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Institutional Security Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Security Officer

Lexington, KY · On-site

$15.61 - $24.99/hr

Posting Details Posting Details Job Title Security Officer Requisition Number RE55307 Working Title ... The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional ...

Posting Details Job Title Security Officer Requisition Number RE55307 Working Title Department Name ... The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional ...

Security Officer

Greensboro, NC · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Security Officer Greensboro College - Greensboro, NC 27401 Overview Position Type Full Time ... A minimum of one year of related work experience, preferably in an institutional or campus ...

Security Officer

Poughkeepsie, NY · On-site

$25.35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position supports the institutional ideals of excellence in education, a sense of community, and a commitment to service. The Security Officer is responsible for the safety and security of the ...

Security Officer

Poughkeepsie, NY

$25.35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position supports the institutional ideals of excellence in education, a sense of community, and a commitment to service. The Security Officer is responsible for the safety and security of the ...

Security Officer

Poughkeepsie, NY · On-site

$25.35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position supports the institutional ideals of excellence in education, a sense of community, and a commitment to service. The Security Officer is responsible for the safety and security of the ...

Security Officer

Poughkeepsie, NY · On-site

$25.35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position supports the institutional ideals of excellence in education, a sense of community, and a commitment to service. The Security Officer is responsible for the safety and security of the ...

ARMED Security Officer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

It is vital for security officers to communicate as effectively and efficiently as possible ... The Guard provides professional security services: institutional, industrial, or commercial ...

ARMED Security Officer

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

  • PTO

It is vital for security officers to communicate as effectively and efficiently as possible ... The Guard provides professional security services: institutional, industrial, or commercial ...

ARMED Security Officer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $22.50/hr

  • PTO

It is vital for security officers to communicate as effectively and efficiently as possible ... The Guard provides professional security services: institutional, industrial, or commercial ...

ARMED Security Officer

Peoria, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

  • PTO

It is vital for security officers to communicate as effectively and efficiently as possible ... The Guard provides professional security services: institutional, industrial, or commercial ...

ARMED Security Officer

Zion, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

  • PTO

It is vital for security officers to communicate as effectively and efficiently as possible ... The Guard provides professional security services: institutional, industrial, or commercial ...

Showing results 41-60

Institutional Security Officer information

See salary details

$11

$17

$21

How much do institutional security officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for institutional security officer in the United States is $17.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Institutional Security Officer vs Security Guard?

AspectInstitutional Security OfficerSecurity Guard
CredentialsMay require specialized training or certifications, such as security licensesTypically requires basic security or guard licenses
Work EnvironmentHospitals, schools, government buildings, and other institutionsRetail stores, malls, events, and general property protection
Employer & IndustryEducational, healthcare, government sectorsPrivate security companies, retail, commercial properties

Institutional Security Officers focus on protecting specific institutions like hospitals or schools, often requiring specialized training. Security Guards generally provide general security services across various settings. Both roles involve safeguarding property and people but differ in environment and credentials.

What is an institutional security officer?

Institutional Security Officers are professionals responsible for maintaining the safety and security of people, property, and information within institutions such as hospitals, universities, government buildings, or correctional facilities. They monitor premises, enforce rules, respond to emergencies, and collaborate with law enforcement when necessary. Their duties often include conducting patrols, checking identification, managing access control, and writing incident reports. Effective Institutional Security Officers possess strong observation skills, good communication, and the ability to handle stressful situations. They play a critical role in creating a safe environment for staff, visitors, and the public.

What are some common challenges institutional security officers face in maintaining safety within their assigned facilities?

Institutional Security Officers often encounter challenges such as managing high-stress situations, responding to emergencies, and ensuring compliance with security protocols among staff and visitors. They must remain vigilant to detect potential threats or policy violations, sometimes in unpredictable environments. Effective communication and collaboration with team members and other departments are essential, as is adaptability to rapidly changing circumstances. Regular training and strong situational awareness help officers overcome these challenges and maintain a safe, secure environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an institutional security officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Institutional Security Officer, you need a solid understanding of security protocols, emergency response procedures, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often accompanied by relevant security training or certifications. Familiarity with surveillance systems, access control technology, and incident reporting software is typically required. Exceptional observation skills, integrity, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing incidents and interacting with the public. These competencies ensure the safety of people and property, quick response to emergencies, and maintenance of a secure institutional environment.
More about Institutional Security Officer jobs
Infographic showing various Institutional Security Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,678 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

$15.61 - $24.99/hr

Full-time, Other

Posted 14 days ago


University Of Kentucky rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Job Title
Security Officer
Requisition Number
RE55307
Working Title
Department Name
3HL00:UK Police
Work Location
Lexington, KY
Grade Level
40
Salary Range
$15.61-24.99/hour
Type of Position
Staff
Position Time Status
Full-Time
Required Education
HS
Click here for more information about equivalencies:
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience
No experience required.
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 100 lbs.; sitting/ walking/standing for long periods of time; handling intermittent periods of high levels of stress; engaging with potentially violent or combative patients, visitors or other individuals.
Shift
8 hour shifts, assignments to be determined. Must be able to work any of the following:
1st shift: 05:45 am - 02:15 pm
2nd shift: 01:45 pm - 10:15 pm
3rd shift: 09:45 pm - 06:15 am
Days, Evenings, Nights, Weekends, Holidays, and mandatory overtime to include special events such as UK home football games.
Security officers must be able to work overtime with short notice for extended periods of time. Location assignment will be determined at time of hire.
Job Summary
The University of Kentucky Police Department prioritizes its investment of professional development and offer a competitive starting pay of $17.60/hour for Security Officers. We are looking for individuals who are eager to grow their careers while contributing to the safety and security of our University community.
In concert with UK Police Officers, Security Officers maintain a safe and secure environment at the University of Kentucky's HealthCare facilities' by protecting guests, visitors, staff, and property. They serve as the frontline for security across the UK HealthCare enterprise and during University-sponsored events.
In those efforts, Security Officers conduct patrols and use knowledge of their assigned area to actively provide high visibility and presence concentrating on high traffic areas to detect possible suspicious activities or assist visitors with needs for service. They identify, report, and respond quickly, calmly, and professionally to suspicious activities, sensitive situations, emergency alarms, and assistance calls. Security Officers also work collaboratively by monitoring radio broadcasts by Communications and other Security Officers to ensure awareness of activities in the area and to aid as needed. They also respond to assistance calls for disorderly patients and visitors, provide services including crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and diffuse potentially volatile situations with due regard for the safety of all involved.
Security Officers experience both high pace activity in response to high stress situations and repetitive/routine activity to proactively serve and protect. They perform basic investigative reviews and prioritize information for the completion of University forms and security reports. They meet and talk with staff, hospital patients, visitors, and vendors, providing information, advising of safety measures, and building rapport. The position also requires providing coverage for individuals on 72 hour holds, performing repetitive duties like relocking and unlocking doors, and monitoring video camera footage and the security badge access and alarm systems.
Security Officers escalate situations to UK Police as needed.
To learn more about who we are and what we do for the University and our community, Click Here.
Feel free to reach out with any additional questions at JoinUKPD@uky.edu
Multiple positions available.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Customer Service, Communication, and De-escalation Skills preferred.
This position will require candidates to take a polygraph examination as part of the University Police Department's employment process. Additionally, any position working in one of the hospitals/clinics owned or operated by the University of Kentucky is required to undergo a drug screen as part of the pre-employment screening process.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No
Preferred Education/Experience
Deadline to Apply
08/20/2026
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

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About University of Kentucky

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Kentucky (UK), the state's flagship university, was founded in 1865 and its beautiful, sprawling campus, nestled in downtown Lexington, now covers over 900 acres and is home to more than 30,000 students and approximately 13,500 employees. The trees and beautifully manicured greenspaces are a source of pride for the university and combine to create an impressive oasis amidst the busy cityscape that surrounds it.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lexington, KY, US

Year founded

1865