Fitchburg State University Police Department seeks qualified and experienced candidates for a full-time patrolman position. Additionally, candidates who meet eligibility for employment but are not selected at initial review for current vacancies may be added to a hiring list for future opportunities.

Supports the campus community while providing exceptional customer service to the students, staff, and faculty in the community. Primary duties are patrolling the campus via foot, bike, and cruiser, securing and checking buildings, grounds, and adjacent areas, and enforcing state laws as well as departmental rules and regulations of the institution. Works in collaboration with the local community and the Fitchburg Police and Fire Departments.

• Patrol buildings, grounds, and adjacent areas of a state educational institution by foot or vehicle patrol.
• Provide education and leadership to campus constituents while providing exceptional customer service.
• Enforce state laws as well as the rules and regulations of the institution; restrain or arrest suspects when necessary.
• Investigate incidents/crimes and handle appropriately, including all related paperwork.
• Provide assistance to courts or grand juries in the prosecution of cases.
• Enforce campus traffic and safety regulations.
• Perform additional related work as required and assigned by supervisor.

Requirements:

• Preference will be given to academy-trained candidates who have attended a full-time SSPO or MPTC academy. (For a training program equivalent to that required for a Municipal Police Officer and conducted by the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission and/or the Municipal Police Training Committee or equivalent sponsoring agency, an obligation of $10,000 or thirty-five (35) months of service to the College from the date of graduation from such training is required. 
• Ability to be appointed as a Special State Police Officer; achieve and maintain POST Certification. 
• Ability to complete firearms training and certification per State and University requirements.
• Possess a current and valid Massachusetts Class D motor vehicle operator's license.
• Knowledge of the principles & correct usage of the English language, including grammar/punctuation/spelling.
• Ability to prepare written reports of investigations, maintain accurate records, and analyze data.
• Ability to follow and provide effective oral and written instructions in a precise, understandable manner.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment; maintain calm demeanor in stressful situations; make decisions and act quickly in emergency/dangerous situations, and maintain confidential information.
• Working knowledge of police procedures and practices and fire prevention methods; ability to recognize fire hazards.
• Working knowledge of the law of arrest and criminal procedure in lower courts.
• Working knowledge of the rules and regulations pertaining in general to the buildings and grounds of a state educational institution and the ability to apply and explain the policies and procedures to others.
• Ability to maintain student discipline.
• Ability to walk alone for long periods of time, both indoors and outdoors, under varying climate conditions.
• Ability to work harmoniously with university staff, students, and the public.
• Ability to perform duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to satisfactorily pass a complete background check, including a psychological review, physical and drug screening, and Criminal History Systems Board verification. (CORI check). 

Note: Candidates recommended for employment will be required to take a pre-employment physical.

Additional Information:

Applicants must be 21 years of age, have a minimum of a High School diploma or GED, and possess a current driver's license.  Preference will be given to those with prior police experience and current certification as a MA police officer.   

Compensation & Benefits:  Benefit-eligible employees of Fitchburg State are provided an array of options for benefits such as life insurance, long-term disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, health insurance plans, plus dental/vision insurance. As well as Tuition Benefits, Professional development programs, Fitness Center access, EMT Stipend, and discounts with a variety of businesses.

The position is governed by the AFSCME/1067, Council 93 Collective Bargaining Agreement, and the compensation structure is defined per the agreement. 

Annual compensation for Non-police certified candidates - $61,617.92 (grade 15 step 5); Police Certified Candidate - $65,201.24 (grade 16 step 5)

Experienced Officers: Candidates who are currently employed as a police officer with another agency in a bargaining unit with no break in service may be eligible to be placed at a higher step (salary) in accordance with the AFSCME collective bargaining agreement.

Shift Information:  Assignment is based on a contractual shift bid process. 

Current Schedule:  Four ten-hour shifts followed by three days off (4/3).

Paid Time Off annually:

• 80 Hours of Vacation (additional time accrued for years of service) 
• 120 Hours of Sick Leave 
• 40 Hours of Personal 
• 13 Compensated Holidays
• Shift Differentials for Nights/Weekends & Holidays 
• Overtime Opportunities *As defined by the AFSCME collective bargaining agreement.

Retirement: Employees of Fitchburg State participate in the Massachusetts State Pension Plan; employees are eligible for a pension with benefits after being fully vested. Employees may also defer additional monies into a 457 deferred compensation plan and a Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b), which is 100% employee-sponsored. 

For a training program equivalent to that required for a Municipal Police Officer and conducted by the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission and/or the Municipal Police Training Committee or equivalent sponsoring agency, an obligation of $10,000 or thirty-five (35) months of service to the College from the date of graduation from such training is required. 

Fitchburg State University is an equal opportunity employer.

About Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg State University, located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, is a public institution dedicated to integrating high-quality professional programs with strong liberal arts and sciences studies. Founded in 1894, the university now has more than 30 undergraduate programs and 22 master's degree programs, and 7,000 full and part-time students.

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