Duty Officer Jobs
Duty officer jobs are open across government agencies, security operations, transportation, and emergency management, from entry-level watch positions to senior command roles, with specializations in port security, corrections, and crisis coordination. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
Find Duty Officer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 10+ Duty Officer jobs











Caltech
Exempt Overtime Eligible: Overtime Eligible
Benefits Eligible: Benefit Based
Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.
Job Summary
The Security Shift Supervisor/Duty Officer reports to the Director of Security Operations or designee. The Security Shift Supervisor is responsible for the overall supervision of daily operational security staff on a given shift, including security officers and dispatchers. The Security Shift Supervisor has direct report supervision of Caltech security employees (Special Response Officers, Dispatchers, Security Officers) on a given shift and functional supervision of contract officers and dispatchers to ensure coordination and consistency of shift duties and responsibilities.
This position is considered a Campus Security Authority under the Clery Act and a campus-mandated reporter.
This is an Essential Reporting position. In the event of an emergency on campus, an employee designated as essential reporting has essential job skills that are needed for response and recovery and is expected to report to Campus as soon as possible.
Essential Job Duties
The Security Shift Supervisor is responsible for managing and overseeing the activities of one of four patrol shifts, including a relief shift. The incumbent is responsible for the following tasks and functions:
- Notify security management (or the security duty manager during overnight, holiday, and weekend hours) of significant incidents that occur on campus during the shift in accordance with Caltech Security's notification procedures.
- Activate the emergency notification protocol during defined emergencies.
- Schedule work assignments for officers and dispatchers for the assigned shift.
- Perform a daily shift briefing to ensure an efficient transfer of operational information from one shift to the next.
- Perform inspection of shift employees for proper equipment, uniform attire, and general readiness to perform patrol or dispatch work.
- Ensure shift vehicles are assigned and in good working order or are properly referred for inspection and repair.
- In coordination with the contract security supervisor or contract manager, provide functional supervision to contract officers and dispatchers.
- Provide supervision, guidance, mentoring, and/or coaching to Caltech security officers and dispatchers when necessary. Recommend to security management additions and changes to Patrol shift practices based on operational analysis and feedback.
- Assist the Clery Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator to ensure proper reporting of designated incidents.
- Review and approve completed campus security written reports completed during the shift for accuracy and investigative thoroughness.
- Ensure that officers complete assigned building inspections, campus residential checks, lockups, and unlocks for the shift.
- Support police and fire department personnel responding to campus using principles of incident command and unified command.
- Support responding security officers with direction, advice, and coaching throughout an active incident on campus.
- Coordinate with the contract security supervisor or contract manager, as appropriate.
- Assist in ensuring that all operational tasks and documentation comply with Caltech's policies and procedures.
- Support efforts to prevent, deter, and suppress unlawful activity on campus by following and encouraging community-oriented approaches and strategies.
- Assist in making recommendations for physical security improvements of buildings and other spaces at Caltech, and the reporting of security or safety issues on grounds or properties owned, operated, controlled, or administered by Caltech.
- Coordinate with other Caltech departments, such as the Office of Student Experience (ORE), as necessary for the efficient resolution of incidents or problems on campus.
- Assist in fostering a healthy culture of collaboration, mutual respect, innovation, and continuous improvement throughout the Department.
- Attend campus event coordination meetings as assigned.
- Follow management's directives in support of departmental and Institute efforts and display a professional demeanor at all times in language, appearance, and attitude.
- Ensure high visibility vehicle, bicycle, and foot patrols on campus, at Caltech properties, and at student and/or faculty houses.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Basic Qualification
- High school diploma and three or more years of security or sworn law enforcement experience, or equivalent relevant experience.
- Valid BSIS guard certification and ability to maintain throughout employment.
- First Aid/CPR/AED certification and ability to maintain throughout employment.
- Working knowledge of the Jeanne Clery Act.
- Must be able to drive Institute vehicles, possess a valid California Driver's License, and the ability to maintain it throughout the course of employment. Must adhere to the Institute's Motor Vehicle User policy.
- Ability to understand and communicate the policies, rules, and procedures of the security department and Caltech.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to use or learn Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and other software.
- The ability to work independently on projects, with minimal instruction, and meet deadlines.
- Intermediate experience developing and facilitating technical training for Security staff.
- Proficient knowledge of emergency operations including tasks and command post operations, planning, and emergency communications.
- Standing at times for prolonged periods, walking, reaching, climbing.
- Lifting 50 lbs. carrying, writing, pushing, pulling, hearing, squatting/kneeling, driving, speaking, seeing, and restraining suspects; must be able to walk Campus properties.
- May be exposed to noise, chemicals, heat/cold, carcinogens, fumes/gases, dirt, and human tissue/fluids, extreme weather, and temperatures.
- Irregular work schedule, multiple concurrent tasks, frequent interruptions, detailed work, frequent deadlines, periods of concentrated attention, and frequent contact and interaction with people.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, Management, Organizational Leadership, or similar major.
- Experience working in a higher education setting.
- Current EMT certification.
Required Documents
- Resume.
- Cover letter.
To be considered for this position please visit our web site and apply on line at the following link: https://hr.caltech.edu/work/job_openings
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
je-fb753fac51564de3a43aa0bdf0add6b3
Duty Officer Jobs by Experience Level
See All 10 Duty Officer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Duty Officer JobsDuty Officer Job Market
Who's Hiring


What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in duty officer jobs.
- Prior experience in emergency management, law enforcement, security operations, or a related field
- Ability to obtain or maintain a government security clearance at the required level
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for incident reporting and briefings
- Familiarity with incident command systems and standard operating procedures
- Availability for rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and on-call coverage
- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, emergency management, public administration, or a related field
Tips for Your Duty Officer Job Search
Tailor your resume to incident categories
Duty officer roles are defined by what types of incidents you manage. Organize your resume around the incident categories you've handled, such as access control, emergency response, or logistics coordination, so hiring managers immediately see your operational fit.
Get your clearance documentation ready
Many duty officer postings require a security clearance or the ability to obtain one. Pull together your SF-86 supporting documents before you apply, so you're not scrambling when a conditional offer arrives faster than expected.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists duty officer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Filter postings by shift requirements
Duty officer positions are frequently 24/7 rotational roles. When scanning openings, check for shift language like nights, weekends, or on-call requirements early, before investing time in a cover letter for a schedule that won't work for you.
Prepare scenario answers for the oral board
Government and public safety duty officer interviews commonly use oral boards with structured scenario questions. Practice walking through a real incident you managed using a clear situation, action, and result format, referencing protocols by name where possible.
Negotiate duty differentials, not just base pay
Duty officer offers often include shift differentials, hazard pay, or standby compensation that don't appear in the posted salary band. Ask HR to itemize all compensation components before you accept, since total pay can vary significantly by assignment.
Duty Officer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a duty officer?
Start by earning a degree in criminal justice, emergency management, public administration, or a closely related field. Gain operational experience through roles in security, law enforcement, the military, or emergency services. Pursue certifications in incident command systems, then apply to entry-level watch or operations center positions that build the shift experience most employers require before promoting to a full duty officer title.
Can you get hired as a duty officer with little or no experience?
Yes, some agencies hire candidates with no direct duty officer experience if you have a relevant degree and can demonstrate situational awareness, calm under pressure, and strong written communication. Military service, volunteer emergency management roles, and internships with public safety agencies are the most effective ways to build a credible application when your professional experience is limited.
What does the duty officer interview process look like?
Most duty officer hiring processes include an application review, a phone or video screen, and an in-person or panel interview, often structured as an oral board with scenario-based questions. Candidates for roles requiring clearances also complete a background investigation. Some positions add a written exercise or a practical scenario to assess how you document and communicate an incident under time pressure.
Where can I find and apply to duty officer jobs?
You can find and apply to duty officer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your background and experience level, then apply directly to each position that fits.
See All 10 Duty Officer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Duty Officer Jobs