Security Officer Part-Time

Vassar; City of Poughkeepsie (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

Vassar College seeks a part-time Security Officer to patrol campus, respond to incidents, and support dispatch operations. The role emphasizes quick decision-making, de-escalation, and clear communication with colleagues and the campus community.

Officers must be able to work varied hours including overnight shifts on weekends, with overtime as needed. The position is unionized and requires successful completion of the probationary period and background check.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associates degree or higher preferred.
• Must possess or obtain NYS Security Guard license or 8-hour pre‑assignment certificate.

Responsibilities

• Attend shift briefings and trainings mandated by the college.
• Respond to calls for service promptly and maintain accurate reports.
• Operate campus dispatch and use software for scheduling and payroll records.
• Assist with campus event security and incident response.
• Carry out duties as assigned by supervisors and Director of Campus Safety.

Skills

Communication skills

De-escalation

Emergency response

Teamwork

Follow instructions

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associates Degree or higher

Job description

Department Campus Safety Job Family Security Officer - Union

Vassar College is deeply committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees by promoting an environment of transparency and respect for differences. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds who meet the qualifications of a posting. If you need to request an accommodation to fully participate in the search process, please contact [e-mail].

Schedule: Various days/Various hours, primary assignment will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday overnight 11pm -7am.

Position Summary

This part time position is responsible for the prevention and detection of any crimes, offenses or violations of college rules, regulations and policies. Officers patrol campus on foot and in a vehicle, detect security hazards, respond to calls for service, prepare reports, operate the campus dispatch center, perform duties relative to traffic and parking. This position interacts with members of the campus and broader community. Applicants should possess critical decision‑making skills; be able to respond effectively to emergencies; and diffuse/de‑escalate potentially volatile situations. Officers should have excellent communication skills and be a team player (promoting both the mission and vision of the Department and the College). Officers must be capable of and willing to work all shifts and overtime as needed or mandated. All shifts include all hours, days of the week, and holidays. Shifts may be reassigned on a short and long term basis according to departmental needs and contractual guidelines. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of one year probationary period and satisfactory results of a background search. This is a unionized position, represented by the Security, Police, and Fire Professionals of America (SPFPA) Union.

Responsibilities

• Attend shift briefings and all training mandated by the college and department.
• Perform special details/ assignments occurring on shift.
• Fill vacant shifts as needed.
• Respond to all calls for service promptly and without delay.
• Train in new procedures, use of equipment, etc.
• Communicate with other officers and supervisors to relay important information.
• Write comprehensive and accurate reports.
• Utilize various campus and department software programs to look up and/or track information, including but not limited to work schedule and payroll records.
• Assist with campus event security as needed.
• Respond to incidents including but not limited to acts of violence, theft of property, verbal disputes, student and employee misconduct, traffic violations and medical calls for assistance.
• Participate in the officer field training program as assigned.
• Carry out other duties deemed necessary by supervisors and/or Director of Campus Safety.
• Responsible for reading, understanding and responding to College and Department emails in a timely manner.
• Once trained, be able to train new hires in all functions of the job.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities

• Possess and maintain a New York State Driver License for at least 2 years.
• Must possess a valid NYS Security Guard license or a valid 8-hour pre‑assignment training certificate with the ability to attain license within 30 days.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Ability to de‑escalate charged situations.
• Ability to understand and follow specific instructions and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and flexibility.
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations and to deescalate charged situations.
• A strong service orientation and demonstrated ability to work in a diverse multicultural community.
• Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. or more and move 75 lbs.
• Ability to perform CPR/AED and CPR/AED certification required or attainable.
• Ability to effectively use Narcan and Narcan certification required or attainable.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, written and verbal.
• Sufficient computer experience to be able to prepare reports and effectively use all software programs available to the department.
• Some local travel for training may be required.

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities

• Associates Degree or higher.

Compensation

• This position is compensated $22.55 per hour.