Public Safety Officer

Description We seek applications for a full‑time Public Safety Officer to provide safety and security services on Heartland Community College properties. Public Safety Officers create a welcoming environment and build constructive relationships with those they serve, focusing on de‑escalation and achieving voluntary compliance before taking official action in enforcing College rules and regulations. These are non‑sworn, unarmed, uniformed positions that serve the campus through desk duties, foot and mobile patrol, and monitoring of electronic security systems.

Schedule:

3:00 PM – 11:00 PM. Hours and days of work may be adjusted according to the needs of the Department. Pre‑employment screenings may include physical examination/fitness testing and criminal background check.

• Perform patrol duties in all weather conditions, including foot patrol of campus buildings and properties and vehicular patrol of HCC main campus and off‑campus properties.
• Lock, unlock, and ensure general security for campus buildings and rooms, including classrooms and other meeting spaces.
• Staff the Public Safety Desk, providing support to students, employees, and guests; issue and account for keys, maintain logs, monitor video and alarm systems according to established procedures.
• Investigate incidents and write clear, concise, accurate reports in accordance with established procedures; provide reports and communicate with other areas of the College related to incidents as appropriate.
• Provide First Aid, CPR, and AED services to persons in medical distress.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 18 + years old
• Valid Illinois driver’s license
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively and inclusively within a diverse campus community
• Ability to maintain professionalism and focus on de‑escalation during response to safety and security incidents
• Ability to read, interpret, and properly apply established policies and procedures
• Functional computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook) and the ability to learn and use software specific to the position
• Availability to work varying shift assignments, including day, evening, midnight, weekend, and holiday responsibilities; overtime may be required to meet the operational needs of the department
• Certifications:
  • First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications or ability to acquire within 6 months of employment (training provided)
  • FEMA ICS‑100 and Hazardous Materials Awareness certificates or ability to acquire within 6 months of employment (training provided)
  • 32‑hour Campus Protection Officer certificate as required by statute within 6 months of employment (training provided)
• Physical Abilities:
  • Ability to walk and/or stand for extended periods
  • Ability to lift, carry, push/pull, or otherwise move objects weighing up to 20 pounds
  • Run 50 yards and climb stairs while carrying an AED and/or first aid kit
  • Assist evacuation of non‑ambulatory persons
  • Work in conditions that may include exposure to extreme weather, intense physical activity, interaction with agitated individuals, those with contagious diseases, and safety hazards associated with emergency driving and traffic control
  • Ability to pass pre‑employment screenings, which may include physical examination/fitness testing and criminal background check

• Associate degree
• Successful experience as a first responder or in campus safety, security, or a similar area

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Heartland Community College is an equal‑opportunity institution. HCC values equity, diversity, and inclusion. We create a collegial and welcoming culture by taking collective responsibility in the creation, protection, and enhancement of an equitable, diverse, and inclusive campus community.