Special Conservator of the Peace

Working Title: Special Conservator of the Peace

Position Type: Full-time (Salaried)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

Department: Security Services

Hiring Range: $43,000 – $45,000 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 currently seeking applications for a dedicated and civic-minded individual to join our Security Services Department as a Special Conservator of the Peace (SCOP) Officer.

As a Special Conservator of the Peace Officer, you will ensure the safety and security of our museum, employees, and visitors. This role involves patrolling museum property, enforcing rules, assisting visitors and staff, responding to emergencies, reporting hazards or suspicious activities, and supporting investigations. SCOPs, who are armed and exercise general police powers, also secure evidence and maintain detailed records.

Flexibility is essential, as this position requires working varied shifts, including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and the possibility of a six-month overnight rotation after training is completed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Understanding of laws, regulations, and standards governing the duties and conduct of sworn, armed Special Conservators of the Peace Officers, as well as accident and claims investigation methods.
• Ability to effectively address public safety and security concerns in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Capable of providing emergency care to individuals who are injured, ill, or otherwise in need of assistance while at the Museum.
• Proficient in exercising independent judgment, preparing thorough and effective reports, and communicating clearly in both written and oral formats.
• Able to sit, stand, and patrol the campus for extended periods, up to twelve (12) hours.
• Comfortable working in a diverse environment.
• Skilled at establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with colleagues and the public.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Familiarity with basic computer applications.

Additional Considerations:

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies typically obtained through the completion of an academic curriculum or program in Criminal Justice or equivalent level of practical experience.

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 July 1, 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:

• Successful completion of the entry level SCOP training and firearms courses.
• Successful completion of ninety-five (95) hours of field training.
• Acceptance and credentialing by the State Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) as an Armed Special Conservator of the Peace.
  • Requirements and FAQs for DCJS SCOPs: Special Conservators of the Peace | Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services

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.