What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Safety - Public Safety Officer position at Sacred Heart University?
About Sacred Heart University
As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; School of Computer Science & Engineering and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2025 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu
View SHU’s Faculty Experts Here
To apply
Qualified candidates are invited to submit a completed application and résumé through the University's online application system. Applications submitted outside of the official Careers at SHU website will not be considered. Applicants should not apply through third-party or external job sites, as such postings may be fraudulent or may misrepresent opportunities that are no longer available at the University. A cover letter or statement of interest is preferred for all staff positions.
Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.
Position Summary
To provide for the safety and security of all University community members, to provide for the physical security of University property, and to enforce University rules and regulations. To provide a variety of Public Safety services in a professional and timely manner by proactively patrolling University properties and responding to calls for service as assigned.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
Minimum Qualifications
Public Safety Officers are assigned to shift work and may be required to work all shifts (nights, weekends, and holidays) as needed. They may also be required to work overtime based on operational needs. They must be capable of performing professionally under stressful situations and may be required to work in adverse weather conditions.
This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.
Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.
As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; School of Computer Science & Engineering and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2025 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu
View SHU’s Faculty Experts Here
To apply
Qualified candidates are invited to submit a completed application and résumé through the University's online application system. Applications submitted outside of the official Careers at SHU website will not be considered. Applicants should not apply through third-party or external job sites, as such postings may be fraudulent or may misrepresent opportunities that are no longer available at the University. A cover letter or statement of interest is preferred for all staff positions.
Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.
Position Summary
To provide for the safety and security of all University community members, to provide for the physical security of University property, and to enforce University rules and regulations. To provide a variety of Public Safety services in a professional and timely manner by proactively patrolling University properties and responding to calls for service as assigned.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
- Patrols University properties via foot, bicycle, or vehicle, as assigned.
- Provides a dedicated security presence at an assigned post/location.
- Performs Dispatcher duties as required. Provides proactive services as necessary
- Enforces University policies and procedures within the University community with regard to security and public safety
- Adheres to the Department of Public Safety rules, regulations, responsibilities, and procedures
- Complies with and is respectful of Supervisors and their instructions, directives, and assignments
- Submits Incident Reports documenting any unusual occurrence, complaint, and/or crime/incident in a timely manner; investigates as appropriate
- Maintains a professional, formal, and approachable demeanor while on duty and engages in effective public relations when interacting with the University community.
- Interacts professionally with all internal University Departments and external municipal partners (police, fire, ambulance, etc.)
- Respond to and investigate incidents or emergencies as assigned, including, but not limited to, fire alarms/fires, medical incidents, weather emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, disturbances, etc.
- Provide Public Safety services to the University community, including personal safety escorts, motor vehicle assistance, room/bldg. unlocks, bank runs, etc.
- Enforces parking rules and regulations on all campus properties
- Takes timely and appropriate actions, including requesting other assistance as may needed
- Will not act, either on duty or off duty, in any manner that is detrimental, in the view of SHU, to the Mission or reputation of SHU
- Essential physical job tasks:
- Sitting, standing, or walking for sustained periods of time,
- Climbing up/down stairs,
- Bending, turning, reaching, and grasping,
- Visual acuity sufficient for reading ID cards/written materials and making general observations
- Hearing sufficient for perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels
- Works special assignments and shifts as directed
- Perform other duties as directed
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- CT State Security Guard Card (or eligible to obtain card)
- Be in good physical condition with height and weight in proportion
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- Have a clean criminal history and driving record
- No felony convictions
- Must not have been dismissed from any law enforcement unit for malfeasance or other serious misconduct.
- Must not have resigned or retired from any law enforcement position while under investigation for any malfeasance or misconduct.
- Prior Law Enforcement experience strongly encouraged
- Associate's degree or Bachelor’s Degree preferred
- Experience with Microsoft Office products; ability to type 40-60 words per minute
- EMR or EMT license, CPR & First Aid certifications
- Knowledge & experience using CAD software or public safety dispatching certifications
Public Safety Officers are assigned to shift work and may be required to work all shifts (nights, weekends, and holidays) as needed. They may also be required to work overtime based on operational needs. They must be capable of performing professionally under stressful situations and may be required to work in adverse weather conditions.
This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.
Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.