Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including:
2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC systems westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

The primary location of this position is the Cullowhee, NC campus.

Serves as a member of a community policing team that employs problem-solving strategies for addressing crime and safety problems; performs patrol duties including but not limited to responding to calls for service or crimes, investigating violations of law or university rules, preparing written report, enforcing parking and traffic rules, engaging in crowd and traffic control, patrolling and inspecting buildings and facilities for safety or law enforcement concerns, and coordinating with higher authority on special traffic, law enforcement or safety concerns; enters reports into a computer; performs extensive computer work; performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this Position include:
Knowledge of North Carolina Criminal and Motor Vehicle Laws and understanding their application; knowledge federal laws, particularly those that apply to higher education including FERPA and the Clery Act; knowledge of general court and criminal justice processes; knowledge of police training practices and crime prevention issues; knowledge of departmental general orders and supervisory principles; knowledge of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) standards; knowledge of community policing philosophies and techniques; skill in working with a diverse population and public service contact; skill in working in regimented work environment; skill with computer applications; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to speak distinctly over the radio; ability and skill in motor vehicle operation; ability to use force to protect oneself and others; ability to lift heavy objects that weigh 75 pounds or more; other strenuous activities associated with the practice of law enforcement.

Minimum of High School diploma or GED. At least probationary certification from the NC CJETSC as a commissioned police officer and successful completion of the appointing agencys designated field training program for newly appointed Campus Police Officers.

Note: At the discretion of the campus hiring authority, outside lateral hires who are already sworn law enforcement officers at time of hire may be placed in any of the relevant career progression steps for Police Officer based on prior sworn experience.

However, such an appointment is conditional on successful completion of the agencys field training program and for out-of-state hires attainment of NC CJETSC certification within an agency-specified timeframe.

To be considered, you must apply online. HARD COPY APPLICATIONS AND RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

A cover letter, resume, and listing of at least three professional references to include their complete contact information are required attachments.

For questions or additional information please contact Chris Holcombe at cwholcombe@email.wcu.edu

Pursuant to The UNC Policy Manual 300.2.21, Adopted July 25, 2022:
Employees in LEO positions subject to applicable regulation must complete an initial probationary employment period. During the probationary period, employee appointments remain at-will, and employees may be separated from employment during probation without the protections of the disciplinary policy and without coverage under most provisions of the grievance policy.

Those who have completed Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) certification must have worked at least 12 continuous months in a permanent position to satisfy the probation requirement.

Employees who have not completed BLET at the time of hire into an EHRA LEO position must have worked at least 24 continuous months in a permanent position and must have completed BLET training certification to satisfy the probation requirement.