Public Safety Security Officer

Position Title:

Public Safety Security Officer

Job Group:

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Two years experience in security and safety, or • One year of post-high school education related to security and safety and one year of experience in security and safety, or • Two years of post-high school education related to security and safety. • Possession of appropriate driver's license as required. • Ability to obtain Certified Protection Officer certification from the International Foundation of Protection Officers and/or International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety certification within 6 months of hire and maintain certification for duration of employment.

Job Description:

The Department of Public Safety at Iowa State University is seeking candidates for a Public Safety Officer. Under general supervision, patrols assigned area on foot or in vehicle to ensure protection of students, faculty, staff and visitors, as well as property and equipment. Provides security at Mary Greeley Medical Center emergency department and other contracted areas on the hospital campus.  Controls and monitors access in and out of university buildings and monitors burglar and fire alarm systems as required.

This position will be on a rotating work schedule, which may include weekends.

Iowa State University Police Department employees will support the Department’s vision and mission by operating in a fair, unbiased manner, which respects the rights and dignity of all individuals. Department employees’ everyday actions are guided by the Department’s values of Respect, Integrity, Caring, Honor, Excellence and Service (RICHES) and be grounded in the highest ethical and professional standards. Department employees are expected to work in partnership with the campus and area communities to provide leadership in solving community problems, preventing crime and providing a safe environment to fulfill the mission of the University. Employees will strive for excellence in fulfilling the Department’s Mission and Vision Statements, values and goals.   

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities
 
 • Checks buildings in assigned area for security and checks doors, windows, lights, and equipment. Records and reports all damage for repairs or safety hazards through appropriate university protocol.
 •  Reports disorderly or suspicious behavior of individuals and assists in controlling the situation until appropriate response is delivered. Completes appropriate incident reports as directed by command level personnel.
 • Monitors fire extinguishers, other safety devices and signs for proper functioning. Reports irregularities or problems.
 •  Reports lights left on in buildings, burned out building and street lights, and reports doors and locks that are not working properly.
 •  Keeps unauthorized personnel out of buildings after closing hours, controls access to areas based on assignments, maintains regular contact with other public safety security officers, and calls University Police Officers in case of need.
 •  Responds to burglar and fire alarm panels to notify Public Safety personnel of location and problem recorded on the panel and controls the panel as directed by supervisor.
 •  Locks and unlocks doors based on schedules and requests.
 •  Responds to questions and calls from people in the community to assist with directions, locations, and other service-oriented needs.
 •  May assist with traffic control as needed.
 •  Assists Public Safety personnel. Provides instruction in safety practices to students, staff and public as needed.
 •  May assist the parking department in writing citations as needed.
 •  Provides security for all areas of campus that may require knowledge of specialized security camera and alarm systems. Monitors the appropriate equipment used for that facility.
 •  Rolls fingerprints and uses equipment to process fingerprints for various student groups or general public.
 •  May assess and respond to calls, schedule pick-ups and drop-offs and/or drive riders to and from destinations as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

 • Knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation/AED and first aid and bloodborne pathogens exposure procedures.
 • Knowledge of applicable laws, policies and procedures pertaining to the University community.
 • Knowledge of portable fire extinguishers and their locations.
 • Knowledge of the geography of the campus.
 • Skill in operating portable radio devices.
 • Knowledge of and ability to use information systems.
 • Ability to communicate effectively with others both orally and in writing.
 • Ability to walk and climb stairs.
 • Ability to work outside in extreme weather conditions.
 • Ability to see and hear accurately in both day and nighttime conditions.
 • Ability to comprehend numerous policies, procedures, concepts and to be able to respond using discretion and interpretive judgment based on general and specific policies.
 • Ability to retain knowledge, information, and directions on an ongoing basis and communicate effectively with others.
 • Ability to maintain accurate records.
 • Ability to react appropriately in emergency situations. 

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

08

Original Posting Date:

October 20, 2026

Posting Close Date:

November 3, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R20123

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].

 

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.