1

Public Safety Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Public Safety Officer (Lancaster) Time Type: Part time Position Summary and Qualifications: Public Safety Officers are responsible for proper patrol of areas or posts, as assigned. Such personnel ...

The Public Safety Officer will perform a range of security duties including electronic surveillance and routine manual patrols to ensure the safety of the facility. The Public Safety Officer will ...

The Public Safety Officer will perform a range of security duties including electronic surveillance and routine manual patrols to ensure the safety of the facility. The Public Safety Officer will ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Public Safety Officer information

See salary details

$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do public safety officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for public safety officer in the United States is $62,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Public Safety Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Safety Officer, you need a solid understanding of law enforcement practices, emergency response procedures, and often a relevant degree or completion of police academy training. Familiarity with communication devices, security systems, and incident reporting software is typically required. Strong decision-making, interpersonal communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring public safety, effective incident management, and community trust.

What are some common challenges faced by Public Safety Officers during their shifts?

Public Safety Officers often encounter rapidly changing situations, ranging from medical emergencies to security threats, which require quick decision-making and adaptability. Balancing enforcement duties with community engagement can be challenging, as officers must remain approachable while upholding safety protocols. Additionally, they frequently collaborate with law enforcement, fire departments, and medical personnel, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure.

What is the difference between Public Safety Officer vs Security Guard?

AspectPublic Safety OfficerSecurity Guard
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in law enforcement or public safety, sometimes a police academy backgroundOften requires security training or licensing, but less extensive certifications
Work EnvironmentPublic safety agencies, government buildings, community eventsPrivate properties, retail stores, corporate facilities
Employer & IndustryGovernment, law enforcement, public safety agenciesPrivate security companies, businesses
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles in safety enforcement and community protectionCompared for private security and property protection roles

Public Safety Officers and Security Guards both focus on safety, but Public Safety Officers typically have law enforcement training and work in government settings, while Security Guards usually have less extensive certifications and work in private security roles. The choice depends on the desired work environment and level of authority.

What are Public Safety Officers?

Public Safety Officers are professionals responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the public in various settings, such as universities, municipalities, or government facilities. Their duties often include enforcing laws and regulations, responding to emergencies, conducting patrols, and providing assistance during incidents. They may be cross-trained in law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency medical response, depending on their jurisdiction. Public Safety Officers play a critical role in protecting people, property, and the overall well-being of the community.
What cities are hiring for Public Safety Officer jobs? Cities with the most Public Safety Officer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Public Safety Officer jobs? The top employers for Public Safety Officer jobs are:
What states have the most Public Safety Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Safety Officer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Public Safety Officer jobs? For Public Safety Officer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Public Safety Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Public Safety Officer (Lancaster)

Sju

Lancaster, PA

Part-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Position Title:

Public Safety Officer (Lancaster)

Time Type:

Part time

Position Summary and Qualifications:

Public Safety Officers are responsible for proper patrol of areas or posts, as assigned. Such personnel must conduct themselves in a professional manner and display courtesy to all individuals with whom they have contact. Emphasis must be placed on positive communication and interaction with students, employees and visitors. Public Safety Officers must wear official uniforms which are issued by the Office of Public Safety & Security (OPSS) at Saint Joseph's University (SJU).
This is a part-time position that will be scheduled up to 25 hours/week.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Public Safety Officers are assigned to a specific shift; they must patrol a certain area of assignment, including but not limited to a patrol area, roving patrol (vehicle), parking lot, foot beat, fixed post, residence hall, Public Safety Headquarters, or other assignments, as directed by a Public Safety management.

Secondary Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Enforce rules and regulations, as mandated bySJU, and in accordance with federal, state and local guidelines; conducting patrols, security checks, traffic enforcement, property accountability, security escorts, and building safety and access control.

  • Responsible for opening/closing and securing buildings and classrooms, as directed; respond to calls for service, including but not limited to disturbances, loud music, alcohol violations, sick assists, burglar/fire alarms.

  • Conduct initial investigations and complete Incident Reports, as directed by a Public Safety Shift Supervisor; preparing handwritten forms neatly, accurately and completely, including but not limited to patrol logs, guest logs, key control logs and patrol cards; assist with on-the-job training of other personnel.

  • Maintain positive communication and professional conduct when responding to incidents and interacting with students, employees and visitors; honesty, integrity and service are important characteristics of a Public Safety Officer.

  • Obey the rules and regulations of the University and theOPSS; maintain, account for and properly care for all property, equipment and uniforms issued during employment; be consistently dependable with attendance.

Specific Job Knowledge:

  • Familiar with the basic principles of public safety and security, based on experience in law enforcement, military, security, or related field.

Problem Solving:

  • Takes initiative to solve problems within their discretion to do so

  • Uses sound judgement and shows patience and courtesy to all regardless of circumstances

Communication:

  • Clear, concise and timely communucation is criticial component of this position

  • Public Safety Officers are required to be aware of all situations affecting their area of assignment and communicate information as necessary

  • Effective communications in teh English language with all levels of employees and with students from a variety of culture backgrounds

Complexity of Tasks:

  • Must have the ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities

Minimum Qualifications:

Required

  • High School Diploma

  • A minimum of three years of experience in law enforcement, military, security or related field

  • Pennsylvania Act 235 Certification

  • Valid driver's license

  • Ability to operate a motor vehicle

  • Must have the ability to be professional and courteous when interacting with students, employees, visitors and the public

  • Above-satisfactory oral and written communication skills; ability to write neat, accurate and complete incident reports

  • Must be proficient in writing and speaking in the English language

  • Understanding of and commitment to the mission of Saint Joseph's University

Preferred

  • Background in policing/law enforcement

  • Previous experience working in higher education

  • Knowledge of the Clery Act

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:

  • Capable of walking up and down steps both inside and outside of buildings

  • Willingness and ability to walk outdoors in your assigned area in all types of weather conditions

  • Must be able to walk, sit, drive and stand for extended periods of time

  • Some lifting up to 25-30 pounds

  • Public Safety Officers are assigned to one of three specific shifts

Saint Joseph's University is a private, Catholic, Jesuit institution and we expect members of our community to be knowledgeable about - and to make a positive contribution to - our mission. Saint Joseph's University is an equal opportunity employer that seeks to recruit, develop and retain a talented and diverse workforce. The University is committed to the diversity of its faculty and staff so that our students, our disciplines and our community as a whole can benefit from the multiple perspectives it offers. The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. EOE

Saint Joseph's University prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in its programs and activities, including admission and employment, in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for overseeing compliance with Title IX and other civil rights laws and regulations. To contact the Title IX Coordinator, e-mail titleix@sju.edu, visit Campion Student Center suite 243, or call 610-660-1145. To learn more about the University's Title IX policies, the process for filing a report or formal complaint of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, or other form of sexual misconduct, and the University's response to reports and/or formal complaints, please visit www.sju.edu/titleix. Inquiries may also be directed to the Federal agency responsible for enforcing Title IX, the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Applicant Information & Disclosures

Please review this article of important information pertaining (but not limited) to: Background checks, the Form I-9, Equal Opportunity Employment (EOE), and Title IX.

Pay Transparency & Benefits Overview

Please click to read more about the university's approach to pay and benefits transparency. Adjunct instructor compensation can be found in the article. Otherwise, an estimated pay range is listed below.

This position has a fixed starting rate of:

$19.15