Buncombe County

Safety and Security Associate - Pack Memorial Library (Bilingual Preferred)

Asheville, NC Full time
This job posting expires at 11:59PM on December 17, 2025. No applications can be submitted after 11:59PM on December 17, 2025.

 

 

Job Title:  Safety and Security Associate - Pack Memorial Library (Bilingual Preferred)

 

 

Department: Libraries

 

 

External Hiring Range: $19.66 - $23.31

 

 

Compensation Grade: 2003

 

 

Pay Range: $19.66 - $28.35

 

 

Posted Internally and Externally

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Library Safety Associate is a front-line member of the public service team at Pack Memorial Library. Pack Memorial Library is located in downtown Asheville and is more than just a library. Pack Memorial serves a community hub for patrons and locals and offers a safe space for people seeking resources.

This position is responsible for promoting safety and security by patrolling the facility and interacting with patrons. The Safety Associate responds directly to patron safety concerns and de-escalates situations on a daily basis, including addressing situations which violate Library policy. This position may provide Narcan/Naloxone administration to Library visitors.

The position also serves as a welcoming and friendly point of connection for the many downtown regulars at Pack Memorial Library and connects them with community services and resources. The Safety Associate may also provide safety/security support to library staff at other Buncombe County Public Libraries. The Library Safety Associate reports to the Library Services Manager.

This is a great position for people who enjoy the atmosphere in our libraries and who want to connect with community and locals. If you have worked a Security position in the past and are looking for an engaging, daytime, community-focused position, this is the job for you!

Bilingual Spanish/English speakers are preferred.

This position will work:

Mon - Wednesday: 10:30AM - 7:00PM

Thursday - Friday: 8:30AM - 5:00PM

Purpose of the position: 

The primary purpose of this position is to promote safety and security of library premises, property, customers, and staff for the Buncombe County Library System.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire):  

High school diploma or GED, and two (2) years of experience in security, law enforcement or social work-related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Essential Functions of the position:

  • Patrol all interior and exterior grounds to protect premises, property, and equipment; Circulate among visitors, customers, and employees to preserve order and protect property while ensuring a positive customer experience; Greet customers, answer directional questions, and escort customers with disabilities.

  • Proactively engage with customers to address issues and quickly diffuse situations and minimize disruption. Discuss infractions or violations with customers, assesses appropriate actions, and escort customers from premises if necessary.

  • Assist customers and staff in emergency situations relating to safety and security; Respond quickly to requests for security presence during unusual incidents (e.g. assisting staff in deescalating situations with customers, being a presence in the event of threats against staff).

  • Interpret, communicate, and enforce library policies, procedures, and rules with customers, security workers, and other staff.

  • Maintain appropriate security reports and records.

  • Collaborate with library staff and community partners to assess and address patron needs and provide guidance to patrons as applicable.

  • Observe and report matters pertaining to library building condition and maintenance.

  • Provide security to other Library locations and special events, as needed.

  • Actively support the needs of the library, including completion of opening and closing procedures.

  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to proactively diffuse and deescalate situations.

  • Excellent written communication skills and the ability to prepare meaningful, concise, and accurate reports.

  • Knowledge of loss prevention and life safety issues.

  • Knowledge of computers and software such as Microsoft Office, as well as the ability to operate and monitor surveillance software.

  • Knowledge of library routine and procedures.

  • Ability to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

  • Ability to maintain effective working relationships and deal tactfully and courteously with library staff and the public.

  • Able to respond to and effectively address significant incidents, recognizing and referring situations best handled by law enforcement.

  • Must possess excellent observation skills, focus, and attention to detail to identify threats quickly.

  • Excellent interpersonal skills (professional, friendly, helpful) including building and enhancing diverse relationships.

  • Knowledge of resources and organizations that provide assistance to the community.

  • Ability to be empathetic and to speak comfortably with individuals from all walks of life.

  • Ability to acknowledge negative behavior through redirection and provide positive choices for customers therefore ensuring customers continue to have a successful library experience.

  • Ability to stand and walk for long periods.

       

 

 

In order to uphold internal pay parity and equity, salaries are non-negotiable for new and current Buncombe County employees. All new employees are paid according to their years of relevant education and experience above minimum requirements for the position and employees have the opportunity to obtain pay increases via cost of living increases and promotions.

Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.

It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.