Public Safety Officer

Job Description

Public Safety Officer

Dixon Hendry Campus | Okeechobee, Florida
Shift: 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Indian River State College is seeking a confident, community-minded Public Safety Officer to help ensure a safe, welcoming environment for students, employees, and visitors at our Dixon Hendry Campus in Okeechobee.

This is more than a patrol position — it’s a visible leadership role on campus. You’ll serve as a steady presence during evening hours, helping protect people and property while building trust across our campus community.

If you are observant, decisive, and committed to service, we invite you to bring your expertise to The

About Us

Indian River State College is a leading public institution located on Florida’s Treasure Coast, serving students across multiple campuses in four counties. We are dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement, offering associate and bachelor’s degrees, workforce training, and continuing education programs.

At The River, we believe every student’s and employee’s story matters. We value the different perspectives, experiences, and talents that come together on our campuses, creating a learning environment and workplace that’s supportive, inclusive, and inspiring. With flexible options online, on campus, and hybrid, we design learning experiences that meet students where they are and prepare them for real-world success. Programs like the Promise Program open doors by providing eligible students with tuition-free access, ensuring every learner has the opportunity to thrive.

Why Join the River

When you join Indian River State College, you become part of a forward-thinking and supportive community where your work truly matters. Your role is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to shape the future, uplift students, and be part of a mission-driven college that is changing lives every day.

What We Offer
At Indian River State College, we value the well-being and professional growth of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

·         Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, supplemental plans, and access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

·         Affordable Coverage: PPO/HMO options starting at just $50/month for individual coverage and $180/month for family coverage.

·         Retirement Security: Participation in the Florida Retirement System (FRS), plus tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) options.

·         Time for You: Generous paid vacation, personal, and sick leave to support work-life balance.

·         Perks & Discounts: Reduced rates on services and tickets to local attractions.

·         Growth & Development: Professional development programs, leadership training, and opportunities to advance your career.

JOB SUMMARY:

Under minimal supervision, this position maintains the security and safety of people and property for the College.  Duties include; observing activity and traffic in assigned area; ensuring enforcement of College rules/regulations; and investigating, correcting, and/or reporting hazards and unusual or suspicious circumstances to the Chief of Campus Safety and/or supervisor for correction or follow-up action.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attends shift briefings; maintains a presence on College property; patrols assigned areas including grounds and parking lots; conducts internal patrols of buildings; checks for vandalism, suspicious activity or persons, or safety/fire hazards; checks doors and windows of buildings to assure they are tightly closed and locked; notes in written logs any unlocked doors/window and submits information to supervisor; responds to alarms and dispatched calls such as thefts or liquor law violations; conducts tests and inspections; de-escalates aggressive behaviors; performs traffic control as needed; alerts visitors of infractions as well as removing unwanted or disruptive visitors from College property; takes reasonable and safe efforts to detain trespassers or law violators on-site until the arrival of a law enforcement officer; and assesses collected information and takes reasonable corrective actions.
• Compiles and writes reports regarding reportable incidents; identifies activities requiring follow-up.
• Receives and disseminates clear and concise information via portable radio, telephone, verbal, and written communications.
• Renders basic first aid to injured persons.
• Checks print shop for special signs for special events.
• Conducts active shooter and fire drills.
• Monitors Campus Crisis/Emergency Hotline on a regular basis; reports information to supervisor.
• Maintains contact with and guides the efforts of contract Public Safety personnel.
• Submits information to the Chief of Campus Safety or supervisor.
• Safely operates a motor vehicle and golf cart as needed.
• Wears and maintains required uniform and gear.
• Continually educates and trains contract Public Safety staff, students, and employees with regard to personal safety and security; establishes and maintains rapport.
• Works on any assigned shift and at any IRSC campus or site at the discretion of Management.
• Completes all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate degree; four (4) years of experience as a public safety officer, police officer, or military police officer; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
• Valid Florida driver’s license.
• Prior or current certification as a Law Enforcement Officer preferred.
• Certification in First Aid (or obtain within required time frame of hire).
• Knowledge of public safety practices and principles.
• Knowledge of public safety and fire drill procedures and practices.
• Skill in developing and delivering presentations.
• Skill in organizing, prioritizing, observing and assessing situations, interviewing, and making quick decisions.
• Skill in delivering customer service.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Florida Class G Armed Security Officer License;
• Skill in using handguns/weapons, radios, and officer gear.
• Skill in working with Microsoft Office and Windows based applications.
• Ability to be accurate and detailed oriented be adaptable, be discrete, use independent judgement, be tactful, de-escalate hostile persons, and work independently as well as with others.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position classifies the physical exertion requirements as medium work involving lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds. If someone can do medium work, we determine that he or she can also do sedentary and light work.

ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS:

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Additionally, all employees of the College are expected to maintain professional standards of communication, able to learn and apply new technology, and abide by all policies and procedures. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

This description is intended to indicate typical kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as declaring every specific duty and responsibility of the particular position.  This job description is not intended to be a contract for employment, and the employer reserves the right to make any necessary revisions to the job description at any time without notice.

Classification

Supervisory

FLSA Exempt

Employment Type

Compensation and Application Deadline