Range Safety Officer (RSO)

Sussex County Community College is currently seeking candidates to fulfil the role of Range Safery Officer for our Public Safety Training Academy (PSTA). The Range Safety Officer (RSO) is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the indoor and outdoor firing ranges. The RSO ensures all range activities are conducted in accordance with established safety standards, policies, and procedures. This position provides direct supervision of personnel utilizing the range and ensures compliance with all firearms safety protocols, applicable laws, and organizational policies.

The RSO has the authority to immediately stop any unsafe act and take corrective action to ensure the safety of all personnel.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Safety Oversight

• Enforce all range safety rules, policies, and standard operating procedures.
• Monitor all shooters and instructors to ensure safe firearm handling and compliance with safety protocols.
• Maintain strict adherence to the universal firearms safety rules.
• Immediately halt range operations if unsafe conditions or actions are observed.

Range Operations

• Supervise all live-fire training conducted on the indoor and outdoor firing ranges.
• Conduct pre-range safety briefings for all participants prior to live-fire exercises.
• Ensure shooters understand range commands, firing procedures, and emergency protocols.
• Control firing line operations using standard range commands.
• Maintain discipline and order on the firing line at all times.

Inspection and Equipment

• Inspect firearms, ammunition, and safety equipment prior to use when necessary.
• Ensure required personal protective equipment (PPE), including eye and ear protection, is worn by all personnel on the range.
• Monitor range equipment and infrastructure for safety and operational readiness.
• Report any unsafe equipment, range damage, or maintenance issues.

Emergency Response

• Be prepared to respond to medical emergencies, firearms malfunctions, or safety incidents.
• Initiate emergency procedures when required.
• Ensure emergency equipment such as trauma kits, AEDs, and communication devices are available and functional.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain range logs and documentation of range activities.
• Document safety incidents, injuries, or violations of range rules.
• Report operational or safety concerns to the appropriate supervisor or program coordinator.

Coordination with Instructors

• Work closely with instructors conducting training to ensure safe course delivery.
• Support instructors while maintaining independent authority regarding safety enforcement.
• Provide guidance to shooters regarding safe firearm handling practices.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge of firearms safety and range operations.
• Experience with firearms handling and live-fire training environments.
• Ability to effectively supervise individuals in high-risk training environments.
• Strong situational awareness and decision-making ability.
• Ability to communicate clearly and issue authoritative commands when required.
• Certification as an NRA Range Safety Officer or equivalent recognized range safety certification.
• Current CPR/AED certification.
• Training in bleeding control and trauma response (e.g., Stop the Bleed or equivalent).
• Experience working in law enforcement, military, or public safety firearms training environments.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods during range operations.
• Ability to hear and communicate clearly in a high-noise environment.
• Ability to move quickly to respond to unsafe conditions or emergencies.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions for outdoor range operations.

Sussex County Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Effective September 1, 2011, the NJ First Act requires that certain classifications of persons employed by a public higher education institution will have 365 days within which to establish a primary residence in NJ. Failure to comply will render the individual unqualified to continue to hold the position. Individuals may seek exemption from the residency exemption committee based on critical need or hardship.