About this role
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
Organizational Summary
Department: University Police 026100
The University of South Florida Police Department (USFPD) is a full service law enforcement agency dedicated to providing a safe environment for and in partnership with the community, while remaining committed to assisting with personal and professional development of department members, and to the principle of being community minded and service driven.
USFPD is organized into various bureaus, divisions, sections, squads, and units. The department is led by a command staff comprised of sworn and non-sworn members of the rank of captain and higher, a communications and records manager, and public information representative; all of whom report to the chief of police through an established chain-of-command.
The Operations Bureau is commanded by a captain who oversees the Patrol Division and the Community Service Officer Program. The Patrol Division is further broken down into four squads which provide direct law enforcement services to the community. The Special Operations Bureau is commanded by a captain who oversees the Special Operations Division which includes the K9 section, Criminal Investigations, Special Events, and Crime Prevention; all of which are led by sergeants. The Administration Bureau captain also oversees the Support Services Division. The Support Services Division includes the Professional Standards and Information Technology Sections. The accreditation, training and background investigation units fall within the Professional Standards Section which is managed by a sergeant. The Communications & Records Division reports to a non-sworn manager.
Position Summary
Salary: $40,000 annually
Community Safety Specialist (CSS) are non-sworn employees providing support to the sworn law enforcement officers of the USF Police Department through various duties including crime prevention, safety patrol, as well as other non-law enforcement duties throughout the campus, these goals will be met by interacting with diverse groups of people within the university community. The Community Safety Specialist (CSS) is vital in providing a communication link between the university community and the USF Police Department and greatly enhances the department’s capabilities to serve the University Community.
- Patrol assigned areas and facilities to ensure campus safety and security, including opening and securing buildings, responding to card access alerts, verifying that doors are properly closed and locked, and monitoring scheduled weekend events. Document and issue notifications for unsecured areas and submit work orders for malfunctioning locks, doors, or related security concerns. Conduct routine patrols of residential housing facilities and surrounding areas to promote a safe and secure living environment. Establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with USF Housing staff to address safety concerns, identify security issues, and support the overall safety and well-being of residential students. When not otherwise assigned, conduct proactive campus patrols on foot or by motorized cart to maintain a visible security presence and identify potential safety or security concerns.
- Community Assistance to include, but not limited to: safety escorts (foot or motorized cart), directions to students, staff, faculty and visitors. Provides campus information and other assistance as required.
- University Support to include, but not limited to: lost/found property, motorist assistance, physical security reports, hazard safety reports, register bikes and property, fire/evacuation drills, flag management (raise, lower, replace damaged).
- Law Enforcement Support to include, but not limited to: elevator entrapment and/or malfunctioning (stuck) elevator, perimeter control and scene integrity, skateboarding enforcement, observe and report suspicious activities/persons, assist with special watches/details/bolos. May provide transportation support functions between designated locations throughout local regions and accompany delegates in their travels.
- Investigative Support to include, but not limited to: logistics and/or maintenance support, special events support (large scale events), desk and/or duty officer.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma and one year of appropriate experience. Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at any equivalent rate for the required experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Two years relevant experience in a highly interactive security role with prior law enforcement and/or military experience.
Special Requirements
The selected applicant will have excellent driving skills and a good driving record. In addition, this person will have a strong ability to work within a team environment, as well as strong computer and communication skills. This position requires a valid Driver's License.
Additional Infor for applicants
Essential Personnel: This position has been designated as Essential Personnel. Essential Personnel may be required to participate in preparedness/response/recovery activities outside of normal work hours, including USF closings, in response to a major emergency or natural disasters affecting USF operations.
Position subject to Level 2 fingerprint background check and drug screen.
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities.
USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.