Police Officer I/Master Police Officer I - #170717

Western Carolina University Inc; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Carolina University seeks Police Officer I/Master Police Officer I to join the University Police team in Cullowhee, NC. The position involves patrol, incident response, report writing, and campus safety enforcement with rank determined by experience.

The role may require NC CJETSC certification and successful completion of the agency's field training; strong communication and computer skills are essential. Salary ranges from $54,609 to $60,000 and full-time benefits apply.

Qualifications

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Minimum of High School diploma or GED and probationary certification from the NC CJETSC with field training program.

Responsibilities

• Patrol duties, respond to calls, investigate violations, prepare reports; enforce parking/traffic rules.
• Engage in crowd/traffic control and coordiante with higher authorities on safety concerns; enter reports into system.

Skills

NC laws

FERPA/Clery

Radio comms

Computer skills

Communication

Physical ability

Education

High School diploma

CJETSC certification

Job description

Police Officer I/Master Police Officer I - #170717

Posting Details

• Posting Number: EHRA1148P
• Quick Link for Internal Postings: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/35906
• Classification Title: Police Officer I
• Working Title: Police Officer I/Master Police Officer I - #170717
• Department: Office of University Police
• Anticipated Hiring Range: Police Officer I = $54,609 / Master Police Officer I = $60,000

About WCU

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:

* 2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.

* 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.

* 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.

* 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.

Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.

Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.

Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. Rank of Police Officer or Master Police officer is dependent upon the selected candidate's qualifications and years of experience. Rank will be assigned at point of hire.

Serves as a member of a community policing team that employs problem‑solving strategies for addressing crime and safety problems; performs patrol duties including but not limited to responding to calls for service or crimes, investigating violations of law or university rules, preparing written report, enforcing parking and traffic rules, engaging in crowd and traffic control, patrolling and inspecting buildings and facilities for safety or law enforcement concerns, and coordinating with higher authority on special traffic, law enforcement or safety concerns; enters reports into a computer; performs extensive computer work; performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of North Carolina Criminal and Motor Vehicle Laws and understanding their application; knowledge federal laws, particularly those that apply to higher education including FERPA and the Clery Act; knowledge of general court and criminal justice processes; knowledge of police training practices and crime prevention issues; knowledge of departmental general orders and supervisory principles; knowledge of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) standards; knowledge of community policing philosophies and techniques; skill in working with a diverse population and public service contact; skill in working in regimented work environment; skill with computer applications; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to speak distinctly over the radio; ability and skill in motor vehicle operation; ability to use force to protect oneself and others; ability to lift heavy objects that weigh 75 pounds or more; other strenuous activities associated with the practice of law enforcement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any immigration‑related assistance.
• Minimum of High School diploma or GED. At least probationary certification from the NC CJETSC as a commissioned police officer and successful completion of the appointing agency's designated field training program for newly appointed Campus Police Officers.

Position Type and Details

• Position Type: Permanent Full-Time
• Number of Hours Per Week: 40
• Number of Months Per Year: 12

Posting Dates

• Open Date: 11/05/2026
• Close Date:
• Open Until Filled: Yes

Background/E-Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

Credential Verification

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call [phone] or email at [e-mail].

University Safety

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
2. Resume
3. List of references

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you require sponsorship?
   • Yes
   • No