Public Safety Security Officer

Iowa State University - College of Design; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Ames Laboratory, part of Ames National Laboratory on the Iowa State University campus, seeks a Public Safety Security Officer. Under general supervision, you will protect property, ensure safety, and support staff, researchers, students, visitors, and the public.

Responsibilities include security tours, alarm monitoring, surveillance, incident reporting, and escorts. Shift is 12:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. with rotating weekends; requires certification within 6 months of hire.

Qualifications

• Two years 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.

Responsibilities

• Conduct facility security and safety tours and inspections.
• Monitor and respond to fire and security system alarms.
• Monitor surveillance cameras and access control.
• Prepare incident reports and maintain logs.
• Escort personnel, visitors, and subcontractors as required.

Skills

Security experience

Safety training

Driver's license

Education

Post-high school education related to security and safety

Driver's license

Job description

Position Title:Public Safety Security OfficerJob Group:MeritRequired Minimum Qualifications:• Two years 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 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 6 months of hire and maintain certification for duration of employment.Job Description:Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:Ames Laboratory is seeking applicants for a Public Safety Security Officer. Under general supervision, this position performs duties to protect property and provide for the safety and security of the personnel of Ames National Laboratory. Main duties include: conducting facility security/safety tours, monitoring and responding to fire/security system alarms, monitoring surveillance cameras, and performing shift-specific assignments (i.e., fire extinguisher program, first aid kit/closet inventories, emergency response equipment inspections, emergency response postings, creating incident reports, visitor and employee identification validation and providing personnel, visitor, and subcontractor escorts).The successful candidate will need to be detail oriented and able to communicate effectively with Laboratory staff, researchers, students, visitors, and the general public.Schedule for this position is 12:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. with rotating weekends and holidays. Position is eligible for a shift differential, and a valid REAL ID Driver’s License is required.Public Safety Security Officer must be able to obtain a Certified Protection Officer through the International Foundation for Protective Officers within 6 months of starting employment.Preferred Qualifications:Additional experience with industrial safety, fire safety, and securityExperience with Simplex fire systemsExperience with C-Cure security systemsExperience with modern surveillance systemsDepartment/Program & College Description:Would you like to work for a National Laboratory that conducts world-renowned research? Would you enjoy working on a beautiful university campus? Can you imagine yourself in a mid-sized location that regularly ranks as one of the U.S. Best Places to Live ? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should consider a career with Ames National Laboratory!Ames Laboratory is a U.S. Department of Energy federally contracted National Laboratory located in Ames, Iowa, on the campus of Iowa State University. We are dedicated to translating foundational science through applied research to create technological innovations. We create materials, inspire minds to solve problems, and address some of the most challenging issues facing our world today.Department Unit/Website (if applicable):www.ameslab.govEmployees with appointment at Ames National Laboratory are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation during the recruitment phase for review by Ames National Laboratory.Employment is contingent upon satisfying applicable requirements of Ames National Laboratory’s federal sponsor, the United States Department of Energy, and ISU requirements. These may include background checks and eligibility determinations related to access of facilities, information, or projects. This position requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain government access authorization for the duration of the appointment.Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.Application Instructions:To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:Resume/Curriculum VitaeLetter of Application/Cover LetterList of Professional ReferencesWhy Choose Iowa State University?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plansGenerous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plansOnsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)Life insurance and long-term disabilityFlexible Spending AccountsVarious voluntary benefits and discountsEmployee Assistance ProgramWellbeing programIowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [e-mail], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Appointment Type:RegularNumber of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Full timePay Grade:08Original Posting Date:October 16, 2026Posting Close Date:October 25, 2026Job Requisition Number:R20098Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. [phone], email [e-mail] .General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.