Watch Commander (Classified, Non-Exempt)

** Please visit our Virginia Jobs site to view and apply for this position: Apply HERE

 

Working Title: Watch Commander

Position Type: Full-time (Salaried)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

 

Department: Security Services

Hiring Range: $50,000 annually

 

About Virginia Museum of Fine Arts:

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) in Richmond, Virginia, is one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the United States. VMFA, which opened in 1936, is a state agency and privately endowed educational institution. Its purpose is to collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret art, and to encourage the study of the arts.

VMFA is the only art museum in the United States open 365 days a year with free general admission.

 

About Security Services Department:

The Department of Security Services is dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all staff, volunteers, and visitors to the museum and its campus. This includes safeguarding the buildings, property, and art collections from all potential threats.  This is achieved through several key functions: regular patrols of the museum and grounds; enforcement of established rules and regulations; surveillance and monitoring using cameras and other technologies; providing assistance to visitors and employees; reporting and responding to potential hazards and suspicious activities; and responding to emergency situations. These efforts directly support the Commonwealth of Virginia’s cultural enrichment goals and align with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ strategic plan.

 

General Information:

We are seeking a dedicated and civic-minded individual to join our Security Services Department as a full-time Watch Commander, serving as a frontline supervisor and Special Conservator of the Peace (SCOP) Officer.

As a key member of our Security Services Leadership team, you will ensure the safety and security of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, its employees, and visitors, supporting a wide variety of events and exhibitions. This position reports directly to the Manager of SCOP Operations, fostering a collaborative partnership to elevate departmental effectiveness through improved training and operational efficiency.

In this role, you will coordinate and support the museum’s public safety and property protection programs by providing leadership and supervision to SCOP Officers, Console Operators (those monitoring security systems), Security Associates, and other designated security staff. You must demonstrate initiative and independence, effectively managing workload, prioritizing tasks, and supporting investigations. As an armed, sworn Special Conservator of the Peace (SCOP) Officer, you will exercise general police powers, secure evidence, and maintain detailed records.

In addition to supervising and providing guidance to Security staff, you will perform law enforcement, security, and public safety functions, and participate in strategic planning. You will advise and update security leadership on all matters involving the safety and security of the building, campus, staff, and patrons. This role demands a motivated, enthusiastic, and highly organized individual ready to contribute to a safe and secure environment for all.

In this role, you may have the opportunity to benefit from the following:

  • Officers who are assigned to the overnight rotation receive a 5%-night differential pay.
  • Officers who are selected for special assignments may receive additional compensation up to 5%.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Strong leadership and managerial skills; ability to build a connected and mission-oriented team.
  • Law enforcement background with a strong understanding of criminal law and procedures.
  • Ability to demonstrate independent judgment, prepare complete and effective reports, and communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule with open availability without scheduling restrictions.
  • Strong customer service skills; understanding and support of the VMFA mission.
  • Ability to speak before groups and maintain effective working relationships with others, especially patrons and internal staff.
  • Capable of standing for long periods of time and able to respond to incidents on campus in a quick and efficient manner.
  • Ability to use fine and gross motor skills; hand and finger dexterity; reach with hands and arms; climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk and hear.
  • Ability to function efficiently, professionally, and graciously in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, providing excellent leadership and crisis response, and the ability to exercise mature, independent judgment.
  • Ability to wear a uniform, maintaining a professional demeanor and appearance.
  • Very strong computer literacy, including demonstrated experience with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Acrobat, security databases, and Microsoft OneDrive, or equivalent.
  • Complete and receive annual Certification through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in Security Threat Assessment.
  • Complete and receive Certification through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in Bloodborne Pathogens and other relevant topics.
  • Complete and maintain registration as an armed Special Conservator of the Peace (SCOP) Officer through the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).

 

Specified training and Certifications must be obtained within first twelve (12) months of hire date. Please see ’Conditions of Employment’ down below for more details.

 

Additional Considerations:

  • BA in law enforcement, criminal justice, private security, or equivalent experience including military experience.
  • CPR/AED/First Aid Certified, Registered Special Conservator of the Peace (SCOP) Officer through the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)

 

Benefits:
Virgina Museum of Fine Arts offers paid leave; 12 paid holidays; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan); and is a federally recognized Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer.

Additional information relating to the benefits available to eligible state employees can be found online at: https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employeebenefits

 

Special Instructions:

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

All applicants must submit an online application. This position will close at 11:55 pm on April 27, 2025.

Please provide three professional references, including their full name, phone number, and email address. References should be able to speak to your qualifications for the position and may be included in your resume or cover letter or attached separately in the portal’s “other” field.

Diverse and inclusive hiring practices are at the heart of what we do at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

VMFA is a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified Employer.

 

Conditions of Employment:  

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Please note that once hired, continued employment is contingent upon the successful completion of the following:

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

 

Contact Information:

Please contact the HR office at recruitment@vmfa.museum if you need assistance.

Name: Human Resources Services

Phone: For the most up-to-date status of your application, please refer to your Jobs.Virginia.Gov account. We do not provide application status updates via phone.

Email: recruitment@vmfa.museum for recruitment related questions.

Emailed applications, resumes, or cover letters will not be accepted. For the most up-to-date status of your application, please refer to your Jobs.Virginia.Gov account.