The Whitney Museum of American Art, founded in 1930 by the artist and philanthropist Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, houses the foremost collection of American art from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. From her vision arose the Whitney Museum of American Art, which has been championing the most innovative art of the United States for 86 years. The core of the Whitney’s mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit American art of our time and serve a wide variety of audiences in celebration of the complexity and diversity of art and culture in the United States. Through this mission and a steadfast commitment to artists themselves, the Whitney has long been a powerful force in support of modern and contemporary art and continues to help define what is innovative and influential in American art today.
Assistant Head Guards are part of the public facing team and are principally responsible for the safety and security of our visitors and staff. Assistant Head Guards contribute to the overall protection of art and aim to prevent any serious art incident. They maintain order on their assigned floors and ensure that the patrolling guards meet Museum standards regarding proper uniform, timely arrivals, relief periods, knowledge of crowd control and evacuation. As part of the Visitor Experience team, Assistant Head Guards will make sure that the Guard staff creates a positive environment for the general public and museum members. Assistant Head Guards report to the Head Guard, Security Supervisor, Security Manager, and Director of Security
Responsibilities:
- They will forward information regarding unusual occurrences to the Head Guard and assist in the initial investigation including filing complaints, aided cases, lost/found property, art damage, etc.
- They will direct staff and respond to calls on the gallery floors.
- They will make periodic visits to all parts of their assigned floors making sure all Guards are performing their duties properly.
- Responsible for the overall condition of the gallery floor that he/she is assigned to.
- They will observe, direct, report and secure the floors they are assigned to.
- Fill out inspection reports and turn completed forms to the Head Guard at the conclusion of the tour.
- Assign guards to posts on the gallery floor.
- Establish and control all breaks for the Guards.
- Control the flow of visitors on each floor.
- Inspect the floor prior to opening and report any unusual conditions, i.e., art damage, building hazards, etc.
- Act as a liaison between the visitors and the security staff and ensure that the Guards on his/her floor act in a courteous and professional manner.
- Inspect all uniforms to make sure they meet the established standards of the Whitney.
- Patrol designated area in the galleries or lobby.
- Observe and identify any behavioral issues relating to visitors.
- Where possible prevent any accidents from occurring.
- Use walkie-talkie to communicate as necessary.
- They will be the last person leaving the floor at the close of the business day ensuring that the gallery guards have made their final inspection of their posts, and all visitors have left the area.
- Respond to emergency first aid situations
Supervision:
- Supervises gallery guards as instructed
Relationships:
- Daily contact with Visitors, Retail, Member Services, Facilities, Education and Visitor Services departments
Confidentiality:
- As required in relation to any sensitive information in relation to safety or security
Working Conditions:
- Standing for extended periods of time
- Uniform required to be worn
Responsibilities:
- Maintain the overall cleanliness of the building using diluted (ready-to-use) cleaning solutions, cleaning equipment, and other cleaning supplies as needed
- Clean and maintain elevators, restrooms, hallways, stairways throughout the day.
- Organize, maintain and store museum non-art furniture, equipment and catalogs
- Garbage removal
- Set-up/break-down furniture for events as needed
- Move/deliver boxes (not to exceed 50lbs; help will be provided if necessary)
- Collect and/or clean dust mops, wet mops and other tools and equipment as needed
- Operate vacuums and other cleaning equipment
- Cleaning
- Dusting
- Moving
- Setups/breakdowns (and 99 Gansevoort Street)
- Snow removal at primary Museum location, 99 Gansevoort Street, NYC when needed
Occasional:
- Move furniture, files, brochures etc. as needed.
- Assist various Museum departments in setting up furniture for various events.
- Assist in detail cleaning of exhibition space (floors) after construction as well as office floors and carpets.
- De-install and reinstall museum spaces used for events.
- On-demand requests from museum staff for assistance.
- Team work among department staff, working closely with other department staff including Security, Visitor Service, Retail, Education, Exhibition
- (Proprietary knowledge, level of confidential information, safekeeping of records, etc.) Maintains confidentiality of privileged and sensitive information.
General Requirements:
- Requirements: 8- and 16-hour New York State Certification
- Fire Safety Director license
- Professional and positive attitude
- Good communication and listening skills
- Works well under pressure
- Must be able to work weekend, holidays, overnight as required
- Interest in arts and cultural a plus
- Bi-lingual skills a plus