Security Officer, UVA Police Department

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 59,099,000 - 84,171,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Parental Leave

Community Service Leave

Wellness program

Job summary

University of Virginia is seeking Security Officers to serve the community across Grounds, Hospital, and surrounding areas. Officers conduct patrols, help manage safety concerns, de‑escalate situations, and support medical center operations as needed.

Positions are un-armed, non-sworn staff with a focus on visibility, reporting, and collaboration with UVA Police while upholding Title IX and Clery Act responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Strong oral and written communication skills are essential.
• Ability to accurately write reports and testify in court.
• Must demonstrate sound judgment and problem-solving under stress.

Responsibilities

• Patrol designated Grounds and Hospital areas to identify and report security issues.
• Report suspicious activities and coordinate with police for additional assistance.
• Generate reports and conduct traffic control as needed.
• Assist law enforcement with securing crime scenes and special events.
• Work under the supervision of a Security Sergeant and support campus safety initiatives.
• Act as a campus security authority under relevant regulations.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Report writing

Court testimony

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Build a Career of Service with the University of Virginia Police Department!

The University of Virginia Police Department (UPD) is seeking applicants for Security Officer positions. We are seeking applicants who want to serve the community and help keep the University and surrounding area safe.

Security Officers make a meaningful impact across three distinct areas:

• Joint Patrol – Conduct patrols in assigned off-Grounds areas, giving special attention to locations with a higher frequency of security concerns and performing routine rechecks as needed.
• Medical Center – Provide security support and assist medical staff by helping manage patients who may pose unsafe conditions to themselves, staff, or visitors. Responsibilities include de-escalation efforts and assisting with medical interventions as appropriate.
• Grounds – Maintain a visible presence on Grounds by patrolling University property, supporting campus safety initiatives, and assisting students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

As a Security Officer at one of the nation’s top public universities, you will be serving in a vibrant community with a variety of culture, recreation and entertainment opportunities – suitable for families and young professionals. UPD takes pride in being a leader in community-based, progressive approaches toward safety. The department supports its employees and encourages them to introduce creative and innovative ways to promote public safety, engage the community and be a leader on grounds.

At UPD, Security Officers are un-armed, uniformed non-sworn employees who play an integral role in the overall safety and security at the University. To learn more, please visit the UVA Security Department.

Responsibilities and Duties of a Security Officer

• Engage in community service through fair and impartial practices. Decisions and enforcement will not be predicated on race, gender, religion or sexual orientation.
• Patrol designated areas to identify, report, and, when reasonable and possible, resolve security issues on Grounds and at the Hospital.
• Report suspicious and criminal activities and activities requiring additional personnel to the appropriate police agency.
• Generate reports and conduct traffic control functions as needed.
• May assist law enforcement officers with securing crime scenes, provide security services for special assignments, such as sporting events and concerts.
• Operate under the supervision of a Security Sergeant and serve as additional eyes and ears to University police officers.
• Act as a campus security authority as defined by the federal Jeane Clery Disclosure Act.
• Act as a responsible employee under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which includes timely reporting of incidents of sexual harassment/misconduct.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Previous work experience in security or in a position dealing with the public
• A Valid Virginia driver’s license with a positive points balance is required or the ability to get a Virginia Driver's License within the first 90 days of employment

Strong oral and written communication skills are essential, along with the ability to accurately write reports and testify in court. The candidate must be able to maintain a calm and balanced perspective in stressful situations, exercising sound judgment and effective problem-solving. Additionally, the candidate should be comfortable working in a variety of environments, including outdoors, in the hospital, and across other University facilities.

Physical Demands

Security employees are subject to respond to all types of situations including but not limited to, manmade and natural disasters, fires, weather related emergencies, other emergencies including those of a violent nature. Typical daily physical demands include, but are not limited to, standing and sitting for extended periods of time, driving, lifting, traveling and the use of both hands. Physical demands for security employees can change significantly from one day to the next based on the needs for a particular assignment and can include any of the above including, but not limited to, bending, stooping, twisting, climbing ladders and stairs and heavy lifting.

We Pay More Because We Expect More!

Starting salary is $25 per hour ($52,000 annually).

• Additional $1.50 per hour for night shift assignments
• Additional $2.00 per hour for medical center assignments
• 22 days of paid time off, increasing with years of service
• 13+ paid holidays each year, in addition to paid time off
• Parental Leave and Community Service Leave after one year
• Health insurance plans available immediately upon hire
• Tuition assistance and professional development benefits after six months
• Employee wellness program with opportunities to earn up to $500 annually
• For a more comprehensive list, visit UVA Benefits

Candidates will be required to complete a separate background investigation before a formal offer can be extended. Additionally, prior to your first day of employment, candidates must complete a successful background check, psychological evaluation, and drug screening.

This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This position is a non-exempt level role.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.