The posting
Title: Security Officer
Work Unit/Location:
Assigned School Site
Reports to: Safety & Security Director/Assistant Director
Supervises: N/A
Contract Length:
173 days
4-day week
Pay Schedule:
Per approved salary schedule
Overtime Status:
Must be pre-approved
Hours:
7: 04 am - 4:30 pm
Union Status:
Union
Licensure: n/a
General Job Function:
Security Officer is responsible for helping maintain a safe, secure, and orderly learning environment for students, staff, visitors, and district property. The Security Officer provides visible campus security through proactive patrols, monitoring school facilities, assisting with emergency response, enforcing district policies, and supporting school administrators in maintaining a positive school climate. The Security Officer works collaboratively with school administrators, district personnel, local law enforcement, emergency responders, and community partners while fostering positive relationships with students and staff.
The Security Officer is not a commissioned law enforcement officer and serves in a preventative, supportive, and observational capacity unless otherwise authorized by law.
Minimum Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Valid New Mexico Driver's License with an acceptable driving record.
- Ability to successfully pass all required criminal background checks.
- Ability to obtain and maintain any required district or state certifications.
- Previous experience in security, military, law enforcement, corrections, emergency response, school safety, or a related field preferred.
- CPR, First Aid, AED, and Crisis Prevention/De-escalation training preferred or willingness to obtain after hire.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students, staff, parents, law enforcement, and the public.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of school safety and emergency response procedures.
- Knowledge of conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques.
- Ability to remain calm and exercise sound judgment during emergencies.
- Ability to accurately document incidents and prepare written reports.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality in accordance with FERPA and district policy.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to recognize suspicious behavior and potential safety threats.
- Ability to effectively use radios, surveillance equipment, computers, and district security technology.
- Ability to work independently while maintaining communication with supervisors.
- Ability to establish positive working relationships with students while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
- Working knowledge of district policies, student discipline procedures, and applicable New Mexico laws.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following statements describe the general responsibilities assigned to this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list.
Campus Safety
- Maintain a visible presence throughout assigned campuses and district facilities.
- Conduct regular patrols of buildings, parking lots, athletic facilities, playgrounds, and district property.
- Inspect doors, windows, gates, fencing, and security systems to ensure facilities remain secure.
- Monitor visitor access points and assist with visitor management procedures.
- Observe and report suspicious activities, unsafe conditions, vandalism, theft, trespassing, or criminal behavior.
- Assist in securing facilities before, during, and after school hours.
Student Safety
- Help maintain orderly student behavior through positive interactions and relationship building.
- Monitor hallways, cafeterias, parking lots, bus loading zones, athletic facilities, and other common areas.
- Assist administrators during student supervision, arrival, dismissal, lunch periods, passing periods, and special events.
- Utilize verbal de-escalation techniques to reduce conflict whenever possible.
- Immediately report suspected child abuse, neglect, threats of violence, weapons, controlled substances, or other safety concerns in accordance with district policy and mandatory reporting laws.
Emergency Response
- Respond immediately to emergencies including medical incidents, fires, accidents, fights, security breaches, hazardous situations, and other emergencies.
- Assist with implementation of district Emergency Operations Plans.
- Coordinate with local law enforcement, fire departments, EMS, and emergency management agencies when requested.
- Assist during lockdowns, evacuations, shelter-in-place procedures, reunification events, and emergency drills.
- Maintain awareness of emergency exits, evacuation routes, fire extinguishers, AEDs, and emergency equipment.
Property Protection
- Protect district buildings, equipment, vehicles, and other property from theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access.
- Monitor parking areas and enforce district parking regulations.
- Identify hazards that may present safety risks and immediately notify appropriate personnel.
- Report maintenance or facility concerns that affect school safety.
Incident Documentation
- Complete accurate, objective, and timely incident reports.
- Document accidents, injuries, disturbances, property damage, trespassing incidents, and security concerns.
- Maintain logs of daily activities and patrols.
- Preserve evidence and assist administrators during investigations when requested.
School Events
- Provide security support during:
- Athletic events
- Fine arts performances
- Parent meetings
- Graduation ceremonies
- Community events
- After-school activities
- Assist with crowd management, traffic control, parking, and emergency response during district events.
Professional Responsibilities
- Maintain confidentiality of all student and personnel information.
- Attend required district safety meetings and professional development.
- Successfully complete all required district safety training.
- Maintain professional appearance and demeanor while representing Española Public Schools.
- Wear assigned uniform and identification while on duty.
- Operate district vehicles, radios, and security equipment safely and responsibly.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Building Principal, Director of Safety & Security, or Superintendent.
Working Relationships
The Security Officer works collaboratively with:
- Building Principals
- Director of Safety & Security
- Teachers and school staff
- Students and families
- School counselors
- School nurses
- Transportation Department
- Maintenance Department
- Local law enforcement agencies
- Fire and EMS personnel
- Community agencies
Working Conditions
Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions. Duties require frequent walking, standing, climbing stairs, bending, reaching, and patrolling large campuses. The position may require responding to emergencies involving physical altercations, medical emergencies, hazardous conditions, or criminal activity. Evening, weekend, holiday, or special event assignments may be required.
Physical Requirements
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
The employee must regularly:
- Walk extended distances throughout the school campus.
- Stand for prolonged periods.
- Climb stairs.
- Bend, kneel, crouch, and reach.
- Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Occasionally assist with physically demanding emergency situations.
- Operate district vehicles when assigned.
- Communicate effectively in person, by radio, and by telephone.
- Maintain sufficient visual acuity and hearing to observe activities and respond to emergencies.
Terms of Employment
- Salary and work calendar established by the Española Public Schools Board-approved compensation plan.
- Continued employment is contingent upon satisfactory performance evaluations, successful completion of required training, compliance with district policies, and maintenance of all required qualifications.
Employee Acknowledgment
I acknowledge that I have received and reviewed this job description. I understand the essential duties, responsibilities, and expectations of my position and agree to perform them to the best of my ability. I understand that this job description is not intended to include every duty that may be assigned and that Española Public Schools reserves the right to modify or assign duties as operational needs require. My signature acknowledges receipt and understanding of this job description and does not constitute an employment contract.
