Security Officer

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech is seeking a Security Officer to support the Public Safety Division. The role involves patrolling campus facilities, responding to incidents, and maintaining accurate reports and logs.

The officer must communicate effectively, handle stressful situations, and comply with university and DCJS regulations. The position requires night and weekend work, extensive walking and physical activity, plus successful completion of background checks and certifications within 180 days of hire.

Qualifications

• Must be a high school graduate or equivalent.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• U.S. citizen or eligible resident for employment in the United States.
• Safety sensitive position; background and drug checks required.
• Pre-employment background checks, including fingerprinting and driving record.
• Psychological assessment may be required within employment process.

Responsibilities

• Lock and unlock university buildings at prescribed times.
• Patrol buildings and grounds on foot, bicycle, or vehicle.
• Report safety and security deficiencies and unusual activities.
• Respond to incidents, interact professionally, and testify when needed.
• Provide escorts for visitors, employees, and students.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Emotional control

Court testimony

Physical stamina

Diversity awareness

Punctual attendance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's or Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Job description

Job Description

The Public Safety Division at Virginia Tech is comprised of the Police Department, Environmental Health & Safety, and the Office of Emergency Management and has a critical role in supporting the well‑being of our community. We are essential in planning for and responding to emergency events, and in creating a culture of preparedness where employees and students are safe in their work and living environments.

• locking and unlocking university buildings at prescribed times and as requested
• continuous patrol of buildings and grounds on foot, bicycle, or vehicle
• reporting safety and security deficiencies; identifying suspicious activities within the campus and handling them appropriately
• responding to varying situations tactfully while conveying a professional image
• reporting criminal activity to law enforcement officers
• communicating via two‑way radio
• completing daily reports and incident reports
• providing escorts for visitors, employees, and students upon request
• adhering to all criteria established for a Nationally Accredited Police Department

In performing the above duties, the security officer position requires a considerable amount of walking, climbing, carrying and lifting, and reporting for work in adverse weather conditions. All positions require night, shift, and weekend work. Security Officers may be subpoenaed by the court and must be able to give credible testimony.

The incumbent also performs other duties as requested; takes initiative to support a healthy work environment; strives to fulfill the terms in the Standards of Business Conduct; exemplifies the Virginia Tech Principles of Community; and supports the university’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

Required Qualifications

Experience

• Demonstrated experience involving public contact.
• Experience keeping records and/or logs, including demonstrated attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal relationship skills.
• Must be able to observe patrolled areas for security violation safety hazards, handle stressful situations with emotional control and conduct mediation in a diplomatic manner.
• Must maintain compliance with all DCJS Campus Security Officer Regulations and all Department and University policies and procedures.
• Result‑oriented with demonstrated ability to follow through, make informed decisions, complete tasks and problem‑solve.
• Ability to work with a culturally diverse department and the University community.
• Ability to give credible court testimony.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical activities such as walking considerable distances and up and down stairs, ladders, etc.
• Ability to work in varied environmental conditions.
• Ability to maintain reasonably regular, punctual attendance.

Employment Conditions

• Must be a high school graduate or able to furnish documentary evidence of equivalency degree.
• Must be at least 18 years of age on the date of hire.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident eligible under the United States law for employment in the United States.
• This position is designated safety sensitive.
• Must successfully complete a criminal background check, including fingerprinting.
• Must undergo an extensive background check and credit history check, with satisfactory results.
• Must successfully complete a pre‑employment driver’s license check and maintain eligibility to operate a state‑owned motor vehicle.
• Candidates for employment are required to successfully complete a pre‑employment drug screening.
• Incumbents are subject to random, reasonable suspicion, and post‑accident drug and alcohol screening, in accordance with department policy.
• Successful completion of a psychological assessment is required.
• Must currently possess or successfully obtain the following within 180 days of hire:
  • DCJS Campus Security Officer Certification
  • Security Officer Training Program, which includes driver and personal defense training
  • CPR and First Aid Certification
  • FEMA's IC

Physical Requirements

• The Security Officer position requires a considerable amount of walking, climbing, carrying and lifting, and reporting for work in adverse weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Security work experience and/or physical security and protection of assets training.
• Previous emergency services experience, including fire and rescue.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Previous military experience.
• Experience using radio communications equipment.

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non‑Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Base salary of $42,500. Hiring incentives are available to increase the starting salary for completing post‑high‑school education degrees and military service.

Hours per week

40‑hour work week; alternating shifts; primarily nights and weekends

Review Date

October 19th, 2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands‑on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem‑solvers. A comprehensive land‑grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Megan Hinkle at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.