Public Safety Specialist Part-Time in Minneapolis, Minnesota at Guthrie Theater

Department: Guest Operations - Public Safety

Reports to: Public Safety Supervisor

Compensation: $18.75 per hour

Benefits: Non-Benefits Eligible

Position Summary

The Public Safety Specialist position is responsible for the safety and security of assets, property, personnel, patrons, customers, and all visitors of the Guthrie Theater by monitoring and patrolling the theater premises and always responding to incidents in a calm and professional demeanor. All employees are expected to center, model and champion the Guthrie’s core values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.

This position is part-time and non-exempt. The typical schedule includes a minimum of two (2) days per week, which includes at least one evening and one weekend. This role also requires flexible availability to include weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays, and a willingness to work shifts that could start as early as 7am and end as late as 2am. The position’s hours are reflective of the Guthrie's performance and event schedules and the dynamic schedule of the theater.

Please note: This position works year-round and is not a summer-only position. You must be able to continue working beyond mid-September 2026.

The Guthrie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building an equitable environment that finds strength in diversity of identity, experience and perspective. We are dedicated to hiring and developing talented teams that are inclusive and welcoming to individuals with different backgrounds, thoughts, and abilities. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Safety and Security

• Perform safety patrols to ensure the protection of property from trespassing, fire, accidents, vandalism and other safety related incidents, reporting any unlawful or suspicious activity through established company procedures.
• Monitor access to premises and property including personnel, visitors, and patrons.
• Resolve situations calmly with tact and common sense - including, but not limited to warning, apprehension and/or eviction of violators from premises if warranted. Duties include notifying the appropriate municipal departments (i.e., fire, police, emergency responders) when necessary.
• Respond to emergencies and administer First Aid/CPR/AED when appropriate and necessary.

2. Customer Service

• Provide exceptional customer service to Guthrie patrons. Take every possible step to ensure that customers have a positive experience.
• Present a polite and professional demeanor when interacting with patrons and colleagues.
• Ensure theater and lobby spaces are clean, safe and welcoming.
• Follow Guthrie policies and emergency procedures, directing patrons in the event of an emergency.
• Assist patrons with accessibility needs as needed or when appropriate.
• Problem solve patron problems as they arise, elevating as needed to supervisors.
• Communicate with supervisors, informing them of patron comments, problems, or needs.

3. Administration

• Can communicate, both verbally and in written form, to complete required documentation of written Incident Reports.
• Answer phone calls, take messages, and assist vendors, to promote internal department communication, and to ensure effective communication to Guthrie staff.
• Contribute to the overall work culture of the Guthrie. Promote a positive work culture by fostering open communication, promoting interdepartmental teamwork and speaking at and contributing to departmental meetings.

Essential Knowledge and Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in public safety, security, or emergency response—ideally in environments with a high volume of public interaction such as theaters, airports, hospitals, or cultural institutions.
• Must possess or be willing to obtain First Aid/CPR/AED training within six months of hire. Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification is a plus.
• Demonstrated skill in engaging with a broad range of individuals including guests experiencing distress, individuals with mental health concerns, and high-profile patrons, while maintaining professionalism, empathy, and situational awareness.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven skill in de-escalating tense situations with calmness, tact, and cultural sensitivity.
• Demonstrated customer service mindset with a focus on creating a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for all visitors, patrons, and staff.
• Can read and respond appropriately to a wide range of human behaviors and emotional states in high-pressure or fast-changing environments.
• Can adapt communication and demeanor based on the audience—from providing support to individuals in crisis to engaging comfortably with high-level donors or community leaders. Can use an assertive voice in emergencies, crowd control etc.
• Can make quick decisions under pressure while maintaining a calm and reassuring presence.
• Can work independently and collaboratively within a team, maintaining a positive and solutions-oriented attitude.
• Can be on your feet regularly throughout a shift and/or can stand in the same location for extended periods of time; can go up and down stairs.
• Can adapt and move quickly from area to area and perform different tasks as needed.
• Can lift/move/carry 15 lbs.
• Can pick up items from the floor; lift medical bags; and potentially work together with another individual to move a person or persons.
• Must be comfortable with the potential exposure to blood and other biohazards.
• Can use hand radios and small flashlights.
• Can read in low light conditions and can work effectively in a busy environment that includes crowded lobbies/theaters with moderate to high noise levels.
• Can work a minimum of two (2) days per week, which includes at least one evening and one weekend. Can work flexible hours, including weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays and can also work shifts that could start as early as 7am and end as late as 2am. This position’s hours are reflective of the Guthrie’s performance and event schedules and the dynamic schedule of the theater.
• Experience with and commitment to working with individuals and teams that exemplify diversity of identity, experience, and perspective, including but not limited to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, family and/or marital status, creed, religion, ancestry, disability, national origin, sexual orientation or sexual identity, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, body size/type, status with regard to public assistance or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

The Guthrie relies on the talents of many artists and staff, both on and off the stage, to create powerful works of theater at the Guthrie. We are dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference. Acknowledging that there are many identities that are underrepresented in the theater overall, the Guthrie strongly encourages candidates who bring diversity of identity, experience and thought to apply. We also acknowledge that candidates can have unique and non-linear and transferable skills. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification but have transferrable skills and passion for our mission and vision.

WHY SHOULD I APPLY?

Be a part of a leading non-profit organization that is committed to serving not only the local Twin Cities community but the industry as a whole. In addition to a competitive salary, the Guthrie offers top-notch employee benefits and staff perks.

• Sick Time: One hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked (in concurrence with the Minneapolis and State of Minnesota Sick and Safe Time requirements)
• Transportation: Subsidized passes for Metro Transit buses and trains, Discounted pre-tax monthly ramp parking, Discounted bike locker rental
• Complimentary Tickets: To Guthrie productions
• Discounted Tickets: To all shows produced by the Guthrie and to some performances hosted by the Guthrie
• Classes and Camps: Discounts to Guthrie classes and camps
• Other Employee Perks: Wellness Program, Guthrie Store discount, Affinity Groups

ABOUT THE GUTHRIE

The Guthrie Theater engages exceptional theater artists in the exploration of both classic and contemporary plays connecting the community we serve to one another and to the world. Through its extraordinary artists, staff and facility, the Guthrie is committed to the people of Minnesota, and from its place, rooted deeply in the Twin Cities, influences the field as a leading 21st century arts organization. Every year more than 500 people, both on stage and off, help ensure our success in creating and supporting the highest level of theater. As an organization, we are committed to our values of Artistic Excellence, Community, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Fiscal Responsibility. The Guthrie Theater is located in the historic Mill District along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As the largest city in the state, Minneapolis offers a large variety of parks, lakes, great food, festivals, malls and more.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The Guthrie Theater would like to acknowledge that we gather on the traditional land of the Dakota People and honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations, including the Ojibwe and other Indigenous nations.

Applicants must submit a resume to be considered for the position.