Overview
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the primary department charged with creating a safe and secure environment at Princeton University. DPS operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is comprised of 153 staff members. The department consists of professional University police, security officers, dispatchers, and administrators dedicated to providing best-in-class service to the community.
DPS was originally recognized and awarded Law Enforcement Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) on July 25, 2015, and subsequently awarded reaccreditation status on July 25, 2018, July 25, 2022, and again on July 24, 2026. CALEA serves as the "International Gold Standard for Public Safety Agencies" and oversees a rigorous accreditation process. In addition, DPS was awarded accreditation status by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (NJLEAC) on March 14, 2019, and subsequently awarded reaccreditation status on March 10, 2022, and again on March 13, 2025. These awards are a mark of professional excellence and signify that we have earned these distinguished honors through continued compliance with CALEA/NJLEAC Standards. Throughout these processes, we established and implemented policies and practices that meet or exceed the National and State standards, to serve both the Department and the community well in the future.
Non-sworn security officers work in several areas, including the main campus, the James Forrestal Campus, Firestone Library, the Princeton University Art Museum, and their off-site storage facility.
To read the Princeton University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report click here.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Under general supervision, the Cultural Property Security Supervisor (CPSS) assists in supervising the overall security operations of the Princeton University Art Museum (PUAM). The essential functions of this job include: supervising front line security operations; assisting security officers in securing museum exhibits and facilities, including serving as museum security post as needed; scheduling security officers to meet security needs of the facility and for special events; performing walk-throughs of public areas to ensure a safe and friendly environment; observing and inspecting security officers and their assigned areas to assure compliance with policies and procedures; monitoring security officer performance; carrying out transition procedures between shifts; assisting in incident resolution; providing ongoing employee training; acting as the on-site security authority in the absence of the Security Operations Manager and/or designated personnel; communicating to appropriate management regarding maintenance and security conditions; resolving complaints and providing back-up support to security officers; responding to staff and museum patrons' requests for information.
The nature of the work requires some sustained physical effort involving considerable standing and walking for extended periods of time. Incumbents may be required to work any shift, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime may be assigned as necessary. Incumbents may also be assigned to work at the off-site storage facility located on the Forrestal campus and elsewhere as needed on the Princeton University campus.
Knowledge of general techniques and practices for public safety, preventing loss or damage to museum exhibits and facilities; general practices relating to the oversight of security operations; first aid; CPR; emergency response plans; access control; surveillance systems; fire systems monitoring; use of fire extinguishers; electronic alarm systems; communication equipment and emergency evacuation plans.
Ability to plan, schedule, train, assign, motivate, and monitor the activities of subordinate personnel; enforce rules and regulations governing the conduct of the public; deal tactfully and appropriately with the general public and staff; effectively convey information and instructions to subordinates, museum personnel and the general public in person or over the radio, including during emergencies; and use various software programs and operate computerized security surveillance and fire detection systems.
Responsibilities
35%
- As part of an assigned team, the CPSS provides general security, personal safety, and customer services to the University community as well as specialized security preserving and protecting University property from theft and vandalism.
- Provide general leadership and oversight to the front-line security officers and day-to-day security operations.
- Evaluates the work performance of assigned security officers.
10%
- Understands access control, camera, fire, and life safety systems and know the locations of emergency exits in an emergency.
1010%
- Collects, organizes, and completes shift operations reports thoroughly and on time.
10%
- Maintain effective working relationships with all campus community members, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, docents, and visitors.
10%
- Provide appropriate coaching to assigned security staff members to ensure we are meeting/exceeding the expectations set by the department, university, and surrounding community.
- Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
15%
- Look for ways to make continuous improvements to processes and procedures.
- Assist the Security Operations Manager in creating or reviewing department policies and procedures.
- Provide a safe and friendly environment for the residents and visitors of Princeton University.
5%
- Assist the Head Security Supervisor in preparing schedules and timesheets.
- Serves as the initial point of contact for security officers to address scheduling and/or personnel-related issues.
5%
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
- High School diploma or equivalent.
- Candidate must be customer service oriented.
- Must possess physical security experience, past law enforcement, or a military background deemed equivalent to meet the position's requirements. Art Museum and Library experience is a plus.
- Ability to work on all shifts (standard work week is 40 hours; standard shifts are 8, 10, or 12 hours) during various hours, including weekends and holidays. Overtime is mandatory.
- Must possess a valid driver's license.
- Must possess a minimum of two years of supervisory experience.
- Must possess excellent interaction skills to manage a diverse workforce effectively.
- Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Prior experience using security and life safety systems, including intrusion alarms, surveillance/CCTV, visitor management, key control, and access systems.
- Must be highly motivated and demonstrate the ability to excel in a fast-paced environment.
- Must be efficient with different types of computer software in word processing, spreadsheets, and personal information management.
- Successfully completed fitness-for-duty assessments, including Written exams, post-offer pre-employment medical exam (POPES) for hire, transfers, promotions, and/or layoff placements, and background checks.
- Physical demands are more than those for sedentary or medium-heavy work; must be able to remain on feet for a minimum of eight hours at a time with scheduled breaks.
- Position requires moderate physical activity.
- Must conduct oneself professionally and efficiently during interaction with people.
- Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, carry, push, pull, climb, balance, walk, and run.
- Must be able to exert up to thirty pounds of force frequently or constantly lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
- Must operate various machines and equipment, including, but not limited to, automobiles, office equipment, radio, telephone, etc.
- Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures and loud noises.
- Work involves moderate exposure to hazards and physical risks to personal safety.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 3-5 years security experience.
- A degree from an accredited college or university is preferred but is not required; education, training, and/or work experience will be considered.
- CIPS, CISS, CIPM, and/or CPP.
All positions within the Department of Public Safety are subject to completion of a comprehensive background screening process. This includes both a University Human Resources background check and a fingerprint-based criminal history background check conducted by the Department of Public Safety. Successful completion of both processes is required as a condition of employment.
Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.
If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.
Standard Weekly Hours
40.00
Eligible for Overtime
Yes
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Probationary Period
180 days
Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)
Yes
Physical Capacity Exam Required
Yes
Valid Driver's License Required
Yes
Salary Range
$70,000 to $82,000