Security Officer
You will deliver a visible and professional security presence across the Ashmolean Museum, undertaking internal and external patrols, monitoring access points, and responding to incidents. You will support front of house operations at the main entrance, assist visitors, and undertake reception duties, ensuring a positive and secure experience for all. You will also operate within the control room, using advanced security systems including CCTV, alarms, and access control systems.
You will act as a first responder to incidents and emergencies, supporting fire safety procedures, evacuations, and providing first aid where required. You will contribute to investigations, produce reports, and support ongoing risk management and compliance activities. You will work collaboratively with colleagues and external partners, maintaining high standards of safety, security, and customer service.
This is a permanent part-time post, working 30 hours per week. The anticipated working pattern is either Monday to Thursday 09:45 to 17:15 or Friday to Monday 09:45 to 17:15.
Due to the nature of this post, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a satisfactory Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and Known Consignor security checks.
About You
You will have demonstrable experience of working in a security environment and a clear understanding of the role security plays within an organisation. You will be confident in delivering a high-quality, customer-focused service within a public-facing setting, ensuring safety while maintaining a welcoming and professional approach.
You will demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with visitors, staff, contractors, and external agencies. You will be able to assess situations quickly, take control where needed, and make sound decisions under pressure, escalating issues appropriately.
You will work effectively as part of a team, contributing to the efficient delivery of security operations, and you will be flexible in your approach, with a willingness to support additional shifts, events, and on-call duties. You will ideally have experience of security systems, incident reporting, and investigations, and experience within a museum, heritage, or similar environment would be advantageous.
As an employer, the University of Oxford genuinely cares about employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that they offer including:
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days of annual leave
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Cycle loan scheme
- Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
More information is available at https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits
Diversity
The University of Oxford’s staff and students come from all over the world, and they proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave.
The University of Oxford is committed to ensuring that their recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible. If you require the job description or any other materials in an alternative format, or if you would like to request any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please contact the recruitment team at [email protected].
How to apply
You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting evidence form using the attached template as part of your online application. Your supporting evidence form should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. Both documents must be submitted to be considered.
We aim to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. The Chair of this recruitment panel will be Michael Finneran, Head of Safety & Security. For enquiries relating to the role, please contact Stewart Mann, Security Systems & Operations Manager ([email protected]). General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team within the Human Resources department ([email protected]).
Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (BST) on Wednesday 29th April 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing Monday 11th May 2026.
