostly fictional, these entertaining spectacles underline how important museum security roles can be for the safety and protection of both the art and visitors alike.
Working in security in a museum can be different from a standard security guard job in several ways—let’s dive in.
Securing the Art as a Security Guard
Security personnel in museums have a primary responsibility of protecting the artwork and artifacts on display. This means that they require specialized training in art handling, protection, and preservation, which is not typically required in standard security guard jobs.
- Protecting (potentially) priceless artwork: Beyond securing an office building or apartment lobby, these roles require a high level of vigilance and attention to detail, as well as specialized training in handling and protecting art.
- Interacting with the public: Museum security personnel are often the first point of contact for visitors to the museum. This means that they need to be friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable about the exhibits and the museum's policies and procedures.
- Responding to emergencies: In the event of an emergency, such as a fire or a medical emergency, museum security personnel are responsible for responding quickly and efficiently to ensure the safety of the visitors and the artwork.
- Conducting patrols: Museum security personnel may need to conduct regular patrols of the galleries and exhibits to ensure that visitors are following the museum's rules and to detect any potential security threats. These patrols are often tighter than your average security patrols thanks to the special nature of the items being secured.
- Specialized training: Working in security in a museum requires specialized training in areas such as art handling and protection, emergency response, and public interaction. This training can provide valuable skills and experience for a career in security.
Protecting art is both similar and different than protecting any different asset—it can also be a great place to continue an existing security career.
Museum Security Guard Roles
Regardless of the museum or institution, most exhibitions require one or more security guards to secure the premises. Here are some specific benefits to working as a museum security guard:
- Working in a cultural institution: Museums are cultural institutions that provide opportunities to work in a creative and intellectually stimulating environment. Museum security guards have the chance to work alongside curators, conservators, and other museum professionals, and may have access to exclusive exhibitions and events.
- Interacting with the public: Museum security guards may interact with visitors, providing information about the artwork and exhibits, and answering questions. This requires excellent communication skills and a friendly, approachable demeanor.
- Professional development opportunities: Working in a museum can provide opportunities for professional development, such as attending workshops or seminars on art handling, conservation, or emergency response.
- Networking chances: Working in security at a museum, especially more well known institutions, can often put security guards in direct contact with people from all walks of life, including higher profile professionals, artists, and figures. This can also lead to exciting opportunities that come out of those interactions.
Security guard positions are sought after across NYC, and it’s no surprise that museum security guard roles are in high demand.
Extra Security in Job Searching
Searching for a full-time job with healthcare, paid time off (PTO), and transparent wages, whether as a museum security guard, security manager, or other NYC-based role? Check out Workwise Job Search: the easiest place to find and share high-quality jobs near you.
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