Public Safety Communications Officer

Job Description

Salary: $21.28 Hourly

Location: Cedar Rapids, IA

Job Type: Full-Time Board-Approved

Job Number: 02821

Division: Operations

Department: Facilities & Security

Opening Date: 04/23/2026

JOB GOAL:

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

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

Under limited supervision, the Public Safety Communications Officer promotes a safe and supportive campus environment by providing emergency and non-emergency dispatch services for Kirkwood Public Safety and Facilities operations. This role involves coordinating responses, communicating with students, faculty, staff, guests, emergency responders, community members, and supporting a collaborative approach to campus safety. Through proactive engagement, the Communications Officer helps foster a secure and positive learning community.
The primary hours for this position will be Monday through Friday from 4pm to 12am, but may be adjusted based on department operational need.

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:

• Answer and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls via phone, radio, walk-up window, and electronic systems, ensuring appropriate response.
• Operate and monitor radio systems to dispatch personnel, relay critical information, and coordinate responses effectively.
• Monitor live security cameras, review recorded footage to support investigations, and track weather and road conditions to enhance campus safety.
• Utilize public safety and facilities software, including CAD, access control, work order management, incident reporting, and emergency notification systems.
• Efficiently manage multiple software platforms while speaking on the phone, radio, or both, ensuring all activities are accurately logged.
• Contact and collaborate with external emergency services, including Police, Fire, EMS, and Emergency Management, as needed.
• Conduct routine compliance and preventative maintenance checks on security cameras, access control systems, and emergency notification platforms.
• Assist with the intake, storage, and documentation of lost and found items following department protocols.
• Accurately log officer activities, calls for service, and incidents into CAD and records management systems.
• Process and direct phone calls, emails, and walk-in inquiries to the appropriate personnel while maintaining professionalism.
• Issue emergency alerts as directed by Public Safety administration and keep leadership informed of campus incidents per department policy.
• Assist with fleet and key management, as well as submitting and tracking facilities work orders to ensure timely maintenance and repairs.
• 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 positively in all interactions with students, staff, and the public.
• Take responsibility for decisions, resolve problems effectively, and use independent judgment when needed.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with students, colleagues, and the public.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally, ensuring accuracy and clarity.
• Use organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills to help the department run smoothly.
• Work efficiently and accurately in a fast-paced environment, staying flexible to changing needs.
• Be self-motivated with good time management and communication skills to meet goals and deadlines.
• Work independently with minimal supervision, taking initiative to complete tasks.
• Understand and accurately apply Kirkwood policies and procedures.
• Stay compliant with all required training, certifications, and job duties, ensuring safety and well-being.
• Have the ability to work various schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, emergency call-back, and be available for voluntary or mandatory overtime as required by Public Safety administration.

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 and outdoor weather conditions. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and close visual work, including viewing a computer. Constant (67-100%) sitting, walking, repetitive motion, speaking, and hearing.

Must successfully complete Kirkwood's CPR/AED/First Aid, Stop the Bleed, OSHA, and Mental Health First Aid training.

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent, plus two (2) years of related work experience in dispatch, security, public safety, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including experience with radio communication and the ability to write clear and concise reports.
• Familiarity with public safety computer programs, radio communication, and Microsoft office.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

• CPR/AED/First Aid certification within 6 months of employment.
• Mental Health First Aid training within 6 months of employment.
• Ability to renew or obtain additional licenses or certifications as required.
• Valid Iowa Driver's License with a clean driving record and eligibility for coverage under the College's insurance.
  + This position requires a valid driver's 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:

• Additional coursework or certifications in public safety, criminal justice, emergency management, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions, such as emergency dispatch or public safety preferred.
• Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication, and security technologies (CCTV, access control systems) preferred.
• Experience handling emergency situations and coordinating with law enforcement, fire, medical, or other emergency services in a campus environment highly preferred.

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.

Benefits

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