Security Officer – Library Services

Library Guard – Book of Kells Experience

Trinity College Dublin | Specific Purpose Contract | 39 Hours Per Week

About Trinity College Dublin

Trinity College Dublin is Ireland's leading university, ranked 87th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025). Founded in 1592, Trinity has built an enduring reputation for excellence in education, research, and innovation, inspiring generations of thinkers across more than four centuries. As one of Europe's most prestigious institutions, Trinity combines a rich historical legacy with a forward-thinking commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and scholarly achievement.

About the Role

The Book of Kells Experience is one of Ireland's most iconic cultural destinations, welcoming approximately one million visitors per year. Following the opening of the new Book of Kells Experience in January 2024 — which encompasses both the historic Old Library and a state-of-the-art digital exhibition space — Trinity is seeking dedicated and professional individuals to join its team of Library Guards.

This is a Specific Purpose Contract directly linked to the duration of the Old Library Redevelopment Project. As such, the contract is not of indefinite duration and will conclude upon the project's completion.

As a Library Guard, you will play a vital role in maintaining the safety, security, and smooth operation of one of Ireland's most visited cultural landmarks. You will work within a dynamic and fast-paced environment, patrolling a large and multi-faceted site that includes the historic Old Library building, the new digital exhibition, and the associated gift shop. This is a physically demanding role that requires attentiveness, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to both visitor experience and the protection of invaluable collections.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct regular patrols of the Book of Kells Experience, including the Old Library, the digital exhibition space, and the gift shop
• Monitor and protect Trinity's library collections and heritage assets, ensuring their safety at all times
• Provide a visible, professional security presence that supports a welcoming environment for visitors from around the world
• Assist with building evacuations and emergency procedures in accordance with health and safety protocols
• Respond promptly and calmly to incidents, using initiative and sound judgement to resolve problems as they arise
• Support crowd management during peak visitor periods, maintaining order and a positive visitor experience
• Collaborate effectively with fellow Library Guards and wider university staff as part of a cohesive team
• Remain alert and observant throughout shifts, reporting any concerns or irregularities through appropriate channels
• Adhere to all Trinity College Dublin policies, procedures, and operational guidelines

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to work on your own initiative and resolve problems confidently and efficiently
• Previous experience in a security, visitor services, heritage, or related environment is desirable
• Physical fitness and the ability to meet the demands of a patrol-based role across a large site
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage professionally with a diverse international visitor base
• A calm and composed approach under pressure, with excellent situational awareness
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team while taking individual responsibility when required
• Reliability, punctuality, and a strong sense of professional integrity
• Flexibility to work across varying shift patterns in a seven-day operational environment

Working Hours

This post is 39 hours per week. Given the nature of the visitor attraction, candidates should be prepared to work across a rotating schedule that may include weekends and public holidays.

Why Join Trinity?

Trinity College Dublin offers a meaningful and unique working environment at the heart of one of the world's great universities. In addition to a competitive salary, Trinity is committed to supporting the wellbeing and development of all staff.

• A supportive, team-oriented working culture grounded in shared values
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion — Trinity welcomes applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, non-traditional career paths, those who have taken career breaks, and international applicants including those displaced due to war
• Trinity is an EU Sustainable Gender Equality Champion and holds an Athena Swan Silver Award, recognising its ongoing commitment to gender equality in higher education
• A family-friendly working environment with a strong commitment to work-life balance
• The opportunity to work in one of Ireland's most historically significant and culturally rich institutions

How to Apply

Applicants are required to submit a Curriculum Vitae and a Cover Letter (maximum one A4 page) that specifically