Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide overall security of the Ontario Science Centre (OSC) complex and its installations and exhibits and to ensure the security and safety of the OSC visitors and employees by patrolling the premises, responding to emergency calls, and by observing the grounds through the operation of various security systems.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Performing a variety of duties while patrolling to ensure the security and safety of the OSC's premises such as:
• escorting or removing visitors from the OSC and providing other security response measures while awaiting arrival of Toronto Police Services.
• monitoring assigned areas of the OSC property and the surrounding grounds and assessing for general security purposes, including all exhibit spaces, offices, internal and external areas of the premises.
• observing and monitoring for: safety of visitors; disregard for building restrictions; theft or damage of exhibits; inappropriate behavior by visitors, specifically youth and groups which may lead to accidents; misuse of washrooms, ie. alcohol or drug use.
• evaluate observed irregularities and incidents, taking immediate personal action to inform, remind, persuade visitors regarding restrictions and safety rules – calling for Supervisor(s) or other assistance as required by two way radio.
• resolving conflict situations including staff and general public complaints and disputes.
• interacting with visitors to promote positive behaviour and movement throughout the building and exhibit halls and providing warnings and enforcing appropriate controls to address inappropriate behaviour
• advising Visitor Services on regulating vehicle and pedestrian traffic, arranging removal of cars or buses, as required.
• administering first aid and emergency CPR, including operating automated external defibrillators, to staff and visitors, pending arrival of emergency services, and completing required incident/illness report forms.
• assisting with the evacuation of building in the event of fire, bomb or power failure and as fire wardens under the direction of the Chief Fire Warden or Alternate
• recording and maintaining log books of daily activities, including unusual or special occurrences.

Responsible for the Security Central Control by performing duties such as:
• operating close circuit cameras (CCTV) and monitors, a control console and DVR system (cameras placed at inside and outside strategic points), computerized card access system and computerized fire alarm system.
• watching monitors, observing visitors, parking and staff activities, etc. to ensure the health and safety of staff and visitors are protected.
• directing Supervisor(s) and other Officers to trouble areas and incidents by two way radio or telephone, responding to incidents and being prepared to escalate to authorities when required, adjusting and monitoring camera angles where required to ensure appropriate images are recorded by the DVR (digital video recorder) for playback.
• maintaining communications in fire, bomb threat and other emergencies; relaying instructions to visitors by public address (PA) system, to staff by two way radio or telephone, e.g. to clear areas or whole building; acting as main fire wardens and as Emergency Response Team members.
• taking and relaying reports from Officers investigating emergencies, relaying additional instructions.
• keeping a detailed log of incidents and emergencies reported to Central Control, writing detailed incident reports for incidents occurring on the OSC site; receiving and recording complaints and conducting follow-up investigations, as required.
• answering incoming telephone calls for staff assistance during business hours, answering emergency public access phones to assist with lost children, first aid calls and other visitor related issues, answering the main Centre incoming calls when switchboard is closed.
• maintaining confidentiality of information regarding incidents/accidents and related Protective Services operations.

Carries out other responsible functions by:
• regulating the entrance and exit of staff, business visitors, contractors, etc.; scrutinizing identification and passes and deciding on eligibility of visitors to receive temporary passes; providing contractors and visitors with ID badges.
• examining and recording materials entering or leaving through control points including staff equipment loans.
• accepting lost and found articles, recording, ensuring security until handed over.
• carrying out special assignments by providing assistance to the OPP, RCMP and Toronto Police Services for the reception and protection of VIPs visiting the Centre.
• ensuring that staff members adhere to OSC safety and security requirements.
• assisting in morning opening and evening closing of the Centre.
• performing initial investigations re: theft, loss, damage, etc. when necessary, including photographing accident scenes and other events.
• preparing and submitting reports to Supervisor(s) of Protective Services, as required.
• staffing the parking lots, traffic barriers and opening or closing, as required.
• opening and locking doors for personnel in the Centre.
• completing other duties as required.

Staffing and Licensing :

Valid First Aid and CPR/AED certificate.
Valid Security Guard License under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005.

Knowledge :

Security experience in a public oriented environment to interact with visitors, contractors and stakeholders and to provide guidance and direction on appropriate behaviors and interactions.

Knowledge of emergency procedures/ safe evacuation protocols and fire evacuation plans and knowledge in using emergency communication devices (two way radios), pull stations, fire extinguisher classes.

Knowledge of legislative policies such WHMIS, the Occupational Health & Safety Act and the Trespass to Property Act, and the Criminal Code.

Knowledge of Security Cameras systems (CCTV) to monitor visitor flow, vehicle traffic, visitor safety, and premises to ensure safety.

Working knowledge of Fire Alarm Systems; Card Access Control systems; locking mechanisms (mag locks) to work with systems providing safety and security access to and from the premises.

Knowledge of Public Address (PA) systems to make public announcements during emergencies and ensuring information is communicated clearly and effectively.

Skills :

Interpersonal and customer service skills to deal with situations with tact and patience, to resolve irregularities and incidents, and to maintain good public relationships.

Analytical and problem solving skills to: conduct investigations; assess breaches of safety/security when patrolling and observing security monitors/panels; decide if intervention is required; conduct security audits and assessments in order to provide advice to enhance security.

Organizational skills to deal effectively with multiple tasks simultaneously, sometimes under stressful conditions, and to work in a team environment.

Oral communication skills to clearly convey facts and information when explaining/clarifying OSC rules/procedures to visitors/staff, when de-escalating conflicts, and when responding to telephone or visitor inquiries.

Basic computer skills to complete incident reports and to record and maintain log books of daily activities, unusual or special occurrences, and issuance of equipment and basic technical skills to operate security camera systems.

Written communication skills to write reports and complete daily logs.

Freedom of Action :

Job requires performing individual tasks in compliance with established organizational policies and procedures, security best practices and procedures, and related legislation (i.e., Private Security and Investigative Service Act) when responding to breaches of safety or security or to public inquiries.

Job requires independently assessing potential security threats or first aid situations and making decisions to involve other Protective Services Officers, or escalate to a Supervisor/Manager based on organizational policies and the specific circumstances.

Job requires seeking advice/ guidance/direction from the Manager, Security or the Supervisor, Protective Services for situations not covered by OSC policies and procedures. Work is reviewed on an ongoing basis throughout the shift.