Job Description

Are you an experienced police officer or supervisor looking for the next chapter in your career? The University of Southern Maine (USM) is growing, and so is our Department of Public Safety. We invite qualified candidates to join our team as a Police Sergeant and help lead a department committed to community policing, campus safety, and public service.

The Department of Public Safety at USM embraces a community policing and problem-solving philosophy. In addition to performing general policing, safety, and emergency response functions, our officers build strong relationships with students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Our team lives the USM Service Promise of being Student Focused Every Day, and we seek colleagues who share our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness.

About the University of Southern Maine

The University of Southern Maine offers a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package, including:

• Tuition waivers for you, or tuition discounts for your spouse and eligible dependents
• Excellent healthcare coverage with low out-of-pocket costs
• Participation in the Maine Public Employees Retirement System or a 403(b)-retirement plan with strong employer contributions
• Gym membership and wellness programs
• Long-term and short-term disability coverage
• Vision, dental, pet care, and home/auto insurance options
• Generous paid leave including vacation, sick leave, and 14 paid holidays
• Educational and specialty pay stipends
• Shift differential and earned compensatory time opportunities

For more information about benefits, please visit the Human Resources Benefits website

The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence and the enrichment of our community.

The Department of Public Safety proudly participates in the 30x30 Advancing Women in Law Enforcement Initiative

About the Position

This is a 40-hour per week position with a schedule determined by unit seniority and shift bid, with overtime opportunities available.

Starting pay is $37.77/hour, plus shift and specialty differentials.

Police Sergeants report to a Captain or Lieutenant and provide day-to-day supervision of officers and staff while supporting the delivery of law enforcement, community policing, and security services for their assigned shift. Supervisors participate in regular leadership meetings and are encouraged to provide input on departmental operations and initiatives.

Responsibilities:

Essential functions include, but are not limited to:

• Supervise police officers and support staff, including assigning work, monitoring performance, conducting evaluations, and ensuring compliance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Coordinate and oversee daily shift operations, including scheduling personnel, prioritizing assignments, and addressing complex or high-risk situations.
• Respond to routine and emergency incidents, including radio or dispatch calls requiring law enforcement or public safety response.
• Patrol university property and surrounding areas while interacting with students, employees, and visitors to support safety and community engagement.
• Enforce federal and state laws, university policies, and traffic regulations, including conducting traffic stops and issuing citations.
• Prepare and review reports related to incidents, investigations, arrests, injuries, and administrative matters.
• Assist with criminal investigations, training new officers, and coordinating policing needs for campus events or special assignments.
• Apprehend offenders and support investigations consistent with law enforcement standards and procedures.
• Maintain situational awareness and coordinate resources to ensure effective response to campus safety needs.

Required Qualifications:

• Full-Time Law Enforcement Certification from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy (Out-of-state certified officers eligible for waiver consideration)
• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum of five years of law enforcement experience
• Valid Maine Class C driver’s license
• Demonstrated law enforcement and/or supervisory experience

To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below or visit our USM Careers Page and submit the following:

• Cover Letter
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Finalist candidates will be asked to provide a list of the names and contact information for references.

Applicants will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and position will remain posted until filled.

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate. After oral interviews are conducted, the finalist candidate must pass a physical fitness assessment (unless Full-Time certified), medical exam, background investigation, and job suitability assessment in accordance with Maine Criminal Just Academy standards.

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/

Clery Act:

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR), and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. View the University’s Annual Security Report (PDF) If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact our Public Safety Office at 207.780.5211.