Position Overview
The Security Officer at the University of Kansas position is responsible for securing locks on buildings and rooms in academic and business facilities at the KU Edwards Campus, located in Overland Park, KS. The Security Officer will provide patrol inside the facilities and throughout the Edwards Campus by reporting security, maintenance and code compliance problems. This position supports the University of Kansas Police Department in a non-law enforcement capacity during emergencies and major events. This position requires extended walking and stair climbing.

Security officers will receive a one percent (1%) pay raise starting the first full pay period after completion of probation. The KU Police Department offers opportunities for promotion within the department.

Security Officer Assignments include day or night shifts, weekends and holidays.

KU Police Department within KU Operations builds partnerships within the KU community to promote a safe and secure campus environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors. KU Operations supports KU's mission of learning, scholarship, and creative endeavor by providing the visible and behind-the-scenes services that make possible the university's academic and research missions.

KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities. Tuition assistance offers up to 12 credit hours per year for employees and Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) award opportunities! Details available at: https://humanresources.ku.edu/tuition-assistance.

KU's excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other's success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard, and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.

This is an in-person position located at the Edwards Campus in Overland Park, KS.

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.
Job Description
35% - Make regular inspection tours of assigned buildings which may require walking long distances and climbing stairs in a variety of conditions. Complete inspections of assigned route(s), check assigned buildings and be observant anywhere on campus, reporting maintenance, code, as well as criminal and non-criminal matters that require attention. Security Officers will ensure buildings are locked or unlocked according to the daily schedule and/or reservations, checking doors, windows and gates for the appropriate security of the campus. Maintain an awareness of route information such as building hours, on-going maintenance problems as well as fire and intrusion alarm status. Recognize routine problems and take appropriate action. May be assigned to monitor CCTV cameras.

20% - Safeguard the University against hazards, safety issues and property damage. Detect audible alarms such as fire, intrusion or trouble and immediately report available information from alarm panels. Take appropriate action for problem areas or unsafe conditions such a faulty wiring or malfunctioning stairwell lights. Inspect University buildings to assist with utility conservation. Turn off unnecessary lights, electrical equipment, water faucets, etc. Report criminal or suspicious activity to proper authorities when these activities discovered. Take prompt action to eliminate immediate danger to life or property.

20% - Respond immediately and provide building access during emergency situations in assigned areas. Assist in building evacuation when necessary, especially in case of fire/fire alarms. Assist in perimeter control, when necessary, which may involve exposure to extreme weather conditions and standing for extended periods of time. Report life threatening conditions and/or property loss/damage to proper authorities. Provide assistance in accordance with training, common sense and stand by as needed until help arrives. Carry-out all required and appropriate duties as needed or assigned. May be assigned with little to no advance notice to work special assignments.

5% - Complete and submit accurate activity logs, maintenance reports and timesheets in accordance with departmental procedures in a timely manner. Record, log and report detailed information such as security lapses, unauthorized persons and other related activities in a well organized, easy to understand, accurate, concise format with all pertinent or required information included.

5% - Remain knowledgeable of state fire codes, University safety guidelines and policies governing University buildings. Attend, aid and/or participate in training as required by the supervisor or department. Assist in section orientation for new personnel as required. May conduct training of new security officers, submitting progress reports to the supervisor.

5% - Maintain proper care and control of department equipment and vehicle. Utilize security vehicles in accordance with traffic ordinances and department policy. Use proper radio techniques and procedures. Maintain a working knowledge of identification and proper use of the various types of keys and locking devices, taking special care with building keys issued in order to perform assigned duties. Keep all issued equipment readily available and in good repair. Report all equipment needs and issues to a supervisor as the need arises.

5% - Perform security responsibilities at special events including, but not limited to, basketball and football games. May be required to work on various assignments to include, but not limited to, Kansas Athletics, Spencer Museum of Art, and academic buildings on Lawrence and Edwards campuses.

5% - Establish and maintain professional contact with University employees, residents and others common to the campus. Obtain their cooperation and favorable attitude. Present a professional demeanor and a well-groomed appearance in compliance with department rules and regulations. Interact with co-workers, law enforcement officers and other department personnel to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Adhere to University policies, general principles of security, department rules and regulations.
Position Requirements

2. U.S. citizen or non-U.S. citizen legally able to perform the work in or for the United States. (NOTE: Naturalized U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens legally able to perform work in or for the U.S. must provide appropriate official documentation for proof of such.)
3. Free of any diversions for or convictions of felonies and free of serious misdemeanors.
4. Must process and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
5. Must be at least 18 years of age.
6. Must pass a thorough background check.
7. Ability to perform all essential job functions and not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of self or others.

Required Qualifications

1. High school diploma or completion of a G.E.D. equivalency.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience in a post-assigned security position.
2. Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Windows and Internet Explorer (as evidenced in resume or cover letter).

Contact Information to Applicants
Sandy Patchen, spatchen@ku.edu, 785-864-5900
Additional Candidate Instruction
In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

1. A cover letter addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met.
2. Resume or curriculum vitae.
3. Name and contact information for three professional references.

Application review begins Friday, November 21st and will continue until all positions have been filled.
Advertised Salary Range
$38,186.00
Application Review Begins
21-Nov-2025
Anticipated Start Date
12-Jan-2026
Primary Campus
Univ of Kansas Edwards Campus
FTE
1.0
Reg/Temp
Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Employee Class
B-University Support Staff
Work Location Assignment
On-Site
Disclaimer
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.