Security Officer

Salem University; Salem (WV); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Salem University is seeking a Campus Security Officer to maintain a visible security presence and support campus safety. The role includes patrols, incident response, and collaboration with campus leadership and emergency services.

Candidates should be able to communicate clearly, document events accurately, and work flexible shifts on the Salem, West Virginia campus. This on-site position emphasizes professionalism, calm judgment, and service-oriented security support.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate University vehicles.
• Ability to pass criminal background and driving record screenings.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare accurate written reports and documentation.
• Ability to patrol University buildings and grounds on foot and by vehicle.
• Flexibility to work a schedule including days, evenings, overnights, weekends and holidays.
• Reliable transportation and ability to report to the Salem, West Virginia campus as scheduled.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a visible and professional security presence on campus.
• Conduct routine patrols of campus buildings, grounds, parking areas, and residence areas.
• Monitor campus conditions and identify safety or security concerns.
• Inspect buildings, doors, lighting, and designated locations.
• Report suspicious activity or hazards to University personnel.
• Assist students, employees, visitors, and vendors with security matters.
• Respond promptly to incidents and emergencies and escalate when needed.
• Prepare clear incident reports and maintain logs and records.

Skills

Effective communication

Written reports

Two-way radio

Patrols on foot/vehicle

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Two-way radio equipment

Vehicle operation

Job description

The Campus Security Officer supports a safe and secure environment for Salem University students, employees, visitors, facilities, and property. This position provides a visible security presence throughout campus, conducts routine patrols and safety inspections, responds to incidents and emergencies, documents security-related activity, and assists students, employees, visitors, and emergency personnel as needed.

The Campus Security Officer is responsible for identifying and reporting potential safety or security concerns, responding appropriately to incidents within the scope of university policies and established procedures, and promptly escalating matters requiring law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, or University leadership intervention.

This position requires professionalism, sound judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to remain calm and respond appropriately during emergencies or other challenging situations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are representative of the responsibilities of this position. Additional duties may be assigned as business needs require.

Campus Safety & Security

• Maintain a visible and professional security presence throughout the Salem University campus.
• Conduct routine foot and vehicle patrols of university buildings, grounds, parking areas, residence areas, and other campus properties.
• Monitor campus conditions and identify potential safety, security, property, or facility concerns.
• Conduct routine inspections of buildings, doors, windows, lighting, parking areas, and other designated campus locations.
• Assist with maintaining appropriate security of university buildings and facilities in accordance with established procedures.
• Report suspicious activity, unauthorized access, safety hazards, property damage, or other concerns to the appropriate University personnel.
• Assist students, employees, visitors, and vendors with campus safety and security matters within the scope of assigned responsibilities.
• Respond promptly to reported security concerns, disturbances, alarms, accidents, medical situations, and other campus incidents.
• Assess situations and take appropriate action within established University procedures and the scope of the position.
• Contact and coordinate with law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services, and other first responders when appropriate.
• Provide accurate information and assistance to first responders during campus incidents and emergencies.
• Assist with emergency notifications, evacuations, severe weather response, and other University emergency procedures as assigned.
• Maintain a calm, professional, and service-oriented approach when responding to emergencies, conflicts, or sensitive situations.
• Promptly notify University leadership of significant incidents in accordance with established escalation procedures.
• Prepare clear, accurate, objective, and timely incident reports regarding security events, accidents, property concerns, policy violations, and other reportable activity.
• Maintain accurate patrol logs, shift documentation, inspection records, and other required security records.
• Document relevant facts, observations, actions taken, individuals involved, and notifications made.
• Maintain confidentiality of security, student, employee, and incident-related information in accordance with University policies and applicable requirements.
• Ensure reports and required documentation are submitted within established timelines.

Campus Operations & Community Support

• Communicate effectively with students, employees, visitors, University leadership, and emergency personnel.
• Respond to requests for security assistance and provide appropriate information or referrals.
• Support campus events, activities, and special security assignments as needed.
• Assist with parking, traffic, access, and crowd‑management needs when assigned.
• Communicate security and operational information between shifts to promote continuity of campus coverage.
• Use University‑issued radios and other communication equipment professionally and in accordance with established procedures.
• Support a campus environment that balances safety, security, professionalism, and student service.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet University requirements for operation of University vehicles.
• Ability to successfully complete required criminal background and driving record screenings.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to communicate effectively using two‑way radio equipment.
• Ability to prepare accurate written reports and documentation.
• Ability to patrol University buildings and grounds on foot and by vehicle.
• Ability to work independently and respond appropriately to changing campus conditions.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, overnight shifts, weekends, holidays, and emergency response periods as required.
• Reliable transportation and ability to report to the Salem, West Virginia campus as scheduled.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while conducting campus patrols.
• Ability to regularly navigate University buildings, grounds, sidewalks, parking areas, stairs, and other campus environments.
• Ability to enter and exit vehicles and conduct vehicle patrols as assigned.
• Ability to respond promptly to incidents occurring throughout campus.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through two‑way radio.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying temperatures, weather conditions, and lighting conditions.
• Ability to perform the physical activities necessary to carry out assigned safety and emergency‑response responsibilities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

This is an on-campus position located at Salem University in Salem, West Virginia.

Campus Security operates in a 24-hour environment. Employees may be assigned to day, evening, night, overnight, weekend, or holiday shifts based on University staffing and operational needs.

Work is performed throughout University buildings, residence areas, offices, parking areas, outdoor spaces, and other campus locations. The position may involve exposure to adverse weather, emergency situations, distressed individuals, interpersonal conflicts, and other conditions associated with campus security responsibilities.

Schedule flexibility and reliable attendance are essential functions of this position.

Salem University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Job Description Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Salem University reserves the right to modify responsibilities as institutional needs evolve.