Public Safety Specialist Jobs
Public Safety Specialist jobs are open across government agencies, healthcare systems, universities, and corporate security, from entry-level to senior and supervisory roles, with specializations in emergency management, compliance, and training. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Department Summary:
The Drake Public Safety Department provides comprehensive safety, security, and emergency response services for the Drake University community. The department is staffed by trained public safety professionals who work 24/7 to protect students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Services include campus patrol, emergency response, crime prevention, access control, parking enforcement, safety education, special event security, and transportation programs such as Safe Ride. Public Safety works closely with local law enforcement, fire, and emergency management agencies to maintain a safe and welcoming campus environment while supporting the university's educational mission.
Job Summary:
The Assistant Director of Public Safety & University Operations supports the overall leadership, coordination, and execution of safety and security operations at Drake University. This role plays a critical part in maintaining a safe campus environment by overseeing day-to-day public safety functions, Clery Act compliance review, operational readiness, and on-call supervisory responsibilities.
Working along with the Executive Director of Public Safety and University Operations, the Assistant Director helps guide department operations, ensures consistent service delivery, and contributes to a proactive, community-oriented approach to campus safety.
Minimum Qualifications:
* At least 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in public safety, law enforcement, campus safety, or a related field.
* Demonstrated supervisory or leadership experience.
* Strong knowledge of incident response, security practices, and safety operations.
* Familiarity with Clery Act requirements or willingness to complete Clery training upon hire.
* Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
* Ability to work rotating on-call shifts and respond to campus during emergencies.
* Must work on campus; this is an in-person position.
Preferred Qualifications:
* Master's degree in a related field.
* Experience in higher education public safety or campus security operations.
* Experience reviewing or managing Clery Act compliance, crime reporting, and related federal reporting requirements.
* Experience conducting investigations, threat assessments, or critical incident reviews.
* Knowledge of emergency management principles, incident command systems (ICS), and crisis response planning.
* Experience leading training programs, policy development, accreditation initiatives, or organizational improvement efforts.
* Professional certifications such as IACLEA, FEMA, NIMS/ICS, CPP, PSP, or related public safety credentials.
Job Duties:
Operational Leadership – 45%
Clery Act Compliance – 15%
On-Call Responsibilities – 10%
Public Safety Functions – 10%
Collaboration & Campus Partnerships – 10%
Administrative Responsibilities – 5%
Other Duties as Assigned – 5%
‌Special Instructions to Applicants:
For consideration, you must apply online. Please include a resume and cover letter.
If you have any questions about this job positing or the application process, please email scott.law@drake.edu
A review of applications will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled .
All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
Salary is competitive with peer schools and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.
At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts.
One of our very popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children.
For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.
About Drake:
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.
All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.
STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. Drake University is proud to support an equal opportunity, diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Learn more about why Drake is an exceptional place to work: An Exceptional Working Environment | Drake University
Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (ph: 515.271.3133; email: jobs@drake.edu ) and let us know how we can assist you.
At Drake University, we highly value a diverse, inclusive workforce. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We stand firmly against discrimination including on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Department Summary:
The Drake Public Safety Department provides comprehensive safety, security, and emergency response services for the Drake University community. The department is staffed by trained public safety professionals who work 24/7 to protect students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Services include campus patrol, emergency response, crime prevention, access control, parking enforcement, safety education, special event security, and transportation programs such as Safe Ride. Public Safety works closely with local law enforcement, fire, and emergency management agencies to maintain a safe and welcoming campus environment while supporting the university's educational mission.
Job Summary:
The Assistant Director of Public Safety & University Operations supports the overall leadership, coordination, and execution of safety and security operations at Drake University. This role plays a critical part in maintaining a safe campus environment by overseeing day-to-day public safety functions, Clery Act compliance review, operational readiness, and on-call supervisory responsibilities.
Working along with the Executive Director of Public Safety and University Operations, the Assistant Director helps guide department operations, ensures consistent service delivery, and contributes to a proactive, community-oriented approach to campus safety.
Minimum Qualifications:
* At least 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in public safety, law enforcement, campus safety, or a related field.
* Demonstrated supervisory or leadership experience.
* Strong knowledge of incident response, security practices, and safety operations.
* Familiarity with Clery Act requirements or willingness to complete Clery training upon hire.
* Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
* Ability to work rotating on-call shifts and respond to campus during emergencies.
* Must work on campus; this is an in-person position.
Preferred Qualifications:
* Master's degree in a related field.
* Experience in higher education public safety or campus security operations.
* Experience reviewing or managing Clery Act compliance, crime reporting, and related federal reporting requirements.
* Experience conducting investigations, threat assessments, or critical incident reviews.
* Knowledge of emergency management principles, incident command systems (ICS), and crisis response planning.
* Experience leading training programs, policy development, accreditation initiatives, or organizational improvement efforts.
* Professional certifications such as IACLEA, FEMA, NIMS/ICS, CPP, PSP, or related public safety credentials.
Job Duties:
Operational Leadership – 45%
Clery Act Compliance – 15%
On-Call Responsibilities – 10%
Public Safety Functions – 10%
Collaboration & Campus Partnerships – 10%
Administrative Responsibilities – 5%
Other Duties as Assigned – 5%
‌Special Instructions to Applicants:
For consideration, you must apply online. Please include a resume and cover letter.
If you have any questions about this job positing or the application process, please email scott.law@drake.edu
A review of applications will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled .
All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
Salary is competitive with peer schools and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.
At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts.
One of our very popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children.
For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.
About Drake:
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.
All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.
STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. Drake University is proud to support an equal opportunity, diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Learn more about why Drake is an exceptional place to work: An Exceptional Working Environment | Drake University
Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (ph: 515.271.3133; email: jobs@drake.edu ) and let us know how we can assist you.
At Drake University, we highly value a diverse, inclusive workforce. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We stand firmly against discrimination including on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Public Safety Specialist Jobs by Experience Level
See All 265+ Public Safety Specialist Jobs
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Find Public Safety Specialist JobsPublic Safety Specialist Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Automotive
- Manufacturing
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in public safety specialist jobs.
- Knowledge of NIMS and ICS protocols at the ICS-100 through ICS-300 levels
- Experience conducting safety inspections, audits, or risk assessments
- Valid state emergency management or public safety certification
- Proficiency with incident reporting software and emergency notification systems
- CPR, AED, and first aid certification current and verifiable
- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, emergency management, or a related field
Tips for Your Public Safety Specialist Job Search
Tailor your resume to incident types
Hiring managers for public safety roles scan for specific incident types you've handled, such as mass casualty events, hazmat response, or active threat scenarios. List those explicitly rather than generic phrases like 'emergency response experience.'
Highlight certifications before your degree
Certifications like NIMS ICS-100 through ICS-400, CPR, or state-specific emergency management credentials carry more immediate weight than your diploma for most public safety specialist postings. Put them in a dedicated section near the top of your resume.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists public safety specialist 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 jurisdiction type
Requirements vary significantly between federal, state, municipal, healthcare, and private-sector employers. Narrow your search by jurisdiction type early so you're not investing time in applications that require clearances or licenses you don't yet hold.
Prepare for scenario-based interview questions
Public safety specialist interviews almost always include at least one scenario question asking how you'd respond to a specific threat or compliance failure. Practice structured responses using a situation, action, and result format grounded in real incidents from your background.
Negotiate shift differentials, not just base pay
Many public safety roles involve rotating shifts, on-call requirements, or overnight coverage. When an offer comes through, ask about shift differentials, overtime eligibility, and standby pay, since those components often add up to more than a base salary bump.
Public Safety Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most public safety specialists?
The most active employers for public safety specialists right now are Axon, Boston Medical Center, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the most openings are in California, Texas, and Massachusetts, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Government agencies and large healthcare networks consistently post the highest volume of openings.
How many public safety specialist jobs are remote?
About 54% of public safety specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most roles in the field. Sub-areas like policy development, training curriculum design, and compliance analysis are most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements.
How do you become a public safety specialist?
Start with a degree in emergency management, criminal justice, public health, or a closely related field. Earn foundational certifications such as NIMS ICS credentials and CPR. Gain field experience through internships, volunteer emergency response programs, or entry-level roles in security or compliance. Many employers also require a background check and a valid driver's license before extending an offer.
Can you get hired as a public safety specialist with little experience?
Yes, entry-level public safety specialist roles exist, particularly in university campus safety, corporate security, and local government. Employers hiring at the entry level weight certifications heavily, so completing ICS courses and a first aid certification before applying strengthens your application significantly. Volunteer experience with a fire department, community emergency response team, or hospital safety program also counts toward the practical experience requirement.
What does the public safety specialist interview process look like?
Most employers run a two to three stage process. The first stage is a phone or video screen focused on your certifications and familiarity with applicable regulations. The second stage is an in-person or panel interview that includes scenario-based questions testing your judgment under pressure. Some agencies add a written assessment covering incident command protocols or a physical fitness test before extending a final offer.
Where can I find and apply to public safety specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to public safety specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your certifications, jurisdiction preference, and experience level, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 265+ Public Safety Specialist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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