Safety Security Officer

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

Job summary

The University of South Carolina Police Department is seeking a Safety Security Officer (SSO) to help protect students, staff and visitors across the USC campus in Columbia, South Carolina. The SSO provides security, conducts patrols, and supports safety operations.

The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, with 12-hour shifts (7am–7pm or 7pm–7am) and every other weekend off. Training, background checks, and a comprehensive safety program are part of the role.

Qualifications

• High School diploma with no prior work experience.

Responsibilities

• Monitors and patrols designated areas to detect and deter unauthorized activities, suspicious behavior, or potential security breaches.
• Provides safety escorts to students, faculty, and staff as needed.
• Inspects and checks functionality of surveillance cameras, emergency call boxes and other equipment.
• Assists with other administrative duties such as equipment maintenance or inspections.

Education

High School diploma

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

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


• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)


• Professional Development Opportunities

Posting Summary

Logo

Posting Number

Posting Number STA00557PO26

Job Family

Job Family Law Enforcement and Emergency Management

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

Location of Vacancy

Part/Full Time

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

Job Search Category Law Enforcement

About USC

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.

Posting Summary 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) Location of Vacancy 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 USC

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. Benefits for FTE Positions The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding. Position Description 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.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials 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 Duties 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 Position Attributes Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing. Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive Yes Hazardous weather category Essential Posting Detail Information 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.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have at least a high school diploma?
  
  
  
  • Yes
  
  
  • No