Public Safety Officer

FLSA Status: Nonexempt • Earliest Start Date: Immediately • Hours per Week: 40 hours weekly • Hiring Department: Police

About Us

The University of Texas System has improved the lives of Texans—and people all over the world—through education, health care, and research for more than 140 years. The System consists of nine academic institutions, four health institutions, and The University of Texas System Administration. The institutions employ more than 160,000 faculty, health care professionals, researchers, support staff, and student workers. The UT System Administration, primarily based in Austin, Texas, supports the missions of the System’s thirteen institutions by providing financial, legal, planning, purchasing, government relations, communications, development, and other central services. The Administration strives to provide a welcoming, supportive work environment that embraces different perspectives.

Purpose of Position

The Public Safety Officer at the UT System helps safeguard property and maintain a secure, orderly environment under the control and jurisdiction of the University of Texas System Administration. This role enforces rules and regulations, monitors building access, and provides courteous service and information to employees, visitors, and contractors. Public Safety Officers ensure compliance with parking regulations on UT System-controlled property, issue permits or citations as needed, and serve as the first point of contact at building entrances. They identify potential safety or security concerns and support the overall safety and operational integrity of the UT System.

Responsibilities

• Access Control & Identification
  • Ensure all personnel entering the UT System Complex or affiliated campuses are properly identified.
  • Issue visitor badges and maintain accurate logs of all issued credentials.
  • Monitor building entrances and exits to prevent unauthorized access and ensure compliance with access protocols.
• Building & Grounds Patrol
  • Conduct regular patrols of the building and surrounding grounds to identify and report potential safety and security hazards, including fires, water leaks, suspicious activity, and emergencies.
  • Monitor for maintenance issues and report them to Facilities Management or appropriate personnel.
• Enforcement of Rules, Regulations & Parking
  • Enforce UT System Administration rules and regulations to help safeguard property and maintain order.
  • Direct the flow of traffic and parking of vehicles on UT System-controlled property.
  • Issue parking permits and citations in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Constituent Service & Public Assistance
  • Provide courteous and professional service to employees, visitors, and contractors.
  • Offer directions, general information, and assistance as needed to support a welcoming and secure environment.
• Incident Response & Reporting
  • Respond to routine incidents and emergencies, coordinating with UT System Police or emergency services as appropriate.
  • Write clear and accurate reports on incidents occurring within the System Complex or campus.
  • Assist in building evacuations, emergency drills, and other safety-related operations.
• Collaboration & Communication
  • Maintain effective communication with UT System Police, Facilities Management, and other departments.
  • Participate in safety briefings, training sessions, and departmental meetings to stay current on procedures and expectations.
• Other Duties
  • Perform other related duties as assigned to support the safety and operational goals of the UT System Police Department.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree, or Associate's Degree, or HS Diploma or GED and 6 months of experience.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License with a good driving record.
• Ability to maintain the security and integrity of UT System Administration and its infrastructure.

Skills

• Knowledge of basic security and safety principles, including access control, emergency response, and incident reporting.
• Familiarity with UT System rules, regulations, and procedures (or ability to learn them quickly).
• Awareness of building systems and the ability to recognize safety hazards such as fire risks, water leaks, or suspicious activity.
• Strong interpersonal and constituent service skills for interacting with employees, visitors, and contractors in a professional and courteous manner.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write clear and accurate incident reports.
• Basic computer skills for logging visitor information, writing reports, and using security systems.
• Skilled in operating security-related equipment and technology used in daily operations.
• Ability to remain alert, observant, and responsive during long periods of stationary or patrol duty.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and remain calm in stressful or emergency situations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, following established procedures and protocols.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Physical ability to patrol buildings and grounds, stand or walk for extended periods, respond quickly to incidents.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a Guard/Public Safety Officer with the U.T. System Administration or an institution police department.
• CPR and First Aid certification.

Working Conditions

• Driving of UT-owned vehicle required.
• Uniforms and/or personal protection equipment (furnished).
• May work in extreme temperatures and all weather conditions.
• May work around standard office conditions.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
• Climbing of stairs.
• Lifting and moving objects.
• Requires occasional evening or weekend hours.

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to a minimum of 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. Participation in TRS is mandatory. A background check will be conducted on candidates under final consideration.