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
Additional Considerations:
Formal education or equivalent experience in law enforcement, criminal justice, private security, or a related field, such as military service.
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 the designated closing date listed at the top of this posting on Jobs.Virginia.gov.
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:
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.

The Commonwealth of Virginia is located in the South Atlantic region of the United States. It was the 10th state to be admitted to the Union on June 25, 1788. Home to approximately 8 million residents, Virginia is the 12th most populous state in the United States. The capital is Richmond, and its most populous city is Virginia Beach.
The narrative history of the Commonwealth of Virginia often begins with the founding of Jamestown in 1607, near what is now modern day Williamsburg, Virginia. Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in the New World, and the Virginia General Assembly, established on July 30, 1619, is now recognized as the oldest legislative body in the western hemisphere. When Virginia became a royal colony in 1624, the robust tobacco trade that had been developing in Virginia helped establish the American colonies as a powerful economic force. During the American Revolution, Virginia witnessed the final surrender of British forces at Yorktown and later became known as the birthplace of many revolution-era figures and future American presidents, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. To date, 8 United States presidents have been born in Virginia, more than in any other state.
The modern government of Virginia is nearly identical in structure to the federal government, and is divided into 3 branches, these being the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. The Virginia General Assembly is comprised of the 100-member House of Delegates and the 40-member Senate. A governor and lieutenant governor are elected every 4 years. Governors cannot be elected to or serve consecutive terms. Virginia’s judicial system consists of the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Court of Appeals of Virginia, the Circuit Courts, and the lower General District Courts and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts. Virginia has 13 electoral votes in presidential elections, and possesses 11 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.