
Police Officer Positions
Join our team
We're looking for police officers to join our team! Work for an innovative public safety department at a national research institution, where you’ll have the chance to participate in community service projects, secure Big Ten athletic events, and build meaningful relationships with students and employees.
The University of Iowa is the state's oldest institution of higher education and is located alongside the picturesque Iowa River in Iowa City. The UI is home to one of the most acclaimed academic medical centers in the country, and is known for excellence in both the arts and sciences, offering world-class undergraduate, graduate, and professional academic programs in a wide variety of fields to more than 31,000 students.
What makes us unique?
- 12-hour shifts (6 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.)
- Work 14 days per month, and self-schedule with assistance from patrol supervisor
- Paid training, uniform and equipment
- Generous retirement package
- Play a key role in securing Big Ten athletic events, concerts, and dignitary visits
- Opportunity to participate in community service, educational programming, and mentorship of student employees
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Officers have the opportunity to participate in a variety of special assignments, including: Iowa City Metro Special Response Team (SRT), K9 Handlers, Investigations Division, Community Outreach, Johnson County Bomb Squad, Johnson County Dive Team, Johnson County Drug Task Force
Current Openings and Pay
The University of Iowa Department of Public Safety is continually accepting applications for open police officer positions.
Ample overtime opportunities are available for special events, athletic events, and additional departmental needs.
Police Officer I (entry-level/non-certified)
Pay starts at $52,540.80. Upon completion of a six month probation period and graduation from the academy, there is advancement to Police Officer II, and a pay increase of 4.5%.
After completing a six month probationary period and the field training program, advancement to Police Officer III will occur with a salary increase of 4.5%.
Police Officer II (already certified)
Starting pay ranges from $54,870.40 to $77,480.00, dependent upon experience and qualifications as a certified officer.
After completing a six month probationary period and the field training program, advancement to Police Officer III will occur with a salary increase of 4.5%, up to $81,016.00.
Apply
Training
Entry-level candidates will be sent to the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy for training and receive full pay while attending. Upon graduation from the academy, recruits will complete the required field training program until they demonstrate a level of competency consistent with the expectations of solo patrol. Our department is also proud to provide training in fair and impartial policing, crisis intervention, and skill building in emotional intelligence, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Hiring Process
The University of Iowa Department of Public Safety is currently accepting police officer applications on a continual basis.
Candidates must successfully complete the following steps in the hiring process in order to be eligible for openings.
- Submit application (POI, POII)
- Physical agility test
- National Police Officer Selection Test (POST)
- Completion of recruitment packet (criminal and motor vehicle records, credit history)
- Background investigation and driver’s license verification
- MMPI II Test
- Medical physical (including vision and hearing)
- Drug screen
You are welcome to view the recruitment packet. Do not submit it until we request it from you.
Questions?
Email Associate Director and Chief Lucy Wiederholt, lucy-wiederholt@uiowa.edu, for more information.
Dispatcher Positions
Public Safety Dispatcher I
The University of Iowa Department of Public Safety is currently accepting applications for a Dispatcher I. Under general supervision, the person in this role provides communications of a public safety nature for university public safety, other departments, and also for surrounding public safety agencies utilizing multi-frequency radio, teletype, telephone, and personal contact.
Duties include:
- Operates a multi frequency radio system per FCC requirements, ability to multi-task and possess the ability to recall and relay information accurately
- Assigns duty personnel to requests for assistance/service in conjunction with shift commander. Maintain location and status of personnel, as applicable.
- Operates a multi line telephone system for emergency and business operations. Operate NCIC/IOWA Systems.
- Monitors, updates, and relays information regarding fire and burglar alarms from systems located in the dispatch area
- Department pays for all applicable training and certification costs. Employees are compensated for time attending required trainings.
Additional Details and Pay:
- Schedule: 12-hour shifts, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. (3rd shift), rotating work weeks
- Location: Public Safety Dispatch Center, UCC
- Minimum eligibility requirements: Any combination of clerical education or experience and/or college or university level course work which is equivalent to two years of full-time employment.
- Desirable qualifications: Ability to prioritize and organize multiple tasks, public contact/customer service experience, intermediate computer skills, ability to actively listen and communicate effectively through clear speech, hearing, and written documentation.
- Pay starting at $46,924.80
Student Security Officer Positions
Student Security Officer
The University of Iowa Department of Public Safety is continually accepting applications for Student Security Officers who are interested in supporting campus safety services through a variety of on-campus assignments.
- Pay starts at $13/hour. Earn up to $20/hour depending on your assignment.
- Late-night and weekend hours. Work off hours, with the chance to study on the clock.
- Leadership opportunities. Build skills that can be attractive to an employer in any field.
Assignments include but are not limited to:
- Patrol assignments in assigned campus buildings and parking lots
- Operating the NITE RIDE Service
- Staffing athletic events, and other special assignments on campus
A full background check is required. Current openings can also be found on Handshake.
Take the next step:
Please fill out the application and submit your resumé with your materials.
Questions?
Call the Security Division: 319-335-6224
Beau Hartsock, beau-hartsock@uiowa.edu
Additional Opportunities
For a complete list of full time and temporary positions, please visit Jobs@UIOWA.
Equal opportunity/affirmative action employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, associational preference, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.