Position Detail - Officer

Position Type: Staff Full-time

Hours per week: 40   

Weeks per year: 52

Work Schedule: 4x2 Schedule (Shift hours vary) 

Department Summary & Job Purpose:

Mount Holyoke College is hiring Sworn Police Officers who seek the opportunity to work with a diverse, collaborative campus community, providing protection and contributing to the success of our students through a community-based approach. Be part of a collaborative, inclusive, engaged community of students, faculty, and staff. We offer competitive wages and benefits for employees and their families.

Core Job Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Safeguarding the students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the college
• Responsible for educating the community on violations of Massachusetts General Laws and College policies 
• Provides crime prevention through vehicle, bicycle, and foot patrol 
• Investigates and make detailed police reports on motor vehicle crashes, property damage, fires, misdemeanor, and felony crimes 
• Obtains and processes evidence and property 
• Provides medical transports and student escorts, assist disabled motorists, and assists persons in crisis 
• Provides safety and security, crowd and traffic control for major special events 
• Fosters relationships by employing different strategies including creating or aligning with college programs and services that engage in relationship building 
• Participates in the College’s effort to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming community

Qualifications: Ability to gain certification as a Massachusetts Special State Police Officer as defined by the Massachusetts Police Reform Act Certification requires:

• Successful completion of a full basic Massachusetts recruit academy or written authorization from MPTC indicating approval of an out-of-state academy. OR
• Ability to successfully complete a Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) certified basic Police Recruit Academy, obtain, and retain Special State Police powers in accordance with MGL Chapter 22C, section 63
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be credentialed in accordance with college policy
• Have or be able to obtain a Massachusetts License to Carry Firearms or FID
• Must have, or be able to obtain CPR/AED and First Responder certification
• Demonstrated interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, as well as exercised diplomacy, and function efficiently under extreme conditions

Preferred Qualifications:

• Higher Education degree
• Individuals who are bilingual
• Women and individuals of color are strongly encouraged to apply
• Experience in the social services and law enforcement field
• Proficient understanding of anti-bias practices

License/Certifications:

• Massachusetts Special State Police Officer (SSPO) as defined by the Colonel of the State Police and M.G.L. c.22C s.63

Compliance Requirements: 

Physical Demands: 

• Duties require extended periods of outdoor work and exposure to conditions including temperatures that may range from below freezing to in excess of 100 degrees. The department requires employees to be physically and mentally able to adjust to working in changing environments and conditions. Emergency service and law enforcement work requires entry into hazardous environments, exposure to dangerous persons, animals, and substances; and exposure to infectious diseases. A wide range of personal protective equipment is required to be used and maintained, some of which may be uncomfortable or inconvenient to wear. Adherence to specific safety procedures and other precautions is required.

• Rigorous field work requires above-average physical performance, endurance, and superior conditioning. This includes prolonged standing, walking, or running over uneven ground, recurring bending, climbing, reaching, lifting, and carrying of items weighing in excess of fifty pounds and shared lifting and carrying of heavier items, and similar strenuous activities requiring agility and dexterity. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is paramount to working in an environment in which a large percentage of the community is between the ages of 18-22.

• Dangerous persons must be physically confronted, subdued, and controlled. Sometimes these persons are armed with lethal weapons, which can increase the high stress commonly associated with the incumbent’s work assignment.

Working Conditions:   

Background Checks:

Mount Holyoke College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment, supported by qualified employees that will allow all of its students, faculty, staff and those associated with them to successfully carry out the mission of the college. As a condition of employment, the College will conduct appropriate background checks for all new hires. Mount Holyoke has designated the Office of Human Resources as the office responsible for ensuring that background checks (CORI, SORI, Credit History, & Driver Credential) are completed and utilized in the hiring process and Five College Office of Compliance and Risk Management as the office responsible for facilitating background checks as articulated in this policy.

Special Instructions for Applicants: 

Apply online; application materials must include:

1. A cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications
2. A complete resume or curriculum vitae
3. Contact information for 3 professional references

Mount Holyoke College is a women’s college that is gender diverse. The College is committed to providing equal access and opportunity in employment and education to all employees and students. In compliance with state and federal law, Mount Holyoke College does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, genetic information, sex, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, ancestry, veteran or military status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state or local law. The College does not discriminate on the basis of gender in the recruitment and admission of students to its graduate program.

Mount Holyoke College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.