POLICE OFFICER

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia in Athens, GA is seeking a Police Officer I for the UGA Police Department. This full-time position involves rotating shifts to protect life and property on the university campus, including patrolling, traffic enforcement, and emergency response.

Responsibilities include investigations, dispatch duties, and providing public service to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Minimum qualification is a high school diploma with benefits eligibility.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of standard police practices and techniques.
• Knowledge of university properties and campus traffic issues.
• Knowledge of fire prevention techniques.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and determine proper actions.
• Ability to communicate clearly and prepare reports.

Responsibilities

• Patrol designated campus areas on foot or in a patrol car to preserve law and order and enforce traffic regulations.
• Investigate criminal activity, collect and identify evidence, interview witnesses, prepare cases, and testify in court.
• Perform dispatcher duties: operate phones and radios, receive and relay information quickly and accurately.
• Provide public service to students, faculty, staff, and visitors; escort money and protect property.
• Prepare necessary records and reports.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Police procedures

Campus knowledge

Fire safety

Emergency response

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Posting Details

• Posting Number: S15962P
• Working Title: POLICE OFFICER
• Department: UGA Police Department
• About the University of Georgia: Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
• College/Unit/Department website: www.police.uga.edu/careers
• Posting Type: External
• Retirement Plan: TRS
• Employment Type: Employee
• Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible
• Full/Part time: Full Time
• Additional Schedule Information: This position involves rotating shifts, there are no fixed shifts available for this position.
• Advertised Salary: $70,000
• Posting Date: 10/23/2026
• Open until filled: Yes
• Proposed Starting Date: 12/07/2026
• Location of Vacancy: Athens Area
• EEO Policy Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).
• USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

• Classification Title: Police Officer I
• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• FTE: 1.00
• Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Position Summary: This is regular or special detail police work in protecting life and property on the university campus. Work involves professional response to the need for the prevention and detection of crimes, and for generally maintaining law and order. Work also involves patrolling assigned area, traffic enforcement, accident reporting, and criminal investigations. Assignments are received from superior officers and are carried out under established policies and procedures. However, employee will exercise quick, independent, and sound judgment and display initiative in applying work methods to emergency situations which arise when superior officers are not immediately available. Work has dedication to public service often made difficult by emotional or physical stress of events. Work is reviewed through conferences, written reports, inspections, and observation of results obtained.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:
  • Knowledge of standard police practices and techniques.
  • Knowledge of the university properties, population, and traffic control problems.
  • Knowledge of fire prevention techniques.
  • Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively, and to determine the proper course of action.
  • Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others.
  • Ability to react quickly and calmly under emergency conditions.
  • Ability to obtain information through interview, interrogation, and observation.
  • Ability to understand and execute difficult oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to express ideas clearly, orally, in writing, and to prepare comprehensive records and reports.
  • Ability to develop skill in the use and care of firearms.
  • Ability to develop and maintain good public relations.
  • Ability to meet such specific physical requirements as may be established by competent authority.
  • Skill in furnishing first aid and comfort in case of accidents, illness, and death situations.
• Physical Demands: Subject to working in outdoor and adverse conditions, including extreme and inclement weather, normal law enforcement duties. Driving to perform job related duties.
• Is driving a responsibility of this position?: Yes
• Is this a Position of Trust?: Yes
• Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?: No
• Does this position require a P-Card?: No
• Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?: No
• Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?: No
• Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications): Yes
• Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
• Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Patrols a designated area of the campus on foot or in a patrol car to preserve law and order, to prevent and discover the commission of crimes, and to enforce traffic regulations; answer calls and complaints involving fire, traffic or other accidents, robberies, and other misdemeanors and felonies, and takes necessary police action; makes arrests.
• Conducts investigations of criminal activities, consisting of collection and identification of evidence, questioning principals and witnesses, case preparation, and testifying in court. Investigates traffic accidents and performs related traffic control functions.
• Performs dispatcher duties such as operating telephone and shortwave radios, and performing related clerical tasks. This position requires fast, efficient, and accurate receiving, dispatching, and processing of calls and messages to and from police vehicles and personnel.
• Recovers stolen property; provides various types of public service and assistance to students, faculty, staff, guests, and visitors on the university campus; provides money escorts.

Percentage of time: 75

• Prepares necessary records and reports.
• Performs related work.

Percentage of time: 25