Security Guard

Requisition Number: S14852P

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students.

About the Department

Part of the Division of Student Affairs, University Housing consists of nearly 2.8 million square feet of facilities and is home to more than 9,000 students. The department employs 220 full-time staff members, 21 graduate assistants, and 565 undergraduate student workers. As a self-supporting auxiliary, University Housing operates a $59 million budget derived only from student housing fees and other non-state sources. In support of its mission to provide comfortable, affordable, and secure housing options where the academic success and personal growth of residents are encouraged and supported, University Housing engages staff members in competency-based training and students in curriculum-based engagement focused on community building, interpersonal skills, social awareness and responsibility, and well-being.

housing.uga.edu

About the Role

The security guard position assists in the proper protection of persons and property in and around all residential communities housing more than 9,000 residents. As an integral member of the team, security guards address policy violations, monitor for building security issues and safety hazards, conduct patrols, interact professionally with students and staff, maintain accurate paperwork, and provide coverage during holidays, breaks, and special events as needed. The successful candidate will have an eye for detail and is committed to high-quality work.

Responsibilities

• Foot Patrols (60%)
  • Conduct foot patrols around assigned residential community, checking buildings and grounds in and around the area.
  • Watch for and report all life safety issues such as suspicious persons, fire hazards, leaking water pipes, unlocked security doors, and other irregularities.
  • Examine doors, windows, and gates to determine that they are secure.
  • Provide walking escorts for students and provide vehicle transport for housing staff upon request.
  • Provide coverage during all University holidays and breaks.
  • Provide coverage during special events such as football games, residence hall move-in days, and other events that may arise.
• Incident Response (25%)
  • Interact with students, University Housing staff, and campus partners in a respectful and professional manner.
  • Wear and activate body-worn camera when responding to incidents and providing escorts and/or vehicle transports.
  • Address, report, and document any policy violations or violations of the law.
  • Work with and support UGA Police Officers as directed by the Officers when they enter the residence halls.
• Administration (15%)
  • Complete all required training sessions, some of which may take place during off-shift hours.
  • Maintain and submit accurate, detailed, and professional paperwork and reports.
  • Complete monthly inspections of lifesaving equipment in all traditional residence halls.
  • Perform other duties consistent with the purpose of this position as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience.
• Valid Driver’s license.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. (no work visa sponsorship offered for this position).

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to write clear and accurate shift and incident reports.
• Ability to remain calm and confident in stressful situations while balancing the needs of customer service.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Work effectively with all levels of staff from a variety of campus departments/units.
• Ability to learn security systems and how to operate a body camera.
• Ability to learn about each of the residential buildings and the surrounding grounds.

Skills

• Ability to exercise alertness and judgment to detect and report probable danger of loss or injury to life and property.
• Verbally communicate and hear any sounds of distress.
• Safely operate a UGA state vehicle as necessary.
• Regularly perform work-related duties outdoors in hot or cold weather conditions.
• Walk 5 miles or more during a shift.

University Housing Expectations

• Commit to a University Housing-first philosophy by promoting student success and supporting University Housing, Division of Student Affairs, and University of Georgia missions and goals.
• Safeguard the physical security of University Housing facilities, protect sensitive information through adherence to cybersecurity policies and best practices, promptly report any security concerns or incidents, and promote a culture of security awareness to ensure secure on-campus residential communities.
• Embrace an entrepreneurial spirit by sharing opportunities to protect departmental resources and find cost savings.
• Be present and on time for all scheduled work, communicating proactively for unavoidable absences and adhering to policies and procedures for leave requests, as these are crucial for overall productivity, team morale, and operational efficiency.
• Provide a positive student experience by being courteous, caring, patient, flexible, and working to resolve issues or problems in a timely manner. Collaborate with team members across University Housing, as needed, and communicate issues to supervisors.
• Maintain a positive and productive environment by consistently following department, campus, and USG policies and procedures.
• Designated as Essential Personnel Pool (meaning may be asked to report to work) for the purposes of maintaining critical operations during inclement weather or other emergency situations. Employees in this role may be required to report to work when the University is closed or operating under modified conditions. The employee will be contacted by their supervisor (or designee) with instructions on when and where to report and what duties will be necessary. Communication will occur via the employee’s primary contact information on file (phone, email, or other agreed-upon method). The designation of Essential Personnel Pool will be reviewed annually during the performance evaluation period to ensure alignment with operational needs.
• Participate in departmental “all hands-on-deck” events (e.g., move-in, move-out, residence hall emergencies).

Benefits

• Benefits-eligible position under the Teachers Retirement System (TRS).

Pay

Advertised salary: $45,000

Schedule

Full-time, non-exempt position.

Work schedule: 9 p.m. – 6 a.m., Thursday – Monday. Includes weekends. Tuesdays and Wednesdays off.

Proposed starting date: August 1, 2026.