Campus Security Officer (Non-Sworn)

The Principia; Elsah (IL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

The Principia College in Elsah, Illinois seeks a Campus Security Officer (Non-Sworn) to maintain a safe, welcoming environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This full-time role requires vigilance in patrols, access control, incident reporting, and emergency response, supporting campus operations around the clock.

As a valued member of the security team, you will collaborate with campus leadership to deter threats, manage safety initiatives, and provide exceptional service while

Qualifications

• Experience in security, higher education, public safety, emergency services, military service, or related field.
• Ability to work independently and within a diverse campus community.
• Strong communication and professional conduct in high-stress situations.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine patrols of campus facilities and property by vehicle, foot, or bike.
• Provide gatehouse coverage, visitor management, and access control.
• Respond to medical, fire, weather, and security incidents as first responders.
• Prepare incident reports and document observations accurately.
• Coordinate with local agencies during emergencies and maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Sound judgment

Integrity

Professionalism

Communication skills

Independent work

Diversity awareness

Tools

CCTV systems

Access control

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Campus Security Officer (Non-Sworn)

Regular Full-Time Elsah, IL, US

Salary Range: $19.49 To $28.10 Annually

Title: Campus Security Officer (Non-Sworn)

Position Type: Full-Time, 12-Month

Summary

The Campus Security Officer serves as a visible safety, security, and customer service professional dedicated to supporting a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for students, faculty, staff, visitors, and guests of Principia College.

Security Officers protect life and property through proactive patrol, emergency response, incident documentation, access control, safety education, and community engagement. Officers serve as first responders to campus incidents including medical emergencies, fire alarms, hazardous conditions, behavioral crises, policy violations, and other situations requiring immediate attention.

This position requires sound judgment, integrity, professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to work independently while interacting positively with a diverse campus community. Security Officers are expected to support Principia's mission and values while maintaining professional standards and providing exceptional service to the campus community.

Reports to the Director of Campus Security, Campus Security Supervisors, and other designated supervisory personnel.

This position is considered an essential employee position and supports continuous 24-hour, 7-day-a-week campus security operations. Security Officers may be required to respond during emergency situations, severe weather events, campus closures, or other critical incidents.

Who We Are

At our award-winning Early Childhood through grade 12 Principia School in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education—blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia’s team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of alumni and friends.

At Principia College, our globally-focused curriculum honors diverse perspectives and develops creative changemakers who use their academic skills for good in service to themselves, their communities, and the world. In-depth study meets real-world experience through study abroad programs, internships, capstone projects, and a robust slate of student activities, including a world-renowned mediation team, top-ranked solar car team, and the nation’s oldest student-run public affairs conference.

Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued.

Primary Responsibilities

Patrol and Security Operations

• Perform routine patrols of campus buildings, residence halls, grounds, parking lots, and other College property by vehicle, foot, or bicycle.
• Conduct security checks of doors, windows, facilities, and campus infrastructure.
• Provide gatehouse coverage and visitor management services.
• Monitor campus traffic and parking areas and enforce campus vehicle and parking regulations.
• Assist with building openings, lockups, and access control functions.
• Observe and report suspicious activity, safety hazards, equipment failures, and security concerns.
• Assist with special events, athletic contests, campus programs, and other activities requiring security support.

Emergency Response

• Respond to calls for service involving medical emergencies, fires, alarms, severe weather, hazardous conditions, accidents, suspicious activity, and other campus emergencies.
• Assist with building evacuations, shelter-in-place operations, lockdowns, and emergency response activities.
• Serve as an initial responder during critical incidents until relieved by supervisory personnel or public safety agencies.
• Activate or assist with emergency communication systems and notification procedures when authorized.
• Coordinate with local law enforcement, fire departments, EMS, and emergency management agencies during incidents and emergencies.
• Report to duty during emergencies when reasonably able.

Incident Documentation and Investigation

• Prepare timely, accurate, and detailed incident reports, accident reports, and daily activity logs.
• Conduct preliminary investigations and fact-finding regarding accidents, injuries, thefts, property damage, policy violations, and other incidents.
• Gather statements, document observations, preserve evidence when appropriate, and maintain scene integrity.
• Assist law enforcement agencies and campus administrators by providing information and documentation related to investigations.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information in accordance with College policies and applicable laws.

Community Service and Engagement

• Provide assistance , information, and customer service to students, faculty, staff, visitors, and guests.
• Conduct welfare checks, escorts, and other community assistance services.
• Support educational outreach and safety awareness initiatives.
• Maintain a professional, approachable, and service-oriented presence throughout campus.
• Foster positive working relationships with students, employees, and community stakeholders.

Security Systems and Technology

• Monitor and utilize campus security systems, including access control systems, CCTV/video surveillance systems, intrusion alarms, fire alarm systems, and emergency communication platforms.
• Assist with security technology operations and report equipment deficiencies or security vulnerabilities.
• Maintain proficiency with department-issued communication devices, report management systems, and other security technology .

Training and Professional Development

Security Officers are required to complete and maintain department-required training and certifications, including:

• First Aid, CPR, and AED Certification
• Campus fire and life safety training
• Emergency notification and communication systems training
• FEMA IC‑100 and IC‑200 courses
• FEMA NIMS‑700 and NIMS‑800 courses
• Crisis intervention and behavioral response training
• Clery Act and Campus Security Authority (CSA) awareness training
• Department policy, procedure, and operational training

Officers are expected to pursue ongoing professional development and maintain proficiency in all assigned duties.

Core Competencies

• Problem Solving & Judgment: Approaches challenges thoughtfully, considers multiple perspectives, and makes sound, timely decisions that support institutional goals.
• Accountability & Results Orientation: Manages time and priorities effectively, meets commitments, and consistently delivers high-quality outcomes.
• Excellence & Attention to Detail: Produces accurate, polished, and high-quality work; continuously looks for ways to improve systems, processes, and results.
• Communication: Shares information clearly and concisely; listens carefully to others and adjusts communication style for different audiences and situations.
• Service Orientation: Builds positive, supportive relationships and responds promptly and professionally to the needs of students, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to successfully pass required background investigations and employment screening.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required department certifications and training.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal formats.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime assignments, and emergency call-backs as needed with the understanding that shifts could change at anytime based on the Director’s need and there are no permanent shift assignments.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and remain calm during stressful situations.
• Previous experience in security, higher education, public safety, emergency services, military service, customer service, or a related field .
• CPR/AED certification at time of hire.
• Familiarity with security technology systems, report writing, emergency response procedures, or safety operations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to patrol campus on foot, bicycle, or vehicle for extended periods.
• Ability to walk, stand, climb stairs, bend, kneel, and occasionally lift or move moderate-weight objects.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies across a large campus environment.

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of Principia.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive starting salary range for this position commensurate with experience and qualifications.

In addition to salary, our comprehensive total rewards package includes:

• Generous Employee Tuition Discount: Enjoy a 90% discount on tuition (pro-rated for part-time staff) for your eligible children enrolled from Pre-K3 through College (infant and acorn programs excluded).
• Relocation: Principia provides a relocation reimbursement of up to 12% of your annual salary when moving from outside a radius of more than 50 miles.
• Professional Development: Access to learning opportunities, training programs, and career growth support.
• Comprehensive Benefits : Learn more about all our benefits here , including comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, paid time off, a 403(b) retirement plan with Principia matching, and more.

Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status.

In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principia—as an institution with a religious mission—gives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.