Sergeant

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a Sergeant in the University Police Department to protect students, staff and visitors through professional law enforcement and prevention strategies.

The role requires sworn law enforcement experience, state certifications, and strong leadership to manage patrol operations and emergency responses on campus. The position is full-time with a standard 40-hour week and potential start in late September 2026.

Qualifications

• Minimum of an associate degree (or 60 hours) and 4 years of sworn law enforcement experience.
• Certification from NC CJETSC as commissioned officer or eligible for out-of-state lateral hires.
• Up to 2 additional years of sworn experience may be preferred.

Responsibilities

• Protects UNC students, faculty, staff and visitors through police services and crime prevention.
• Patrols campus and investigates violations of state laws and campus regulations.
• Develops preventative patrol techniques and performs specialized duties to deter crime and promote safety.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Communication skills

Community policing

Emergency response

Education

Associate degree or 60 hours

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Firearms proficiency

Driver’s license

Job description

Department: UPD Police-234401

Career Area : Police/Security

Posting Open Date: 08/07/2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title: Sergeant

Appointment Type: EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number: 00035977

Vacancy ID: NF0009944

Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time Permanent

FTE: 1

Hours per week: 40

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Proposed Start Date: 09/28/2026

Be a Tar Heel!:

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit: UNC Police supports the University’s core mission of teaching, research, and public service by developing partnerships that, through the encouragement of problem-solving and communications, seek to identify and address public safety needs with professionalism and integrity, all while protecting North Carolina’s future.

Position Summary: The person in this position protects and serves the students, faculty, staff and visitors of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill through law enforcement and crime prevention. This position patrols campus and investigates complaints and violations of State laws and local ordinances using the Community Oriented Policing philosophy. This person also develops and implements preventative patrol techniques and performs specialized duties to deter crime and promote effective safety and security practices.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: A minimum of an associate degree (or 60 hours of college credit) and 4 years of sworn law enforcement officer experience. Certification from NC CJETSC as a commissioned police officer or certification eligible for out-of-state lateral hires. At the agency heads discretion, up to 2 additional years of sworn law enforcement experience may be preferred.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience: Candidate must have progressively responsible experience in law enforcement, including supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. The successful candidate will demonstrate an understanding and support of the community oriented policing philosophy. Candidate must have the ability to direct sworn police officers in one of the Police Operations Units including but not limited to evaluating the work of others; exercise independent judgment in the interpretation, application and enforcement of state laws and regulations; develop work assignments and responsibilities to achieve short-range goals and objectives for the assigned squad/unit; policies of the organization; ability to manage the development of assigned officers to include, coaching, counseling, disciplining, and performance evaluation; inspire others, building trust through actions and creating a culture of ethical principle; plan and support the training and development of squad/unit officer; the candidate must have the knowledge and skills to apply the laws regulating the rights of suspects, search and seizure, maintaining the chain of evidence, arrest authority, and the appropriate use of force. The ability to apply emergency response principles and techniques; possess the skills in the use of firearms,, and other equipment used in enforcement; ability to act quickly and intelligently in emergency situations; effectively carry out oral and written instructions; and effectively communicate and deal with the public and the campus community. The candidate for this position will be considered an ESSENTIAL Emergency Duty Employee. This means that the position is one that is necessary to ensure University operations continue uninterrupted during periods of adverse weather and/or other emergency situations, including those that require the University to close. As such the employee in this position will be required to report to work according to their usual schedule, or upon notification to report outside of their usual work schedule. Work schedule: 48 hours one week, 36 hours second week. This patrol shifts are fixed on a modified Dupont Schedule. Applicants must be eligible for immediate certification in accordance with the provisions of North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission. Candidate must be able to satisfy the physical standards requirement of a sworn police officer as mandated by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission; must have a valid North Carolina Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience: Prefer candidate that has acquired an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements: Position involves being able to subdue resisting suspects and effect forcible arrests; must be able to defend oneself; operating a law enforcement vehicle under emergency conditions during day and night; pursuing fleeing suspects; performing searches of people and buildings involving feeling and detecting objects; exercising independent judgement in determining when to use force and to what degree; comprehending legal documents including citations, affidavits, and warrants; commanding emergency personnel at accidents, emergencies, and disasters. Candidate must meet physical and psychological requirements of the North Carolina Criminal Education and Standards Commission.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities: This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.