Public Safety Officer

Position Summary

Located 45 minutes from the Nations Capital, nestled in a history-rich community of southern Maryland, The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) is a two-time Aspen Award-winning institution (top 15% of Community Colleges) with academic programs in over 100 disciplines. CSM is among Americas top 100 producers of Minority Associate Degrees in twenty categories, according to Diverse Issues in Higher Education. CSM offers excellent health insurance benefits; State Retirement Pension plan; wellness programs; Code Green early closure Fridays in the summer; college closure for spring break and several major holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year; and for several days in March for Spring Break. We are an innovative institution committed to student success and well known for our flexibility to meet student and community needs.

The Public Safety Officer is responsible for promoting and providing a safe and secure educational and work environment for the College of Southern Maryland community. Officers achieve this through proactive patrols, effective response to incidents, and daily contact with students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Officers are expected to conduct their work with little supervision, independently solve problems, set priorities, and respond to emergencies, including potentially dangerous situations while protecting life and property, preventing crime, and reducing fear of crime.

Reports to: Public Safety Sergeant

The hiring salary for this position will be from the min to mid-point of the salary range advertised. This position is open until filled.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Percentages reflect approximate time spent in each category.

40 % Patrol and Security Services

• Patrol campus buildings, grounds, and parking lots by foot and vehicle.
• Provide victim assistance, escorts, parking/traffic control, and building access in accordance with policy.
• Respond decisively to calls for service, emergent situations, and critical incidents; act as first responder to fire and life safety incidents.
• Investigate incidents, secure scenes, and initiate contact with local law enforcement when appropriate.
• Monitor facilities for security, utility, and lighting issues, secure doors/windows and report deficiencies.

15% Emergency Preparedness and Response

• Conduct emergency preparedness training, drills, and implementation.
• Serve as incident commander until relieved by law enforcement, fire, EMS, or college leadership.
• Maintain readiness to respond across campuses as required.
• Assist in establishing security protection during scheduled and unscheduled closings.
• Support continuity of operations by recommending campus closures for severe weather or other emergencies.

15% Compliance and Reporting

• Assist with Clery Act compliance, including timely warnings and crime logs.
• Complete required reports for accidents, injuries, and incidents.
• Promptly notify appropriate leadership of emergencies affecting life, property, or campus operations.
• Maintain confidentiality with all information obtained during the course of duty.

15% Community Engagement and Training

• Provide informal and formal crime prevention, personal safety, and emergency preparedness information to students and employees.
• Foster positive relationships and project a professional image while engaging the campus community.
• Act as front-line personnel in promoting the department's customer-centered public safety approach.
• Make recommendations to leadership to improve public safety and crime prevention.

15% Collaboration and Professional Development

• Maintain effective working relationships with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
• Stay current with issues and best practices in law enforcement, public safety, and campus safety.
• Maintain communication with department personnel via radio, pager, or phone.
• Support departmental initiatives as assigned.

Additional Duties:

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Training

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalency.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• One (1) year of recent experience in law enforcement, security, or public safety
• Associate degree or higher from an accredited educational institution.

Minimum Qualifications and Standards Required

Licenses, Certifications, or Additional Requirements:

• Must be certified in CPR within two months of employment and maintain certification.
• Must be certified in First Aid and AED use within two months of employment and maintain certification.
• FEMA IS100, IS200, IS700, and IS800 preferred.
• Valid drivers license with eligibility to drive college vehicles and be insured.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Sensitivity to and ability to work collaboratively in a college environment.
• Ability to resolve problems and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and strong work ethic.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Ability to work various schedules and respond to emergencies at any time.
• Must be able to lift and carry at least 50 pounds.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The work is medium work which requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force to move objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in a relatively safe, and secure work environment.