Public Safety Officer

University of Texas System; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas System is seeking a dedicated Public Safety Officer who will ensure the safety and security of the university environment. This position involves monitoring access control, conducting patrols, and providing assistance to visitors. Qualified candidates should possess strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to maintaining order within the university premises.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's Degree, Associate's Degree, or HS Diploma/GED with 6 months experience.
• Possess a valid Texas Driver's License and a good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Monitor building entrances and exits to prevent unauthorized access.
• Conduct regular patrols of the building and surrounding grounds.
• Provide courteous service and assist employees and visitors.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Observation

Judgment

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Associate's Degree

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

FLSA Status

Nonexempt

Earliest Start Date

6 openings available immediately

Salary

Salary commensurate with experience

Hours per Week

40 hours weekly

Hiring Department

Police

Required Application Materials

A resume is required to apply. Candidates under final consideration will also be required to submit professional references, college degree information, and employment history to an online third-party vendor.

About Us

For more than 140 years, The University of Texas System has improved the lives of Texans - and people all over the world - through education, health care, and research. The System consists of nine academic institutions, five health institutions, and The University of Texas System Administration. The institutions of the UT System employ more than 116,000 faculty, health care professionals, researchers, support staff, and student workers.

The UT System Administration is primarily based in Austin, Texas. It supports the missions of the System's fourteen institutions by providing financial, legal, planning, purchasing, government relations, communications, development, and other central services. Serving a growing state, the UT System Administration strives to provide a welcoming, supportive work environment that embraces different perspectives - not only because it enables the organization to be stronger, creative, and thoughtful, but because it is the right thing to do. To that end, UT System Administration embraces state laws on military and former foster children employment preferences.

Purpose of Position

The purpose of the Public Safety Officer at the UT System is to help safeguard property and maintain a secure, orderly environment under the control and jurisdiction of the University of Texas System Administration. This role is responsible for enforcing rules and regulations, monitoring building access, and providing courteous service and information to employees, visitors, and contractors.

Public Safety Guards play a key role in ensuring compliance with parking regulations on UT System-controlled property, issuing permits or citations as needed. They serve as the first point of contact at building entrances, issue visitor credentials, and identify potential safety or security concerns. Through vigilance, professionalism, and a commitment to service, Public Safety Guards support the overall safety and operational integrity of the UT System.

Essential Functions

Access Control & Identification

• Ensure all personnel entering the UT System Complex or affiliated campuses are properly identified.
• Issue visitor badges and maintain accurate logs of all issued credentials.
• Monitor building entrances and exits to prevent unauthorized access and ensure compliance with access protocols.

Building & Grounds Patrol

• Conduct regular patrols of the building and surrounding grounds to identify and report potential safety and security hazards, including fires, water leaks, suspicious activity, and emergencies.
• Monitor for maintenance issues and report them to Facilities Management or appropriate personnel.

Enforcement of Rules, Regulations & Parking

• Enforce UT System Administration rules and regulations to help safeguard property and maintain order.
• Direct the flow of traffic and parking of vehicles on UT System-controlled property.
• Issue parking permits and citations in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Constituent Service & Public Assistance

• Provide courteous and professional service to employees, visitors, and contractors.
• Offer directions, general information, and assistance as needed to support a welcoming and secure environment.

Incident Response & Reporting

• Respond to routine incidents and emergencies, coordinating with UT System Police or emergency services as appropriate.
• Write clear and accurate reports on incidents occurring within the System Complex or campus.
• Assist in building evacuations, emergency drills, and other safety-related operations.

Collaboration & Communication

• Maintain effective communication with UT System Police, Facilities Management, and other departments.
• Participate in safety briefings, training sessions, and departmental meetings to stay current on procedures and expectations.

Other Duties

• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the safety and operational goals of the UT System Police Department.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of basic security and safety principles, including access control, emergency response, and incident reporting.
• Familiarity with UT System rules, regulations, and procedures (or ability to learn them quickly).
• Awareness of building systems and the ability to recognize safety hazards such as fire risks, water leaks, or suspicious activity.
• Strong interpersonal and constituent service skills for interacting with employees, visitors, and contractors in a professional and courteous manner.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write clear and accurate incident reports.
• Basic computer skills for logging visitor information, writing reports, and using security systems.
• Skilled in operating security-related equipment and technology used in daily operations.
• Ability to remain alert, observant, and responsive during long periods of stationary or patrol duty.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and remain calm in stressful or emergency situations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, following established procedures and protocols.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Physical ability to patrol buildings and grounds, stand or walk for extended periods, respond quickly to incidents.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree, OR
  Associate's Degree, OR
  HS Diploma or GED and 6 months of experience
• Valid Texas Driver's License with a good driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a Guard/Public Safety Officer with the U.T. System Administration or an institution police department.
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred.

Working Conditions

• Driving of UT owned vehicle required.
• Uniforms and/or personal protection equipment (furnished).
• May work in extreme temperatures.
• May work in all weather conditions.
• May work around standard office conditions.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
• Climbing of stairs.
• Lifting and moving objects.
• Requires occasional evening or weekend hours

Additional Information

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to a minimum of 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. Participation in TRS is mandatory.

A background check will be conducted on candidates under final consideration. The background check may include any or all of the following: criminal history check, prior employment verification, education verification, professional references check, and motor vehicle records check. Background checks are conducted by third-party vendors. Upon request form the third-party vendor, candidates under final consideration must provide the required information for the background checks to be completed.

EO/AA Statement

The University of Texas System Administration is a federal contractor committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all qualified applicants and employees in all terms and conditions of employment. U. T. System will provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state laws.

For information on accommodations for individuals with disabilities, please contact the Office of Talent and Innovation at [e-mail].