Public Safety Officer Part Time

Ohio Wesleyan University (www.owu.edu) is a selective, private, undergraduate liberal arts, residential institution founded in 1842 and is located just 20 miles north of Columbus. The University’s Department of Public Safety invites applications for a Part-Time Public Safety Officer. This is a 20 hour a week position that works a varying schedule. 

POSITION SUMMARY: As a non-sworn Public Safety Officer, you will be on a small team with big responsibilities - taking action when unsafe behaviors are observed and responding to emergency situations. We will rely on you to handle calls across the entire campus, deter crime, and build meaningful relationships. To thrive in this position, you will make our community feel safe, supported, and treated equitably. We pay $20/hr. This position benefits those who need or like non-traditional work schedules. Most shifts involve evening or night hours and may include weekends. Over time, employees with seniority may select shifts with more traditional hours.

STARTING QUALIFICATIONS:

• Age Requirement: Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire
• Education: High school diploma or GED required
• Experience: Minimum 1 to 2 years of experience in customer service, social work, psychology, security, public safety, or working with young adults/student populations
• Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional communication skills, empathy, conflict resolution, and active listening skills with a strong customer-service focus. Ability to work well in a team environment
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, sit and operate a vehicle, climb stairs during building checks, and work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Candidates must have an Ohio driver license 
• Candidates must pass a Background Check screening
• Hours: Part-time (typically 10 to 29 hours per week; flexible, variable shifts including evenings, weekends, and nights)

Key Responsibilities

Patrol & Parking Enforcement

• Enforce campus parking regulations, issue citations, and manage special event traffic routing.
• Conduct regular vehicle and foot patrols of academic buildings, residence halls, athletic facilities, and exterior grounds.
• Check and secure doors, windows, and facility entry points at designated intervals.
• Monitor campus property for safety hazards, maintenance issues, and suspicious activities or unauthorized persons.

Student Engagement & Support

• Build positive, trusting relationships with students, faculty, and staff.
• Serve as a friendly, approachable campus resource and first point of contact for student needs or directions.
• Assist students with lockouts for residence halls and campus buildings upon verification of proper identification.

Emergency Response & Policy Support

• Enforce and abide by all university policies, rules, and regulations with a de-escalation and education-first mindset.
• Respond promptly to campus calls, alarms, and routine requests for assistance.
• Contact and act as a professional liaison with local emergency services (police, fire, 911) when necessary.

Administrative Duties

• Document all daily activities, shift logs, and security occurrences accurately.
• Write clear, objective incident, citation, and damage reports using computerized reporting software.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING SUCCESS: 

• You use your wit and emotional intelligence to de-escalate situations
• You value diverse cultures and learning from others
• People feel heard and understood by you through active listening and non-verbal body language
• You evaluate and pick your methods of communication appropriate to situations - ranging from a voice of empathy to measured authority
• You don’t just say you have a passion for serving others - you act on it
• You are able to write clearly and concisely

Completed application packets will include:

1. Letter of interest (cover letter)
2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae 
3. The names, titles, and contact information for three professional references

NOTE: Employment sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

Please email application materials to: jobs@owu.edu

Application review will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. 

WHAT WE OFFER:

Located in the Columbus, Ohio metropolitan area, Ohio Wesleyan is a selective residential liberal arts college enrolling approximately 1,600+ students. The college’s signature program, The OWU Connection, empowers students to complete research, community service, careers, and study abroad, teaching students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Ohio Wesleyan is featured in the book Colleges That Change Lives and was recently listed as the No. 1 liberal arts college in Ohio for social mobility by U.S. News and World Report. OWU is located in Delaware, OH, a lively college town just 30 minutes from Columbus, the 14th most populous city in the United States and part of the fastest growing, most economically vibrant areas of the Midwest. Columbus, known increasingly as the “Silicon Midwest,” was named by LinkedIn as one of the top 10 U.S. cities in which to launch your career.

To achieve our mission, we continually strive to foster a campus community where every individual is respected, supported, and able to flourish. We affirm the worth of all persons and welcome people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Ohio Wesleyan University is an equal opportunity institution and seeks applications from individuals who will contribute to, and help strengthen, our commitment to academic excellence, mutual respect, and the shared pursuit of knowledge.