Search Rescue Jobs in Cartersville, GA (NOW HIRING)

About Us
Georgia Southern University is the state's largest and most comprehensive center of higher education south of Atlanta. With nearly 150 degree programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels, Georgia Southern has been designated a Carnegie Doctoral/R2 "high research" university and serves more than 29,500 students from all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico as well as 106 nations.
With three vibrant campuses - the Statesboro Campus, the Armstrong Campus in Savannah and the Liberty Campus in Hinesville - Georgia Southern offers a dynamic environment which encourages learning, discovery and personal growth. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and has earned special accreditation from professional and academic associations that set standards in their fields.
Georgia Southern is an influencer and intellectual catalyst in southeast Georgia, a rapidly expanding region that is home to international companies such as Hyundai, Gulfstream and JCB, as well as the Port of Savannah and Georgia Ports Authority. With a focus on hands-on learning, Georgia Southern is supporting the demand for highly skilled workers by providing academic excellence and creative innovation in a supportive student-centered environment that empowers the next generation of leaders to succeed.
Beyond an ideal location, there is a place for you to work in an exciting environment abounding with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Named one of the Best U.S. Colleges by The Wall Street Journal, Georgia Southern is nationally ranked for the caliber of its programs and services. Georgia Southern University has been recognized by Forbes as one of "America's Best-In-State Employers" for 2025.
Location
Statesboro Campus - Statesboro, GA
Department Information
Office of Public Safety
Job Summary
Performs a variety of basic duties as a sworn peace officer related to the protection of life and property, enforcement of criminal and traffic laws, prevention of crime, preservation of the public peace, apprehension of suspected law violators, and the rendering of aid or service in accordance with the mission, goals, and objectives of the Georgia Southern University Division of Public Safety.
This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. A CSA is an individual who, by virtue of their responsibilities, is designated to receive and obligated to report criminal incidents to the institution's Clery Coordinator for publication in the Annual Security Report.
This position involves shift work based on the needs of Georgia Southern University and the Division of Public Safety. Employees must have the ability to work flexible shift hours and schedules that include weekends, holidays, and evenings. Employees may be required to remain on duty beyond a normal shift and must be available to report for duty without prior notice due to on-call status, special events, emergencies, or personnel shortages.
Responsibilities

• Engage in pro-active law enforcement patrol functions on foot and in motor vehicles to detect and deter crime, protect life and property, preserve order, and to render service or aid
• Respond to, address, and document alarm calls, medical emergencies/injuries, crisis situations, motor vehicle crashes, calls for service, complaints, lost/recovered property, reports of damage, public nuisance, criminal activity, suspicious circumstances, or hazardous / unsafe conditions
• Perform rescue functions in accidents, emergencies, and disasters, including neutralizing threats, administering emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging, or removing people from hazardous situations
• Conduct initial and follow-up investigations into criminal, non-criminal, and traffic-related violations by gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and filing written reports
• Enforces state laws / ordinances through the exercise of independent judgment in determining reasonable suspicion to detain, probable cause to search and/or arrest, and determining when force should be used and to what degree
• Arrest, process, and transport suspect(s) accused of law violations
• Enforce University policies and regulations through administrative referral
• Provide testimony before courts of law and at administrative hearings
• Fulfill annual professional development/training requirements as prescribed by the Georgia P.O.S.T. Council, Georgia Southern University, and the Division of Public Safety
• Promote positive campus relations through delivery of crime prevention programming and active involvement in campus events

Required Qualifications
Educational Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent

Other Required Qualifications

• Georgia P.O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer Certification or ability to obtain within (12) months of hire
• Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated (Class C or higher)

Required Experience

• At least 21 years old

Preferred Qualifications
Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Georgia P.O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer Certification (in good standing)

Preferred Educational Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Experience

• Prior law enforcement / public safety work experience

Proposed Salary
$23.29 - $29.54 per hour
This is a non-exempt position paid on a biweekly basis.
Required Documents to Attach

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Four (4) Professional References

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
ABILITIES

• Consistently exhibit engaging customer service
• Ability to support various constituencies served by the University
• Proven proficiency with computers including Microsoft Office, Google, and/or applications as required for specific position
• Ability to analyze situations quickly, objectively and to determine the proper course of action
• Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, and tactfully and with respect for the rights of others
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in the face of tense, uncertain, and rapidly evolving emergency situations
• Ability to obtain information through interview, interrogation, and observation
• Ability to understand and execute difficult oral and written instructions
• Ability to effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with internal /external stakeholders and to prepare comprehensive records and reports
• Ability to develop skill in the delivery of public presentations on crime prevention and public safety topics
• Ability to develop and maintain good public relations
• Ability to meet such specific physical requirements as established by competent authority

KNOWLEDGE

• Adhere to University policies and procedures to meet Institutional goals and support University's mission for student success
• Competency in the application of modern methods, procedures, and techniques used in providing a full range of law enforcement and crime prevention services and activities including investigation and identification, patrol, traffic control, record keeping, records management, automated records systems, search and seizure, care and custody of persons and property, and crime prevention
• Capacity for engaging in teamwork and ability to collaborate
• Knowledge of university properties, population, and traffic control issues

SKILLS

• Effective communication (verbal and written), organizational and human relations skills
• Skill in the use, care, and safe handling of firearms, intermediate weapons, and specialized law enforcement equipment
• Skill in the safe operation and maneuvering of emergency response vehicles
• Skill in administering CPR and emergency first aid

Apply Before Date
September 16, 2026
Application review may begin as early as July 1, 2026.
Contact Information
For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources by phone at (912) 478-6947 or by email at hrservice@georgiasouthern.edu .
For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at (877) 251.2644, or email support@usg.edu .
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Conditions of Employment
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Georgia Southern University, as determined by Georgia Southern University in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check.
Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.
Legally authorized to work in the U.S. without University assistance during employment.
Georgia Southern University is a Tobacco and Smoke-Free Community
Proof of a valid Georgia driver's license with a suitable DMV record
Applicants must submit to the following:

• Oral interviews
• Background investigation for the determination of good moral character
• Fingerprinting and review of criminal and driving history
• Truth verification examination
• Submission of acceptable Georgia P.O.S.T. academy entrance examination scores (as required)
• Physical exam including drug screen
• Psychological evaluation
• Physical agility test

Equal Employment Opportunity
Georgia Southern University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. Individuals in need of reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in the search process should notify Human Resources: (912) 478-6947.
Other Information

• Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Work generally performed in an office environment.
• Workweek may occasionally extend beyond 40 hours.
• Travel may be required.
• Ability to operate University motor vehicle.
• Work week may extends to evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
• Working with high stress situations.
• May be required to perform work in harsh conditions due to extreme temperature or inclement weather.
• Exposure to noise, distractions, unpredictable behaviors, and/or to bio-hazardous material.
• Ability to move and or drag a weight of 150 pounds.

Background Check

• Position of Trust