Campus Safety Sergeant

The posting

Job Description

The Campus Safety Sergeant is responsible for supervising daily operations, coordinating officer assignments, evaluating performance, providing training and mentorship, and responding to safety, security, and emergency incidents. This position leads officers during critical events, supports emergency preparedness initiatives, and serves as a key resource for students, employees, visitors, and external public safety partners.

The ideal candidate is a decisive leader with strong communication skills, sound judgment, a commitment to public service, and the ability to remain calm and effective in dynamic and high-pressure situations.

About Us

Indian River State College is a leading public institution on Florida’s Treasure Coast, serving students across multiple campuses in four counties. We are committed to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement, offering associate and bachelor’s degrees, workforce training, and continuing education programs that meet the needs of our region.

At The River, we believe every student’s and every employee’s story matters. We value the diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents that come together across our campuses, creating a learning environment and workplace that is supportive, inclusive, and inspiring.

With flexible learning options online, on campus, and hybrid, we meet students where they are and prepare them for real-world success. Programs like the Promise Program expand access by providing eligible students with tuition-free opportunities, ensuring every learner has the chance to thrive.

Why Join The River

When you join Indian River State College, you become part of a collaborative and mission-driven community where your work makes a meaningful impact. Here, your role is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to shape futures, support student success, and contribute to a college that is changing lives every day.

What We Offer

We are committed to supporting the well-being and professional growth of our employees through a comprehensive and competitive benefits package:

• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; life insurance; supplemental plans; and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Affordable Coverage: PPO and HMO options starting at approximately $50/month for individual coverage and $180/month for family coverage
• Retirement Security: Florida Retirement System (FRS) participation, plus optional tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) plans
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid vacation, personal, and sick leave
• Perks & Discounts: Reduced rates on services and access to local attraction discounts
• Growth & Development: Professional development opportunities, leadership training, and career advancement pathways

JOB SUMMARY:

Under limited supervision, the Safety Sergeant serves as the first-line supervisor for Campus Safety Officers and is responsible for providing leadership, direction, and oversight to ensure a safe and secure campus environment. This position supervises daily operations, coordinates officer assignments, monitors performance, enforces College policies and procedures, and ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The Safety Sergeant supports staff development, addresses operational and personnel issues, responds to safety and security incidents, and serves as a role model for professionalism, accountability, and effective public safety practices.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

· Provide direct supervision, leadership, and guidance to assigned Campus Safety Officers, ensuring accountability for performance, conduct, attendance, appearance, and compliance with College policies, procedures, and applicable laws.

· Conduct roll calls, shift briefings, inspections, and other supervisory activities; assign personnel to posts, patrol areas, facilities, special assignments, and calls for service; and ensure appropriate staffing coverage for assigned locations and shifts.

· Monitor, evaluate, and document officer performance; conduct performance evaluations; provide coaching, counseling, training, and performance feedback; and address performance deficiencies through corrective or disciplinary action in accordance with College policies and procedures.

· Prepare, review, and maintain documentation related to performance evaluations, investigations, corrective actions, disciplinary matters, and other personnel activities; notify supervisors of significant personnel, safety, policy, or operational concerns requiring further action.

· Review reports and documentation prepared by assigned officers for accuracy, completeness, compliance, and appropriate follow-up; conduct preliminary inquiries or investigations when required.

· Patrol campus facilities and grounds to identify and address safety, security, fire, and maintenance concerns; inspect buildings, doors, and windows; document deficiencies; and report hazards, suspicious activity, or unusual conditions.

· Respond to alarms, emergencies, incidents, and calls for service; assess situations and determine appropriate action; de-escalate conflicts; perform traffic control; render basic first aid; and coordinate with law enforcement and emergency responders as necessary.

· Make reasonable and safe efforts to detain trespassers or law violators until law enforcement personnel arrive, when appropriate and authorized.

· Lead and direct Campus Safety Officers during emergency incidents, security events, and armed interventions as authorized by College policy and State law.

· Monitor emergency communication systems, receive, relay, and disseminate information through radio, telephone, and other communication methods.

· Prepare incident reports and maintain accurate records, logs, and documentation in accordance with departmental and College requirements.

· Provide training, instruction, and guidance to Campus Safety personnel regarding safety, security, emergency response procedures, College policies, and assigned duties.

· Assist with the planning, coordination, and implementation of emergency preparedness activities, safety initiatives, and emergency and fire drills.

· Maintain effective working relationships with students, employees, visitors, law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and other College departments.

· Safely operate College vehicles, including motor vehicles and golf carts, and maintain required uniforms and equipment.

· Work any assigned shift and at any Indian River State College campus or site as directed by management.

· Perform other related duties as assigned by the Major of Operations, Deputy Chief, or Chief of Campus Safety.

· Completing all other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

The qualifications and skill requirements for this position include:

· Minimum of five (5) years of proven experience as a campus safety officer, police officer, or military police, including at least one year in a lead or supervisory capacity, or any equivalent combination of experience, training, and/or education approved by the Chief of Campus Safety;

· Ability to obtain and maintain a Florida Class G Armed Security Officer License;

· Knowledge of supervisory practices and principles;

· Knowledge of performance management, employee accountability, and progressive disciplinary practices;

· Knowledge of Public Safety and fire drill procedures and practices;

· Ability to interpret and consistently enforce College policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and established standards;

· Ability to document and communicate performance concerns and initiate appropriate corrective or disciplinary processes;

· Ability to provide presentations to groups, complete workshops, and compose materials that will raise the level of Public Safety training of employees and students;

· Ability to observe situations and make sound decisions as needed;

· Proven skill in dealing with the public and effective communication;

· Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and tact when dealing with personnel, students, employees, visitors, and emergency situations;

· Ability to establish effective working relationships and provide leadership to subordinate personnel;

· Valid Florida driver’s license

The following is preferred:

o Prior or current certification as a Law Enforcement Officer.

o Certification in First Aid and AED

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The ability to walk the entire campus and to climb at least four (4) flights of stairs is required. The ability to read, write, and understand the English language; prior training in personal defensive tactics; and the ability to safely operate a motorized vehicle are required. This position requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, lift, reach up, stoop, and carry items. This position is classified as medium work, involving lifting no more than fifty (50) pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to twenty-five (25) pounds. The position also requires standing and patrolling by golf cart or other campus vehicle for extended periods; visual acuity sufficient to observe campus activities, read reports, monitor camera systems, and safely operate vehicles; and hearing sufficient to receive and interpret radio transmissions, alarms, emergency notifications, and verbal communications. It also requires manual dexterity to operate standard office machines, such as copier, fax, calculator, telephone, and other equipment as necessary. Indian River State College expects its employees to follow proper safety standards while employed by the College.

Working conditions: Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, with regular exposure to heat, humidity, rain, and other weather conditions common to Florida. The Sergeant may respond to accidents, medical emergencies, behavioral incidents, and other situations requiring sound judgment and prompt action, and must maintain alertness, situational awareness, and a calm, professional demeanor during stressful situations. Flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events, may be required.

ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS:

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Additionally, all employees of the College are expected to maintain professional standards of communication, be able to learn and apply new technology, and abide by all policies and procedures. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

Classification

Staff

Supervisory

No

FLSA Exempt

No

Employment Type

Regular

Compensation and Application Deadline

The hourly rate for this position starts at $25.12/hour | Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and education | Open until filled