Public Safety Officer

Job Summary/Basic Function

To ensure the safety and security of residents, staff, buildings, and grounds; respond to emergencies; perform related work. Campus Security Authority: This position is identified as a “Campus Security Authority (CSA)” per the federal law known as the Clery Act. Per this law, the employee is required to report any crimes that he/she becomes aware of to the Clery Compliance Officer. Additionally, CSAs are required to complete annual training prescribed by the Clery Compliance Officer.

Department Overview

Boise State University’s Department of Public Safety is responsible for more than ”people safety.” In addition to university Security, our team includes the university's Emergency Management Department, Transportation (Shuttle buses and the Cycle Learning Center) and Parking, and Integrated Security Technology. Department of Public Safety employees are responsible for the safety of everyone on campus through a variety of programs. We believe in supporting our team members in all roles of their life. We offer flexible scheduling, competitive pay rates, meaningful and impactful work, and healthy teams. Public Safety will encourage you to take time doing what is most important to you, whether that is spending time with family, traveling, or increasing your education. We want the best employees. If you are a high performer who's gotten lost at other organizations who just don't seem to get it, come meet us. We are different and always seeking ways to improve.

Level Scope

Applies skills and job knowledge in area of specialization; may adapt procedures, operations, techniques, tools, materials, and/or equipment to meet needs of area of specialization; may work on non-routine tasks; resolves issues/makes working decisions within area of specialization or responsibility with minimal supervision.

Essential Functions

• Responds to calls for assistance; assists unit staff in calming, controlling, and restraining combative, intoxicated, and/or aggressive residents; maintains surveillance of potentially volatile situations; contacts local law enforcement agencies for assistance regarding potential problem situations; directs and participates in searches of buildings and surrounding area; assures timely evacuation in case of fire or other disaster; prepares written reports.
• Provides for safety and security of residents and staff; enforces safety and security policies and procedures; patrols campus and outbuildings to prevent vandalism and detect fires; patrols buildings ensuring that doors are locked and searches the facility when a door is found unlocked; observes movement on campus and uses radio to advise of disturbances or suspicious occurrences; reports safety hazards; conducts searches for contraband; investigates vandalism and theft; checks and logs security lights; reports mechanical malfunctions; confronts unauthorized visitors and may make arrests; may patrol parking lots; may make minor emergency maintenance repairs to ensure safety; may check the steam pressure and water level in the boilers.
• Escort residents to and from living areas; may provide back-up services for living unit personnel; may maintain precautions to prevent runaways and unauthorized absences of residents; may transport residents to and from area hospital, airport, or other points of origin/destination.
• Assist housing staff in the residence halls and campus housing areas with issues such as domestic disturbances, drug/alcohol incidents, disruptive/mentally disturbed subjects, fire alarms, etc., when requested.
• Provide initial assessment and intervention on confrontations between individuals on university-owned properties.
• Communicate security-related needs and information to various Boise State University departments, Boise Police Department (including university dispatch officers), and other non-campus entities via person-to-person contact, telephone, e-mail, etc.
• Give safety presentations to groups or individuals; standby/assist Housing, Dean of Students, and other staff members when they are conducting interviews, advising people of discipline procedures or termination, escort people in and out of University-owned/occupied buildings and/or spaces.
• Complete lock-out and jumpstarts as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned, such as escorting people to locations off campus, representing the University at off-campus events.
• Support DPS operations and represent the University at on and off-campus events.
• Responds to fire, intrusion, and panic alarms. Assesses for cause, silences, and/or resets alarm panels as needed.
• Reviews/bookmarks security camera video as part of the investigatory process.
• Ensures customer service for the entire Department and campus community.
• Engages in Departmental problem-solving for organizational issues; makes recommendations for departmental efficiencies and advancement.
• Plans and coordinates a variety of special administrative projects and assignments.
• Renews job knowledge by reading professional journals, participating in education opportunities, and belonging to professional organizations.
• Represents the Department and the Division in select working groups, committees, and partnerships, both internal and external to the University.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective security operations.
• Ability to communicate and convey information effectively.
• Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective security operations.
• Ability to communicate and convey information effectively.
• Good knowledge of self-defense measures, First Aid/CPR/AED, security problems and safety hazards as they relate to the university setting which includes a large complex of buildings and grounds, students, staff, faculty, and community members.
• Experience performing investigations incidental to security activities and completing investigative reports.
• Basic computer skills including Windows, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Google Chrome and Google Suite.
• Ability to work days, nights, weekends and holidays depending on the needs of the department.
• Ability to exercise discretion when dealing with confidential matters and information.

Minimum Qualifications

Good knowledge of: building security procedures.

Experience: applying fire and life safety hazards; evaluating and handling disturbances and security emergencies reading, applying, and following written and oral instructions; writing business reports, investigative reports, or detailed documentation; typing or using a keyboard.

A current and valid Driver's License.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience in a security-related field, preferably in a college or university setting.
• First Aid CPR.
• ICS: 100, 200, and 700.

Salary and Benefits

Salary of $25.30/hr.Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

• 12 paid holidays AND the University is closed between Christmas and New Year's (requires use of 3 vacation days)
• Between 12-24 annual paid vacation days for full-time Professional and Classified staff depending on position type and years of service
• 10.76% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees)
• 11.96% University contribution to your PERSI retirement fund (Classified employees)
• Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages
• Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents
• See our full benefits page for more information!

Required Application Materials

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three References

About Us

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

Boise State is proud to be recognized by Forbes as the only Idaho employer listed in the top 100 of all national midsize and large employers. We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho’s Treasure Valley at