Campus Safety Officer

PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Campus Safety Officer within the Campus Safety department reports directly to the Campus Safety Supervisor. This role is primarily responsible for ensuring the safety of all members of the Lewis & Clark College community and securing college property through proactive patrols, responding to emergencies, enforcing campus policies, and providing public service. The ideal candidate will possess strong observational skills, sound judgment, the ability to handle stressful situations with professionalism, and a commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive campus environment. To be successful in this position, the individual must excel at responding to emergency situations, investigating policy violations and crimes, offering first aid when needed, maintaining strong communication with the campus community, and upholding the College’s mission and values in their daily work.

This position is represented by the Lewis & Clark College Support Staff Association Local 4912 of the American Federation of LCCSSA Collective Bargaining Agreement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Patrol and Security Operations

• Conduct routine vehicle, foot, and bicycle patrols across campus to monitor safety conditions and ensure security of campus buildings and grounds.
• Monitor campus for suspicious activity, enforce campus policies, and identify potential safety hazards.
• Respond promptly to alarms (e.g., intrusion, fire, panic) and take appropriate action to address or escalate issues.

Emergency Response and First Aid

• Provide first response to medical emergencies, including administering first aid, CPR, and AED as needed.
• Coordinate with medical responders and campus staff to ensure proper care during emergencies.
• Assist in weather-related incidents, natural disasters, or chemical spills, ensuring safety of campus community members.

Enforcement and Policy Adherence

• Enforce campus policies related to safety, including alcohol, drug use, smoking, and other conduct guidelines.
• Investigate policy violations and criminal activity, including theft, vandalism, and public intoxication, documenting findings in detailed reports.
• Collaborate with local law enforcement and external agencies as necessary to address safety concerns.

Public Service and Campus Assistance

• Escort students, staff, and visitors for safety, particularly during after-hours events or in high-risk areas.
• Provide assistance to campus visitors, including answering questions, offering directions, and managing access to buildings.
• Support the campus community by addressing service calls such as unlocking buildings or assisting with vehicle issues.

Reporting and Documentation

• Document incidents, safety violations, and emergencies in clear, concise reports to ensure proper records.
• Maintain daily activity logs, ensuring all relevant information is accurately recorded and submitted in a timely manner.
• Use security software and communication systems to update logs, track incidents, and coordinate with other campus departments.

Other Duties as Assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & BEHAVIORS

• Proficient in campus safety protocols and procedures, including access control systems, emergency response protocols, and relevant federal, state, and local laws (e.g., Clery Act, FERPA, Title IX).
• Extremely knowledgeable in basic law enforcement and security practices, including investigative techniques, crime prevention strategies, and crowd control methods.
• Advanced knowledge of fire and life safety systems, including alarm monitoring and emergency evacuation procedures.
• Proficient in using campus safety software and communication tools, including incident reporting systems, radio communication devices, and mobile apps.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with diverse groups, including students, faculty, staff, and external partners, while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
• Superior written communication skills, with the ability to document incidents and complete detailed reports that are clear, accurate, and concise.
• Extremely skilled in conflict resolution, managing stressful or potentially dangerous situations with calmness and diplomacy.
• Proficient in first aid, CPR, and AED, with the ability to respond effectively to medical emergencies and coordinate with external medical professionals when necessary.
• Demonstrates excellent judgment and decision-making abilities, particularly when assessing situations under pressure and determining appropriate responses.
• Exhibits strong situational awareness and the ability to identify potential hazards, respond to threats, and prevent safety violations proactively.
• Works independently with minimal supervision while also being able to collaborate effectively with colleagues, external agencies, and other campus departments.
• Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive campus environment by fostering positive relationships and creating a welcoming atmosphere for all members of the campus community.
• Maintains a positive and approachable demeanor while performing duties, promoting a sense of trust and safety within the campus community.
• Actively promotes inclusion and equity in the workplace, ensuring that all individuals, particularly those from underrepresented groups, are treated with respect and dignity.
• Exemplifies high standards of professionalism, reliability, and accountability in all interactions and responsibilities.
• Adapts quickly to changing situations, remaining flexible and resourceful in emergency or dynamic environments.

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.).
• Two years of experience in campus safety, private security, law enforcement, or a related field.
• DPSST (Department of Public Safety Standards and Training) certification for unarmed private security.
• First Aid, CPR, and AED certification.
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.

PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Associate’s degree in criminal justice, public safety, or a related field.
• Four years of experience in campus security, law enforcement, military police, or as a reserve police officer.
• Additional certifications in specialized safety or emergency response areas.

JOB CLASSIFICATION

• Job Group Title: Campus Safety Officer
• Working Title: Campus Safety Officer
• Salary Grade: 15
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• Department: Campus Safety
• Reports To: Director of Campus Safety
• Full-Time: Yes
• Schedule: 37.5 hours per week; variable shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed; overtime may be required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Primarily field-based, involving a mix of outdoor and indoor environments on the campus and in surrounding areas.
• Prolonged periods of walking, standing, and operating a motor vehicle, bicycle, or on foot to patrol the campus and surrounding areas.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move objects up to 50 pounds, including safety equipment or emergency supplies.
• Occasional use of stairs, kneeling, or crawling when accessing buildings or responding to emergencies.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, rain, or snow.
• Physical stamina to handle potentially stressful and physically demanding situations, such as responding to emergencies, assisting in evacuations, or managing incidents of violence or medical crises.
• Ability to observe and respond to hazards and threats from a distance, and to communicate effectively with a wide range of people under various circumstances.