Safety Security Officer

University of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 42,458 - 48,854; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement programs

Paid tuition

Annual leave

Sick leave

13 paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Safety Security Officer (SSO) at University of South Carolina Police Department provides security for the 400‑plus acre USC campus in Columbia, SC. This civilian, non-sworn role works with USC police to protect people and property while reporting safety concerns and coordinating with the Security Operations Center.

The position requires alertness, clear communication, and quick action in emergencies. The schedule features 12-hour shifts, 7am–7pm or 7pm–7am, with rotating weekends and a 30-day

Qualifications

• Requires High School diploma and no prior work experience.
• Must pass a comprehensive background investigation.
• Excellent interpersonal and emergency response skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitors and patrols designated areas to deter unauthorized activities and security breaches.
• Provides safety escorts to students, faculty, and staff as needed.
• Inspects surveillance cameras and emergency call boxes; reports unsafe conditions.
• Assists with administrative duties such as equipment maintenance or inspections.

Skills

Communication abilities

Emergency response

Background check clearance

Education

High School diploma

Job description

Logo: Posting Number: STA00557PO26

Job Family: Law Enforcement and Emergency Management

Job Function: Law Enforcement

USC Market Title: Safety Security Officer

Link to USC Market Title: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/158349

Job Level: P0 - Professional

Business Title (Internal Title): Safety Security Officer

Campus: Columbia

Work County: Richland

College/Division: Division of Law Enforcement and Safety

Department: DAF University Police Department

State Pay Range: G06

USC Market Range: MRC - $40,269 $49,330 $58,390

Anticipated Hiring Range: $42,458 - 48,854 (includes supplemental pay for shift work and depending on educational level)

Part/Full Time: Full Time

Hours per Week: 40

Work Schedule

• The Safety Security Officer (SSO) works 12-hour shifts. Shifts are 7am to 7pm or 7pm to 7am, with every other weekend off.
• Shifts rotate every 30 days.
• The SSO works overtime as requested. Shifts are subject to change.

Basis : 12 months

Job Search Category: Law Enforcement

About University of South Carolina

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Veterans' Preference Statement

The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.

Advertised Job Summary

As a member of the University of South Carolina Police Department, the Safety Security Officer (SSO) position provides law enforcement, security, and protection for the entire 400-plus acre USC campus situated in Columbia, South Carolina. The SSO plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of students, faculty, staff, visitors and the protection of property on the USC campus. This position requires vigilant observation, quick reporting of safety concerns, and effective communication with the public, police officers and the Security Operations Center. The SSO may work a variety of duties to include securing and protecting property, providing safety escorts, and other duties. The SSO is a civilian (non-sworn) position which works in conjunction with USC law enforcement officers and other personnel.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

• High School diploma and no prior work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to deal courteously and firmly with the general public.
• Ability to act quickly and intelligently in emergency situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively. Must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation.

Job Duty

Monitors and patrols designated areas to detect and deter unauthorized activities, suspicious behavior, or potential security breaches. Conducts routine inspections of USC property and secures university property as assigned.

Essential Function: Yes

Percentage of Time: 25

Job Duty

Provides safety escorts to students, faculty, and staff as needed. Interacts with members of the community in a positive and professional manner. Assists with community relations programs as requested.

Essential Function: Yes

Percentage of Time: 25

Job Duty

Inspects and checks functionality of surveillance cameras, emergency call boxes and other equipment. Evaluates and promptly reports unsafe conditions, such as inadequate lighting or other physical security concerns.

Essential Function: Yes

Percentage of Time: 25

Job Duty

Assists with other administrative duties such as equipment maintenance or inspections.

Essential Function: Yes

Percentage of Time: 25

Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive: Yes

Hazardous weather category: Essential

Number of Vacancies: 1

Desired Start Date: 09/09/2026

Job Open Date: 07/27/2026

Job Close Date: 09/09/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Special Instructions to Applicant

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

We are only accepting applications submitted by September 9, 2026.

The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• Dependent Scholarships
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

Quicklink for Posting

https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/210217

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.