
Security Officer
Southern Research
Summary
Officers will perform duties related to the enforcement of security regulations and procedures to protect Southern Research Institute personnel, customers, visitors, information, property, and other assets. Must be proficient in the operation of security, safety, and emergency monitoring devices and systems. Must be willing to work additional hours as needed in an emergency or personnel shortage. This position is a full-time security position, which requires working various hours at short notice.
Job description
General Summary
Officers will perform duties related to the enforcement of security regulations and procedures to protect Southern Research Institute personnel, customers, visitors, information, property, and other assets. Must be proficient in the operation of security, safety, and emergency monitoring devices and systems. Must be willing to work additional hours as needed in an emergency or personnel shortage. This position is a full-time security position, which requires working various hours at short notice.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Respond to alarms, emergencies, and work with outside responders as needed for effective emergency response.
- Be available to work in a dynamic and changing schedule.
- Maintain a secured facility including monitoring access, checking identification, and monitoring deliveries.
- Monitor city sidewalks and roads surrounding the Institute.
- Enforce compliance with the Institute Parking Policy and address illegally parked vehicles creating safety hazards.
- Create and maintain a sense of safety and security on the worksite.
- Understand what to do in all emergencies.
- Patrol the Campus in a vehicle, on foot, or monitor surveillance from a fixed stationary post.
- Monitor the electronic surveillance system continuously for intruders when at the front desk.
- Make rounds stopping at each Diggy point during each scheduled shift.
- Detect breaches in security and contact appropriate authorities.
- Maintain detailed and accurate reports on each shift.
- Lock and unlock doors and turn off lights during certain shifts.
- Monitor and control employee and non-employee access to all areas.
- Follow correct procedures for visitors and after-hour sign-in.
- Understand and implement the incident response command system during an emergency.
- Cooperate with local authorities as needed.
- Obtain CPR/AED and PPCT certifications.
- Respond to internal and external alarms following all required procedures.
- Report all security concerns and any failures of security systems.
- Display courtesy, tact, and effectiveness in dealing with others and provide outstanding customer service.
- Follow all specific procedures and directives identified in the Guard Book or other guidance documents.
- Notify the Security Manager and Lead Security Officer of any suspicions of and/or security breaches.
- Follow guidance or complete tasks directed by the Security Manager or Lead Security Officer.
Requirements/Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Possess effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Knowledge of and ability to utilize MS Office product suite (email, word, excel).
- Must possess a valid Alabama Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record to drive a company vehicle on patrol.
- Demonstrated ability to learn new tasks.
- Willing to be flexible and work extra hours/overtime when necessary.
- Able to use judgment within defined practices and procedures.
- Demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment.
- Applicants will be required to qualify with a firearm through the Alabama Security Regulatory Board and meet required certifications through the ASRB.
- This position requires US citizenship.
Preferred Qualifications
- Alabama Security Regulatory Board Certification.
- Prior law enforcement, military, or armed security experience preferred.
Physical Demands
- This position will be performed in both indoor and outdoor environments and may be subject to various weather conditions.
- Ability to perform work standing or walking for extended periods of time.
- Ability to physically respond to emergencies and security threats.
Certifications, Licenses & Registrations
- Be able to obtain certification in the use of handcuffs, chemical deterrent sprays, and baton usage.
- Must be able to certify in first aid and CPR/AED.
- May be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
- Maintain yearly certification through the Alabama Security Regulatory Board.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Knowledge of and ability to utilize MS Office product suite (email, word, excel)
- Valid Alabama Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record
- Demonstrated ability to learn new tasks
- Willing to be flexible and work extra hours/overtime when necessary
- Able to use judgment within defined practices and procedures
- Demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment
- Qualify with a firearm through the Alabama Security Regulatory Board
- Meet required certifications through the ASRB
- US citizenship required
- Ability to obtain CPR/AED and PPCT certifications
- Ability to obtain certification in handcuffs, chemical deterrent sprays, and baton usage
- Ability to perform work standing or walking for extended periods
- Ability to physically respond to emergencies and security threats
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- 401(k) Matching
- Life Insurance
- PTO
- Employee Assistance Program
Company overview
Southern Research is a nonprofit translational scientific research organization with an 80-year legacy of advancing drug discovery and development. Founded in 1941 in Birmingham, Alabama, the organization operates as a contract research organization (CRO) providing comprehensive preclinical and clinical research services to commercial, governmental, and academic partners. Southern Research has made significant contributions to modern medicine, including the discovery and development of seven FDA-approved cancer drugs such as fludarabine, dacarbazine, lomustine, and carmustine, with two of these drugs appearing on the WHO List of Essential Medicines. The organization maintains state-of-the-art facilities including high-throughput screening centers, biosafety level 2 and 3 containment laboratories, and specialized research platforms for oncology, infectious diseases, neuroscience, and environmental health. Southern Research collaborates with over 100 industrial partners, federal agencies, and academic institutions, and serves as an incorporated affiliate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The organization also operates Station 41, a biotech incubator supporting early-stage biotechnology companies, and has been instrumental in pandemic response efforts through COVID-19 vaccine development and infectious disease research.