Security Officer

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 22,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky Police Department is seeking Security Officers to protect guests, staff, and facilities across the UK HealthCare enterprise and university events.

Officers patrol, respond to alarms, and assist visitors, with overtime required for events and 72-hour holds. Shifts include 05:45–14:15, 13:45–22:15, and 21:45–06:15. HS diploma accepted; no experience required.

Qualifications

• Customer Service, Communication, and De-escalation Skills preferred.
• Candidates may be required to take a polygraph examination as part of the employment process.
• Pre-employment drug screen is required for positions in UK HealthCare facilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct patrols and maintain a safe environment.
• Respond quickly and calmly to alarms and incidents.
• Provide information and assistance to visitors and staff.
• Coordinate with UK Police and other security officers to ensure awareness of activities.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

De-escalation

Education

HS

Job description

University of Kentucky

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

Posting Details

Job Title

Security Officer

Requisition Number

RE55307

Department Name

3HL00:UK Police

Work Location

Lexington, KY

Grade Level

40

Salary Range

$15.61-24.99/hour

Type of Position

Staff

Position Time Status

Full-Time

Required Education

HS

Required Related Experience

No experience required.

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 100 lbs.; sitting/ walking/standing for long periods of time; handling intermittent periods of high levels of stress; engaging with potentially violent or combative patients, visitors or other individuals.

Shift

8 hour shifts, assignments to be determined. Must be able to work any of the following:
1st shift: 05:45 am – 02:15 pm
2nd shift: 01:45 pm – 10:15 pm
3rd shift: 09:45 pm – 06:15 am
Days, Evenings, Nights, Weekends, Holidays, and mandatory overtime to include special events such as UK home football games.
Security officers must be able to work overtime with short notice for extended periods of time. Location assignment will be determined at time of hire.

Job Summary

The University of Kentucky Police Department prioritizes its investment of professional development and offer a competitive starting pay of $17.60/hour for Security Officers. We are looking for individuals who are eager to grow their careers while contributing to the safety and security of our University community.

In concert with UK Police Officers, Security Officers maintain a safe and secure environment at the University of Kentucky’s HealthCare facilities’ by protecting guests, visitors, staff, and property. They serve as the frontline for security across the UK HealthCare enterprise and during University-sponsored events.

In those efforts, Security Officers conduct patrols and use knowledge of their assigned area to actively provide high visibility and presence concentrating on high traffic areas to detect possible suspicious activities or assist visitors with needs for service. They identify, report, and respond quickly, calmly, and professionally to suspicious activities, sensitive situations, emergency alarms, and assistance calls. Security Officers also work collaboratively by monitoring radio broadcasts by Communications and other Security Officers to ensure awareness of activities in the area and to aid as needed. They also respond to assistance calls for disorderly patients and visitors, provide services including crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and diffuse potentially volatile situations with due regard for the safety of all involved.

Security Officers experience both high pace activity in response to high stress situations and repetitive/routine activity to proactively serve and protect. They perform basic investigative reviews and prioritize information for the completion of University forms and security reports. They meet and talk with staff, hospital patients, visitors, and vendors, providing information, advising of safety measures, and building rapport. The position also requires providing coverage for individuals on 72 hour holds, performing repetitive duties like relocking and unlocking doors, and monitoring video camera footage and the security badge access and alarm systems.

Security Officers escalates situations to UK Police as needed.

Multiple positions available.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Customer Service, Communication, and De-escalation Skills preferred. This position will require candidates to take a polygraph examination as part of the University Police Department’s employment process. Additionally, any position working in one of the hospitals/clinics owned or operated by the University of Kentucky is required to undergo a drug screen as part of the pre-employment screening process.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

No

Deadline to Apply

08/07/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

To learn more about who we are and what we do for the University and our community, Click Here.

Feel free to reach out with any additional questions at [e-mail]

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