Security Guard

Mercer University; Illinois; On-site; USD 31,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercer University Police Department is seeking Security Guards to support the safety of Mercer University property, students, faculty, staff, and visitors on the Macon campus. The role focuses on preventative patrols, access control, and excellent customer service.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, some related experience, and the ability to communicate clearly, observe and report on safety concerns, and work with campus stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED or Vocational School Diploma and some relevant experience are required.

Responsibilities

• Provide preventative patrols and monitor access to campus facilities.
• Serve as a visible deterrent to crime and report suspicious activity.
• Assist with incidents and relay information to sworn law enforcement personnel when necessary.
• Maintain activity logs and complete written reports using basic computer systems.

Skills

Customer service

De-escalation techniques

Strong communication

Observation skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Two-way radios

Access control systems

Video surveillance systems

Basic computer systems for data entry

Job description

Job Title: Security Guard Department: Mercer Police College/Division: General University Primary Job Posting Location: Macon, GA 31207 Additional Job Posting Locations: (Other locations that this position could be based)

Job Details: Mercer University’s Police Department is looking for new Security Guards to work on our Macon, Georgia campus.

Responsibilities

• The Mercer University Campus Security Guard is a non-sworn position responsible for supporting the safety and security of Mercer University property, students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
• This role focuses on preventative patrol, access control, customer service, and reporting of suspicious activity.
• Security Guards serve as a visible deterrent to crime, assist with routine incidents, and act as the eyes and ears of the department, relaying information to sworn law enforcement personnel when necessary.
• This position requires regular interaction with supervisors, co-workers, Mercer University employees, students, and campus visitors.
• The Mercer University Police Department adopts a community policing strategy which promotes problem solving techniques to reduce fear of crime and improve quality of life and police services, through a proactive reliance on community resources that addresses crime causing conditions.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma/GED or Vocational School Diploma and some relevant experience are required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Must be able to perform the essential functions of a campus security guard role, which include but are not limited to prolonged standing and walking patrols, operating a utility vehicle (UTV), climbing stairs, and occasionally lifting or moving moderately heavy objects. Duties may involve working indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, monitoring assigned areas, and remaining alert for extended periods. Must be capable of observing and reporting suspicious activity, safety hazards, and university violations in a timely and accurate manner. Responsibilities include completing written reports, maintaining activity logs, and utilizing basic computer systems for data entry and incident documentation. Must be able to operate standard security equipment, including two-way radios, access control systems, and video surveillance systems. Duties may also include locking and unlocking doors and gates, placing cones or barriers for traffic and pedestrian control, performing basic assistance such as vehicle jump-starts, and checking the condition of assigned equipment. Must demonstrate the ability to provide high-quality customer service, including assisting students, staff, and visitors with directions, safety escorts, and general support. This includes the ability to interact professionally with individuals who may be upset, distressed, or in need of assistance. Must be able to remain calm and exercise sound judgment in tense or rapidly changing situations, using de-escalation techniques and effective communication to reduce conflict. The position requires recognizing situations that require escalation and promptly requesting assistance from sworn law enforcement or emergency responders. Must be adaptable and able to respond to changing conditions, priorities, and schedules, including shift changes, special events, and emergency situations as needed to support campus operations. Must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively convey information both verbally and in writing. Must be highly observant, detail-oriented, and capable of identifying unusual or abnormal behavior or conditions. Must have the ability to learn and apply university policies, procedures, and applicable laws relevant to a non-sworn security role, while understanding the limits of authority. Must demonstrate good decision-making skills and the ability to follow established protocols when responding to incidents or requests for service.

Background Check Contingencies

Criminal Background Check

Document Attachments

Resume, Cover Letter, and List of References with contact information

About Mercer University

Founded in 1833, Mercer University is a distinguished private institution recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and community engagement. With campuses across Georgia, Mercer’s twelve schools and colleges offer a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The university cultivates a close-knit, student-centered environment where innovation, service, and personal growth are deeply valued. Mercer’s employees are at the heart of its mission, dedicated to advancing innovation, supporting student success, and strengthening both our local and global communities through service. At Mercer, we believe in the power of relationships and the importance of in-person collaboration. Accordingly, our employees are expected to serve in-person as it fosters real-time problem solving, mentoring, and the meaningful connections that strengthen both our work and service to our students and the broader university community.

Why Work at Mercer University

Mercer University offers a variety of benefits for eligible employees including comprehensive health insurance (for self and dependents), generous retirement contributions, tuition waivers, paid vacation and sick leave, technology discounts, schedules that allow for work-life balance, and so much more! At Mercer, we believe in the power of relationships and the importance of in-person collaboration. Accordingly, our employees are expected to serve in-person as it fosters real-time problem solving, mentoring, and the meaningful connections that strengthen both our work and service to our students and the broader university community.

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Job Family

Staff Police Non-exempt

EEO Statement

EEO/Veteran/Disability

Why Work at Mercer

Mercer University offers a variety of benefits for eligible employees including comprehensive health insurance (for self and dependents), generous retirement contributions, tuition waivers, paid time off, technology discounts and so much more! At Mercer University, a Bear is more than a mascot: it's a frame of mind that begins with a strong desire to make the most out of your career. Mercer Bears do not settle for mediocrity or the status quo. If you're seeking an environment where your passion and determination are embraced, then you want to work at Mercer University. For more information, please visit: https://hr.mercer.edu/prospective/

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The University will ensure equal opportunity for applicants and employees in all of its policies and practices, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, transfers, promotions, compensation, benefits, layoff and recall policies, University-sponsored training programs, education, tuition assistance, and social and recreational programs.

Persons needing reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in the application process or for other questions regarding employment at Mercer University, please contact Human Resources.