Campus Safety Officer - Santa Clarita, CA

Two weeks prior to the deadline to submit applications, the diversity of current applicants will be assessed. Upon review, if the pool does not include sufficient diversity at that time, the application window may be extended.

The Santa Clarita Community College District/College of the Canyons is seeking a full-time Campus Safety Officer in the Information Technology and Campus Safety division.  

This is an on-campus position, and will be assigned to the Valencia Campus. 

Shift: Tuesdays - Saturdays, 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM

   
Salary Placement:

Salary placement will be on Range 32 of Classified Represented Salary Schedule B.
** Initial salary step placement for new employees is customarily at step 1, 2, or 3  ($5,936.00 / $6,300.00 / $6,656.00 per month) of this 20-step salary range. 
 
Probationary period for new Classified employees is six months. Work year is 12 calendar months. The normal workweek for this position is 40 hours. Paid holiday, discretionary, and sick time are provided. Ten vacation days accrue during the first year of employment. A regular work schedule will be assigned, with the ability to occasionally work a flexible schedule as needed with supervisor approval.

Example of Duties

Who We Are 
The Santa Clarita Community District is committed to achieving educational equity for all students. As presented in our District Strategic Plan, which focuses on Access, Engagement, and Success, “Equity, inclusion, and diversity are not goals in themselves, but ideologies embedded in all actions and planning across all departments and functions of our college and its two campuses.” These areas of focus demonstrate a resolve to focus on student success and confirm that we are at the forefront of change with integrated planning efforts that both evolve and anticipate the needs of our students. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences – fostering healthy inclusion through inquiry, shared dialogue, and reflection to ensure that we promote a sense of community, collegiality, and cooperation. When you join our team at the Santa Clarita Community College District, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, creative, flexible, innovative, and equity-focused community that engages students, each other, and the community in scholarly inquiry, creative partnerships, and the application of knowledge and success.

Who We Want 
We value the ability to serve students from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. Therefore, we prioritize applicants who demonstrate they understand the benefits diversity brings to a professional educational community. The successful candidate must be an equity-minded individual committed to collaborating with faculty, classified staff, administration, students, and community partners who share our commitment to closing equity gaps. The Santa Clarita Community College District seeks leaders possessing a strong grounding in academic and student services programs and a thorough understanding of the primary mission of the community college. We seek employees that value mentorship and working in a collegial, collaborative environment, who are conscientious risk takers and transformational leaders guided by a commitment to helping all students achieve their educational goals.
 
Position Description:
Under supervision of the Director, Campus Safety, the Campus Safety Officer patrols assigned campus locations to ensure the safety and security of the grounds, facilities, and individuals. Protects individuals and facilities from harm or damage; provides security and controls crowds; investigates incidents, collects evidence, conducts interviews with witnesses, and prepares written reports on incidents and crimes occurring on district property; provides information and assistance to employees, students, and the public; carry and use non-lethal weapons as necessary; and assists in the orientation of District personnel regarding security measures.  Performs other related duties as assigned.

Essential Duties:
The Duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this class. 
 

1. Patrols campus on foot, bicycle, cart or vehicle, responding to calls to protect the campus community, and protects college property and facilities against fire, theft, vandalism, and illegal entry.
2. Assists supervisor in crime prevention activities. Enforces Board policies/procedures, laws, parking/traffic regulations and safety regulations on campus as applicable and cites violators.
3. Investigates, gathers evidence, interviews witnesses, and prepares written reports on incidents and crimes occurring on district property. Deals with disturbances according to department policy. Appears and testifies in court as needed. 
4. Required to carry and use, when necessary for self-defense, defense of others, or to restrain combative suspect(s), non-lethal weapons (Electronic Control Device (i.e. tasers), Aerosol Projector, and handcuffs). Complete all mandatory trainings and maintain all licensing requirements related to carrying non-lethal weapons per District and BSIS requirements. 
5. Directs traffic on campus. Issues and processes traffic and parking citations according to established procedures. 
6. Responds to alarms and radio calls.
7. Investigates unusual or potentially dangerous facility conditions and takes appropriate emergency action as necessary. Reports detected leaks or malfunctions of electric, plumbing heating or other equipment to appropriate department .
8. Evacuates classrooms and buildings in emergency situations as necessary and conducts building searches in accordance with predetermined plan during emergency conditions.
9. Receives and handles as appropriate, complaints and requests for assistance or information from students, visitors or college personnel. 
10. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with students and others. 
11. Escorts campus personnel transporting college funds.
12. Escorts students, employees, and visitors to their vehicles during special events, late evening and early morning as a safety precaution. 
13. Assists with the exchange of information with other district personnel, departments and various public safety and law enforcement agencies.
14. Operates a variety of tools and equipment including computers, handheld devices, radios, and electric or gas-powered carts.
15. Provides security for large gatherings, assemblies or other campus activities.
16. Assist emergency personnel in accessing or leaving the campus providing directions and other assistance as needed to reach the location of the reported emergency. 
17. Locks and unlocks buildings, classrooms and offices.
18. Attends mandatory trainings, such as methods of community policing, anti-bias, cultural responsibility, conflict avoidance and de-escalation; assumes responsibility for the information provided in those trainings, 
19. Understands the District’s Emergency Operation Plan and in coordination with the Incident Command Team, carries out the responsibilities of the campus safety officers during drills and emergencies on campus. 
20. Attend activities across the District including, but not limited to, town halls, convocation, professional development opportunities, and other campus events.    
21. Performs other related duties as assigned.

 
Demonstrated Knowledge and Abilities:
 
Position requires ability to:

• Learn, interpret, and apply legal mandates, policies, regulations, and guidelines and operational procedure.
• Pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Have a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.
• Maintain flexibility in hours and conditions of work.
• Interpret and enforce pertinent laws, rules and regulations with tact, firmness and diplomacy using knowledge of penal code, California Vehicle Code, laws of arrest, search/seizure and Santa Clarita Community College District policies and procedures.
• Maintain rapport with college students, staff and the public.
• Work confidentially with discretion; work independently with little direction.
• Make decisions in emergencies.
• Prepare clear and concise written reports of particular situations.
• Use tact and good judgment in decisions regarding students; assist students and promote good relationships.
• Exhibit fairness and firmness in performing duties.
• Analyze situations and adopt an effective course of action that involves reasonable escalation of force which includes the use of the appropriate non-lethal weapons.
• Interpret and follow oral and written instructions.
• Respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Respond appropriately when dealing with representatives of local, state, and federal agencies concerning law enforcement, security and parking control matters.
• Demonstrate clear evidence of sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, staff and the community.

Qualifications and Minimum Requirements

Minimum Requirements: 

Experience:
Two (2) years of active law enforcement, campus safety, military, security experience, or a combination thereof required.

Education:
Education equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade, supplemented by training or coursework in public safety, security and patrol methods and procedures. 

Licenses/Certificates:

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.
• Guard Registration from Bureau of Security & Investigative Services.
• Basic Certificate issued by the State of California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.). 
• First Aid and C.P.R. certifications must be obtained within probationary period. 

All licenses/certifications (except POST) must be maintained throughout course of employment.


Desirable Qualifications:

• Work experience in vehicle parking enforcement and traffic control which includes extensive interaction with members of the public.
• Work experience in a campus safety/security environment in a community college, university, high school, and/or other related community agency.
• Valid First Aid and C.P.R. certifications.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite applications – Excel, Outlook, and Word.

 
Physical Characteristics:
Indoor and outdoor environment with exposure to weather extremes; subject to evening hours. Requires lifting, carrying and stacking objects up to 25 pounds frequently and up to 60 pounds occasionally; frequently exerting 10 - 20 pounds of force to lift, carry, push and pull or otherwise move/handle material and objects; extensive standing and walking for extended periods of time, which may include climbing ladders and staircases; stooping, kneeling, crouching, twisting/turning and reaching; bending at the waist; near and far visual acuity to observe campus activity and read reports, written instructions, and computer monitor; hearing and speaking for ordinary conversation, audible calls for help, and to hear other sounds in order to respond to normal and emergency situations; digit dexterity to operate equipment specific to trade; may be exposed to Bloodborne pathogens, biohazards, chemicals, and contact with dissatisfied, angry and/or abusive individuals; and travel from site-to-site. Able to operate vehicles, including cars, trucks, and golf carts. 

Further Details

District Classified Employee Benefits:
Full-time employees are provided with a diversified program that includes medical, dental and vision insurance including dependent coverage, disability, and life insurance as well as Section 125 options. These benefits commence on the first of the month following date of hire. Professional development opportunities are provided to all employees. Educational incentive is available to eligible Classified Represented and Confidential employees.  

RETIREMENT: Classified employees contribute to the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), a defined benefit retirement plan through the State of California.


Conditions of Employment:
Successful completion of background fingerprint clearance, pre-employment physical examination (disabilities not related to the physical job will not affect the application process) and TB screening. 

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States and signing of loyalty oath per government codes 3100-3109.

Meeting applicable eligibility requirements under CalPERS or CalSTRS if you are a current or former member.

Board of Trustees approval.

Proof of education equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade: your high school diploma or G.E.D.
 
Proof of your current Guard Registration from the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.
 
Proof of your California P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standards Training) basic certificate. 
 
Official, sealed academic transcripts are required upon offer of employment.

Ability to work the stated shift. 


Equal Employment Opportunity:
Santa Clarita Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

 The Santa Clarita Community College District is committed to employing qualified employees who are dedicated to student learning and success. The Board recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students. The Board is committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity, and provide consideration for all qualified candidates. The District does not unlawfully discriminate in providing educational or employment opportunities to any person on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law  or on the basis of these perceived characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

Applicants who have disabilities may request that accommodations be made in order to complete the selection process by contacting the Human Resources office directly at (661) 362-3427.

About the District:
Access. Engagement. Success.
College of the Canyons serves more than 37,000 students on two campuses in the Santa Clarita Valley, about 30 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. Better known locally as COC, the college excels at both transfer and career preparation, sending thousands of graduates each year to California’s top public and private four-year universities, and into high-wage careers in Southern California’s fastest-growing industries. 

The college has earned numerous regional, state, and national awards for its innovative and collaborative efforts to increase student access, engagement, and success. It was the only California community college to receive the 2024 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification from the American Council on Education and Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The college is also recognized for its high degree of Hispanic student enrollment and degree achievement, having been named one of the top colleges in the nation for those achievements by The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education Magazine. 

The college takes seriously its mission to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion. With a 48-percent Hispanic student population, it is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), as well as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).  

College of the Canyons is: 

• Guided by an elected five-member Board of Trustees composed of former faculty members and community members committed to prudent fiscal management and thoughtful policy development. 
• Supported by an active Foundation that generates more than $1 million of revenue and awards more than $300,000 in student scholarships each year.
• Recognized as a statewide leader in the development and implementation of OER/ZTC (open educational resources/zero textbook costs) materials, saving students millions of dollars in textbook costs. 
• Resourceful, as evidenced by the $16 million in grant revenue generated in the past year. 
• Highly regarded in the community, whose residents voted to approve more than $400 million of bond funds in three separate elections since 2001.
• Focused on making higher education more affordable, as evidenced by the Canyons Promise program that provides the first two years of study free for new, full-time students. 

The best measure of our success is the achievement of our students. Their accomplishments include:

• Transferring to the top University of California campuses, including Berkeley, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
• Earning national and state academic awards, including Jack Kent Cooke Scholarships, Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars, and Phi Theta Kappa All California Academic Team honors.
• Winning 39 state championships while competing in 17 intercollegiate sports.
• Designing research projects carried aboard NASA spacecraft.
• Garnering numerous awards in Model UN, Forensics (Communications), and Future Business Leaders of America competitions.
• Achieving a 21 percent median wage increase after completing career education courses. 

Those who are selected for positions at College of the Canyons will join a team of accomplished administrators, esteemed educators, and dedicated staff members who are innovative and focused on enhancing people’s lives by continually expanding educational access, engagement, and success.

Ready. Set. Grow. 
College of the Canyons is poised to continue growing in its ability to expand access to higher education, to enhance student engagement, and to bolster the ongoing success of our students and wider community. 

Currently, we are:

• Renovating the Student Center to create a more welcoming gathering space for students.
• Enhancing the services we offer to students at our Canyon Country campus with the addition of 110,000 square feet of classrooms, labs, and support spaces in the new Takeda Science Center and adjoining Student Services & Learning Resources Center. 
• Offering 275 associate degree and certificate programs (and always developing more), including new Allied Health training programs in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy Technology, and Diagnostic Medical Sonography. 
• Creating a safe space for students to share their voices and engage in dialog and connection in our new Intercultural Center. 
• Hosting world-class entertainers in the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at the Valencia campus.
• Offering a wide variety of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from partner universities at the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center.
• Bolstering the economic development of our region by raising $2.5 million in external funding to provide customized workforce training for more than 5,100 local employees. 

By always working to create new opportunities, focusing on innovation, and embracing dynamic partnerships, we create ongoing success that benefits everyone we serve.

Are You Ready to Join Us?
College of the Canyons is looking for faculty, staff, and administrators who are leaders, innovators, and creators focused on putting the needs of students first. Specifically, we seek those who share our commitment to:

• Teaching and Learning – College of the Canyons values high performance in teaching and learning.
• Respect for All People – We expect students and employees to demonstrate honesty, integrity, social responsibility, and ethical behavior that fosters a college climate characterized by civility, collegiality, and acceptance.
• Partnership with Community – We advance the educational, intellectual, artistic, civic, cultural, and economic aspirations of our surrounding community by actively partnering with more than 100 community schools, colleges, universities, businesses, and government and social agencies.
• Excellence – We set the highest standards for ourselves and support the professional development of faculty, staff, and administrators. 
• Creativity and Innovation – We encourage members of the college community to be entrepreneurial, forward-thinking, creative, persistent, spontaneous, and willing to explore new ideas that strengthen our ability to enhance student access, engagement, and success. 

Location. Location. Location. 
The single college within the Santa Clarita Community College District, College of the Canyons is located in Santa Clarita, the third most populous city in Los Angeles County, and serves a 367-square-mile area in the northern part of the county. The college’s two campuses are just a short drive from downtown Los Angeles.
With mild weather and convenient freeway access, the Santa Clarita Valley offers residents and visitors convenient year-round access to what makes Southern California a popular destination. Theme parks, Pacific Ocean beaches, and mountains are nearby, along with the dining, cultural, and sports attractions of Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and other iconic destinations.  

Our service area is a hub of advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and film production. By redefining the traditional role of community colleges, we have become the training provider of choice for local companies, which count on us to deliver high-quality, cutting-edge training.


APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:
Applicants are encouraged to complete their applications online. Please visit our website at http://www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources. If you require assistance, please call the Human Resources office at (661)362-3427 or for the hearing-impaired TTY/TDD Line at (661)362-5178. Applicants may check the status of their application online and may expect to be notified within approximately 4 to 5 weeks following the Review Date as to the status of their application.

All application materials must be uploaded online or received in the Human Resources office by the end of the day on the Review Date in order to assure consideration for this position. Postmark is not acceptable for this purpose. Separate application materials must be submitted for each position applied for. Materials submitted become property of the District and will not be returned, copied, or considered for other openings. The Human Resources office is located in the University Center, Suite #360, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.
 
  
Your application is not complete until the following required materials have been uploaded online or received by the Human Resources office:

• Online District CLASSIFIED Application.
• Detailed resume, which includes month/year dates of employment and descriptions of responsibilities at each employer.
• Letter of interest (cover letter). In your letter, please address your qualifications and experience as they pertain to the job duties and the abilities section of this announcement.  
• Copy of California P.O.S.T. (Peace Officers Standards Training) basic certificate. 
• Copy of current Guard Registration from the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. 
• Confidential Recruitment Source Information (voluntary survey). This is voluntary and is a part of the online applicant profile, separate from the application.
• Supplemental Questionnaire. Please answer the following questions as part of your application packet.

1. Do you possess a high school diploma or G.E.D.? (yes/no)  If offered the position, you will be required to provide proof of your high school diploma or G.E.D to the Human Resources Office. 
2. Do you possess a valid California driver’s license? (yes/no)
3. Do you possess a current Guard Registration from the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services? (yes/no)
4. Do you possess a Basic Certificate (or higher) issued by the State of California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.)? (yes/no)
5. Do you possess two or more years of active law enforcement, campus safety, military, and/or security experience? Please describe your experience, and include employer name(s), your position title(s), dates of employment, full-time or part-time status (% of time or number of hours worked per week), and your roles and responsibilities. Please provide your total years of full-time equivalent experience you have in this field.
6. Do you possess an Associate’s degree in Modern Policing from a California Community College? (yes/no)
7. Please describe any training or coursework you have completed in community policing, anti-bias, cultural responsibility, conflict avoidance, and de-escalation.  
8. Please describe any training or coursework you have completed in public safety, security, and patrol methods and procedures. 
9. Please describe any experience you may have in a campus safety/security environment in a community college, university, high school, and/or other related community agency. 
10. Please describe your ability to work successfully in a multicultural, diverse environment. 

• Letters of reference are optional.  

 
Please note:

• Skills evaluation of candidates for interview may be required.
• Travel and relocation expenses are the responsibility of the applicant.
• Hiring committees review all complete, qualified application packets. Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview.
• “Experience” generally refers to relevant paid experience. In some instances, unpaid experience may be counted as experience towards meeting the minimum qualifications or requirements for the position only if it entailed responsibilities substantially similar to those of relevant paid positions in the field. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide sufficient information and details to the Human Resources office at the time of submission of their application packet. Details should include the organization, contact name, contact information, start and end dates, hours per week, and a list of relevant unpaid/volunteer duties or responsibilities performed. Not all unpaid experience may qualify. Upon offer of employment, an applicant will be required to obtain written verification(s) of any relevant unpaid/volunteer experience.
• Current COC employees who are applying for this position: Please be aware that materials from your personnel file are not included as part of the application file; therefore, please provide the same requested application materials as any other applicant.
• Please be aware that, should you be considered as a finalist for this position, reference checks will include current supervisor(s).   
• Applicants are encouraged to apply online. If you need assistance with the application process, contact:

Human Resources Office

(661) 362-3427

TTY/TDD (661) 362-5178 or visit our website at

www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all application materials are fully and correctly submitted. All materials submitted are for this position only and become the property of the District. Materials will not be returned, copied, or considered for other openings. Resumes may not be submitted in lieu of the official application form.


The College is expecting to conduct initial interviews between the weeks of March 3, 2025 and March 10, 2025 and conduct final interviews between the weeks of March 10, 2024 and March 17, 2025. This is an estimated timeline, and is subject to change. 


Please note that the college will be closed for Winter Break from Tuesday, December 24, 2024 through Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The Human Resources Office will reopen on Thursday, January 2, 2025.


Interviews may be conducted in-person or remotely via Zoom.  

** This is an on-campus position, working forty hours per week on the Valencia Campus. 

Positions are offered contingent on funding. We reserve the right to withdraw, extend the filing date, reopen, or delay filling this position. Recruitment may continue until the position is filled. 
 
This recruitment may be used for future Campus Safety Officer vacancies.