Public Safety Officer

Public Safety Officer

Salary

$21.61 Hourly

Location

Main Campus, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA

Job Type

Full-Time Board-Approved

Job Number

03021

Division

Operations

Department

Public Safety

Opening Date

09/30/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

JOB GOAL:

To advance the college's mission, vision, principles, values and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement decisions.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of Public Safety Administration, promote positive behavior and ensure the safety and well-being of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Monitor campus activities, report concerns, and take appropriate action to maintain a secure environment across all Kirkwood Community College properties. Enforce Public Safety and College policies in alignment with the institution's mission and vision. Respond to emergencies, engage with students, faculty, staff, guests, emergency responders, and community members. Foster a collaborative and educational approach to creating a safe and supportive learning environment.

UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence.
• Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions.
• Champion Service- anticipating needs and create a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.
• Perseverance- commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success.
• Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct proactive patrols of campus buildings, lots, and grounds via foot, vehicle, and surveillance systems to protect property and individuals.
• Respond to routine and emergency service requests, providing first aid and crisis intervention as needed.
• Perform scheduled and requested lock/unlock services.
• Assist in the College's response to critical incidents and coordinate with law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other emergency personnel.
• Assist with security coverage for college events as needed.
• Maintain radio communication with Public Safety personnel and campus officers.
• Monitor alarm systems and respond to alarms as needed.
• Assist with Public Safety, Threat Assessment, and Title IX investigations as requested.
• Document incidents, maintain daily activity logs, and submit detailed reports using public safety software.
• Enforce traffic, parking, and campus policies while ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
• Provide safety escorts, lockout assistance, jump-starts, and other public assistance services.
• Observe and report security concerns, safety hazards, and suspicious activity.
• Conduct scheduled preventative maintenance checks on public safety, life safety, and emergency equipment.
• Coordinate with facilities to report urgent maintenance concerns and assist with after-hours access or response needs.
• Participate in drills and emergency preparedness activities as assigned.
• Collect lost & found items.
• Serve as a Campus Security Authority under the Clery Act.
• Participate in ongoing training, certification, and professional development to stay current with campus safety practices and procedures.
• Support and model a community-oriented policing approach to enhance campus safety.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Shift Differential: Additional hourly compensation may be provided for hours worked outside normal business hours (typically 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday), at a rate of approximately $2.00 per hour.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

• Represent the College professionally and foster an inclusive, welcoming environment.
• Exercise sound judgment, problem-solving, and independent decision-making.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with students, colleagues, and the public.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in both written and verbal forms.
• Demonstrate attention to detail, multitasking, and flexibility in a fast-paced environment.
• Work independently with minimal supervision while staying self-motivated.
• Adapt to frequent interruptions while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.
• Interpret and enforce Kirkwood policies accurately while complying with required training and certifications.
• Prioritize safety and well-being, stay calm and make critical decisions in high-stress situations.
• Lead safety discussions, conduct training, and perform security assessments.
• Provide exceptional customer service and demonstrate proficiency in computer systems, including email and report writing.
• Work a schedule assigned by the Operations Manager based on operational needs, which may include any shift, weekends, holidays, campus closures, emergency callbacks, and voluntary or mandatory overtime. Scheduling may occasionally be adjusted with minimal notice to meet operational demands.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WITH/WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:

Occasional (10-33%) standing, pushing, pulling, grasping, and exposure to less than optimal temperatures & outside weather conditions. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and viewing a computer and other types of close visual work. Constant (67-100%) sitting, walking up to five plus miles per shift, climbing stairs, repetitive motion, talking and hearing.

Person in this position must satisfactorily complete Kirkwood's Bloodborne Pathogens training due to the potential exposure risk to blood or body fluids. Must satisfactorily complete Kirkwood's CPR/AED/First Aid, stop the bleed, and must complete Mental Health First Aid training.

Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English. See color spectrum and have adequate hearing. Vision must be correctable to 20/20.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent required, with two (2) years of experience in law enforcement, security, or public safety, or an equivalent combination of related education and experience.
• Proficient computer skills with familiarity with Microsoft programs such as Microsoft word and outlook.
• Experience writing detailed incident reports and conducting investigations.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

• CPR/AED/First Aid certified within 6 months of employment.
• Stop the bleed certification within 6 months of employment.
• Ability to obtain Certified Protection Officer certification from the International Foundation of Protection Officers within 6 months of hire and maintain certification for duration of employment.
• Valid Iowa Driver License with a good driving record and ability to be covered through the College's insurance.
• This position requires a valid drivers license and participation in continuous Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) monitoring. Your driving record will be verified initially and monitored on an ongoing basis as a condition of employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:

• Associate's degree or higher in public safety, criminal justice, emergency management, or a related field preferred.
• Prior law enforcement, security, or public safety experience in a higher education setting strongly preferred.
• Completion of NIMS ISC 100 and 200

EEO/AA STATEMENT:

It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness (employees) or the Vice President of Student Services (students), 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404,319-398-5572,equity@kirkwood.edu, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone:(303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email:OCR.Denver@ed.gov.

WHY KIRKWOOD:

Kirkwood Community College prides itself on fostering a diverse workforce and values unique perspectives throughout its campus community. The college is a convenient, innovative, visionary educational leader striving to remain affordable and accessible. With more than 140 majors and programs, Kirkwood boasts 16,000 annual college-credit students while maintaining one of the lowest tuitions in the state. All degree-seeking students are eligible for federal financial aid and the college offers more than $3 million in scholarships each year to students from all walks of life.

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Kirkwood offers a wide range of employee benefits. Read more about them here!

01

Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent, with two (2) years of experience in law enforcement, security, or public safety, or an equivalent combination of related education and experience?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a valid Iowa Driver License with a good driving record and ability to be covered through the College's insurance?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Kirkwood Community College

Address 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52404

Phone 319-398-5572

Website http://www.kirkwood.edu