Public Safety Security Officer

Iowa State University•Ames, IA
•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Public Safety at Iowa State University seeks a Public Safety Security Officer. Under general supervision, the officer patrols assigned areas on foot or in a vehicle to protect students, faculty, staff, visitors, property, and equipment. The position provides security at the Mary Greeley Medical Center emergency department and other contracted areas on the hospital campus, controls and monitors access to university buildings, and monitors burglar and fire alarm systems as required. The work schedule rotates and may include weekends. Department employees are expected to support the Department’s vision and mission by acting fairly and without bias, respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals, and upholding the values of Respect, Integrity, Caring, Honor, Excellence and Service (RICHES) and high ethical and professional standards. Employees work in partnership with campus and area communities to help solve community problems, prevent crime, and provide a safe environment in which the University can fulfill its mission. The role requires two years of experience in security and safety, or a combination of relevant post-high-school education and experience as specified below. The employee must obtain a qualifying Certified Protection Officer or healthcare security certification within six months of hire and maintain it throughout employment. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. This is a regular, full-time, 12-month position. Iowa State University describes its employee benefits as including medical and dental coverage, retirement plans, vacation, holiday and sick leave, onsite childcare in Ames, life insurance, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, voluntary benefits and discounts, an Employee Assistance Program, and a wellbeing program.

Requirements

  • Two years of experience in security and safety; or one year of post-high-school education related to security and safety and one year of experience in security and safety; or two years of post-high-school education related to security and safety.
  • Possession of an appropriate driver's license as required.
  • Ability to obtain Certified Protection Officer certification from the International Foundation of Protection Officers and/or International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety certification within six months of hire, and maintain certification throughout employment.
  • Knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillators (AED), first aid, and bloodborne-pathogen exposure procedures.
  • Knowledge of applicable laws, policies, and procedures pertaining to the University community.
  • Knowledge of portable fire extinguishers and their locations, and knowledge of campus geography.
  • Skill in operating portable radio devices.
  • Knowledge of and ability to use information systems.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, retain and communicate knowledge and directions, and maintain accurate records.
  • Ability to comprehend policies, procedures, and concepts and respond with discretion and interpretive judgment.
  • Ability to react appropriately in emergency situations.
  • Ability to walk and climb stairs, work outside in extreme weather, and see and hear accurately in both daytime and nighttime conditions.
  • Legal authorization to work in the United States on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

  • Patrol assigned areas on foot or in a vehicle to protect people, property, and equipment.
  • Provide security at the Mary Greeley Medical Center emergency department and other contracted areas on the hospital campus.
  • Check buildings in assigned areas for security, including doors, windows, lights, and equipment.
  • Record and report damage for repair and safety hazards through university procedures.
  • Report disorderly or suspicious behavior and assist in controlling situations until an appropriate response arrives.
  • Complete incident reports as directed by command-level personnel.
  • Monitor fire extinguishers, safety devices, and signs, and report problems or irregularities.
  • Report lights left on, burned-out building or street lights, and malfunctioning doors or locks.
  • Keep unauthorized personnel out of buildings after closing, control access according to assignments, maintain contact with other security officers, and call University Police Officers when needed.
  • Respond to burglar and fire alarm panels, notify Public Safety personnel of the location and recorded problem, and operate the panel as directed by a supervisor.
  • Lock and unlock doors according to schedules and requests.
  • Respond to questions and calls from community members, providing directions, locations, and other service-oriented assistance.
  • Assist with traffic control as needed.
  • Assist Public Safety personnel and provide instruction in safety practices to students, staff, and the public as needed.
  • Assist the parking department with writing citations as needed.
  • Provide security in campus areas requiring knowledge of specialized security camera and alarm systems, and monitor the equipment used at those facilities.
  • Take fingerprints and use equipment to process fingerprints for student groups or the general public.
  • May assess and respond to calls, schedule pickups and drop-offs, and drive riders to and from destinations as needed.

Benefits

  • Medical and dental coverage
  • Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
  • Vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
  • Onsite childcare in Ames, Iowa
  • Life insurance
  • Long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Voluntary benefits and discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellbeing program
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