Security Officer, Public Safety

University of Cincinnati; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Cincinnati seeks a Security Officer, Public Safety to monitor campus grounds and buildings, enforce safety regulations, and respond to incidents. The role involves patrolling, incident reporting, and assisting during emergencies.

Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, a valid state driver’s license, and pass comprehensive background and fitness assessments, including a polygraph and medical exam.

Qualifications

• Requires High School Diploma or GED.
• Must pass recruitment testing including background check, fitness, polygraph, psychological, toxicology, and medical examination.
• Physical agility assessment required; ability to work rotating shifts, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Maintain security of grounds and buildings and enforce parking regulations.
• Communicate with citizens and disseminate safety information to community.
• De-escalate conflicts and assist in apprehensions or detentions as needed.
• Conduct patrols, monitor CCTV and alarms, and respond to emergencies.
• Provide first aid and assist law enforcement and medical staff as required.
• Engage campus community with safe-route information and escort services.

Skills

Public safety awareness

De-escalation techniques

Surveillance and reporting

Interpersonal communication

Patrol and observation

First aid and emergency response

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

State issued driver’s license

Job description

Job Title: Security Officer, Public Safety

Posting Start Date: 8/17/26

Work Arrangement: Onsite

You are invited to apply to be considered for one of multiple vacancies of the same position - rank will be commensurate with experience.

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation's best urban public research universities. Home to more than 53,600 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, and over 360,000 living alumni, UC, a Carnegie 1 institution, combines research prowess with a physical setting The New York Times has called "the most ambitious campus design program in the country." UC's momentum has never been stronger as the anchor of the Cincinnati Innovation District, the oldest cooperative education (co-op) program in the country with students earning $94 million annually through paid experiences, an academic health system, and as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The university contributes $10.6 billion in economic impact to the city and $22.7 billion to the state of Ohio. At UC, next is all of us. Learn more at uc.edu .

UC is a mission-driven organization where we are committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service. We thrive on innovation, making an impact, and fostering an environment where staff and faculty are key contributors to UC's success.

Job Overview

Under close supervision from university law enforcement officer or supervisor, checks and reports on safety and security conditions of grounds, buildings, equipment, investigates crimes, complaints, and/or accidents; assists in apprehensions or detain violators or clients; assists law enforcement officers and firefighters during emergencies and/or enforces motor vehicle regulations.

Essential Functions

• Maintain security of grounds and/or buildings. Enforce parking regulations and issue citations. Enforce rules and regulations, with supervision.
• Contact and communicate with citizens. Distribute crime prevention and safety information to community. Partner with faculty, staff, students, and surrounding communities to help solve quality of life concerns.
• De-escalate conflicts between individuals and groups.
• Preserve and protect crime scenes. Testify in court.
• Complete radio and telephone communications.
• Take field notes. Prepare narratives, summaries, and incident case paperwork with supervision. Document activities by writing detailed reports to understand disorder, crime, and problems.
• Assist stranded motorist. Collect and route lost and found property. Investigate unusual odors and sounds.
• Follow and report suspicious vehicles/persons from a safe distance and relay information to other officers.
• Use less than lethal force when appropriate.
• Drive security vehicle. Conduct patrol. Maintain high visibility presence in strategic areas around campus.
• Assist medical staff with restraints of patients and locating AWOL patients.
• Participate in Community Oriented Police programs with supervision.
• Detain and maintain custody of offenders with supervision.
• Monitor and investigate intrusion, fire, and CCTV alarms. Assess situations for emergency medical. Assist police officers and firefighters as needed.
• Engage public with friendly messages, such as safe routes around campus. Escort persons as appropriate.
• Security hazards. Ability to climb stairs, run after suspects, and provide first aid & emergency care. Maintain agility and physical fitness.
• Must be able to work any shift.
• Perform related duties based on departmental need. This job description can be changed at any time.

Required Education

High School Diploma or GED

Required Trainings/Certifications

Must possess a current, valid state issued operator's license with an acceptable driving record.

Required Experience

Must be 18 years of age or older. No criminal record. Must pass recruitment testing (background investigation, physical fitness assessment, polygraph examination, psychological assessment, toxicology screening, and medical examination).

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Work outside in all weather conditions.
• May require working rotating shifts, weekends and holidays.
• Repetitive hand motion (such as typing) - Continuously
• Stooping - Often
• Crouching - Often
• Reaching overhead - Often
• Pulling, pushing - Often
• Shoveling - Seldom
• Lifting - up to 20 pounds - Often
• Lifting - up to 50 pounds - Seldom
• Outdoor Environment: Employees work outdoors and may not be protected from weather conditions.
• Hazards: Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts of machinery or tools used to perform work, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, or exposure to chemicals.
• Atmospheric Conditions: Conditions that affect the respiratory system, such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, or poor ventilation.

You MUST indicate on your application material evidence of having the experience, skills, or education required for this title.

• Document all dates of employment, description of relevant duties, and employment status.
• The complete application will be the sole criteria used by Human Resources to determine eligibility, which will be based on the minimum qualifications.
• Required Attachments: You MUST attach a copy of your high school/college diploma or GED by uploading documents to the Additional Documents section of your application.
• Candidates must pass a physical agility assessment, background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological assessment, and a written test.

Physical Agility Assessment: An email will be sent to all qualifying applicants, stating the date and time of the Physical Agility Assessment and will include a "Medical Release Certification" and a waiver. Physical Agility Preparatory Sessions will be offered to demonstrate proper techniques and review the assessment process. Physical fitness requirements (see End Requirements) can be found here . The location of the Physical Agility Assessment will be at the UC Department of Public Safety Police Division located at 51 West Corry Boulevard, Edwards Three, Cincinnati, Ohio 45219. Please be sure to dress appropriately for the assessment and bring identification and the medical certification or waiver.

Medical Release Certification: This doctor's certification to perform the Physical Agility Assessment must be completed and signed by the applicant and a personal physician PRIOR to the date of the Physical Assessment; OR a waiver can be signed. One of these forms must be brought to the Physical Agility Assessment and will be collected by assessment staff. Failure to provide one of these documents will mean exclusion from the assessment process and ineligibility for this job.

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. (UC Benefits) Eligibility may vary by position and FTE status.

Pay Rate Information: Starting Hourly Rate: $22.69

Equal Opportunity Employer. Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans.

University of Cincinnati | 2600 Clifton Ave. | Cincinnati, OH 45221 | ph: 513-556-6000