University & College Security Jobs in Dallas, TX

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What university security jobs are hiring in Dallas?+

Active campus security openings include SMU public safety positions in University Park, UT Dallas campus security in Richardson, Dallas Baptist University security, and contracted security positions across the Dallas County Community College District campuses. Sign up for alerts to be notified when openings are posted.

Does SMU have its own police department?+

Yes. SMU has a fully sworn University Police Department with officers holding full police powers on and around campus. SMU UPD positions are law enforcement roles distinct from contracted security officer positions. Both categories are active hiring channels at SMU.

What does university security pay in Dallas?+

Entry-level campus security runs $15–18/hr. Experienced patrol officers earn $18–24/hr. Senior and supervisory roles reach $24–32/hr. Direct university employment at larger campuses often includes benefits — health insurance, tuition benefits, and retirement — adding significant total compensation value.

Is university security a good stepping stone to law enforcement in Dallas?+

Yes — consistently. Dallas PD and Dallas County Sheriff view campus security experience favorably. The combination of patrol experience, incident documentation, and community interaction translates well to law enforcement hiring criteria. Several current Dallas PD officers began in university security.

Do Dallas college security officers need to be students?+

No. Campus security positions are professional employment roles open to any qualified candidate. Some campuses offer tuition benefit programs for security employees who choose to enroll, but it is not a hiring requirement.

What is the difference between campus security and campus police in Dallas?+

Campus police officers (like SMU UPD) are fully sworn law enforcement with arrest powers. Campus security officers are licensed security professionals — they can detain for reasonable suspicion but do not have sworn police powers. Most Dallas campuses employ both.

Dallas Campus Security

University & College Security in Dallas

The Dallas metro is home to more than a dozen colleges and universities, each with its own campus security program. Southern Methodist University in University Park is the largest private university in the area, operating a fully sworn University Police Department alongside contracted security services for events and auxiliary coverage. UT Dallas in Richardson is one of the fastest-growing research universities in Texas with an expanding security program.

Dallas Baptist University, Brookhaven College, El Centro College, Eastfield College, and Paul Quinn College all operate security programs that draw from the Dallas security talent pool. University security combines community-oriented interaction, event staffing, overnight residential patrol, and access control into a distinctive role profile unlike most commercial security work.

The academic calendar creates seasonal scheduling patterns — lighter summers, heavier fall and spring semesters, with finals weeks and graduation events as peak demand periods. Direct employment positions at larger campuses often include institutional benefits. Active hiring zip codes include 75275 (SMU), 75080 (UT Dallas), and 75211 (DBU).

SMU UT Dallas Dallas Baptist University Brookhaven College Campus Patrol Residential Security Academic Calendar Community-Oriented

Overview & Duties

Role Overview

What Campus Security Jobs Are Available in Dallas?

University security in Dallas spans several role types. Larger programs at SMU and UT Dallas employ campus security officers as part of formal departments with patrol vehicles, dispatch, and tiered career paths. Smaller campuses contract through guard firms for access control, event staffing, and overnight patrol.

Residential security at campuses with on-campus housing involves overnight patrol, managing noise complaints, and responding to student welfare situations. Event security spikes during homecoming, graduation, athletic events, and concerts. Parking enforcement and vehicle patrol round out the campus security portfolio.

University security is well-suited for candidates who want a community-oriented role with predictable academic calendar scheduling. Officers who build tenure at major Dallas campuses often advance into campus police roles or transition into law enforcement — university security is a documented stepping stone to law enforcement careers in Dallas.

Duties

Common Duties & Responsibilities

Conduct vehicle and foot patrol of campus grounds, residential areas, and parking facilities
Respond to student welfare concerns, behavioral incidents, and campus emergencies
Manage access control at campus buildings, event venues, and restricted research facilities
Staff campus events — athletics, graduation ceremonies, concerts, and public lectures
Assist students, faculty, and staff with safety escorts during evening and overnight hours
Monitor campus CCTV and emergency blue light call stations
Coordinate with local law enforcement on incidents requiring police response
Write detailed incident reports for campus police or security department review

Compensation

Typical Pay in Dallas, TX

University security in Dallas pays at or slightly above standard unarmed commercial rates with academic-year scheduling. Direct university employment at larger campuses often includes institutional benefits adding meaningful total compensation.

Entry Level

$15–18/hr

~$31k–37k/yr

Experienced

$18–24/hr

~$37k–50k/yr

Lead / Senior

$24–32/hr

~$50k–67k/yr

Requirements & Schedules

Requirements

What You Need

Valid Texas Level 2 Security License required
Community-oriented approach — campus security involves daily interaction with students
Prior security, military, law enforcement, or youth-oriented service experience all relevant
Valid driver's license for campus patrol vehicle roles
Clean background — campus programs screen thoroughly given the student population
De-escalation skills for student behavioral incidents and residential living conflicts

Schedules

Typical Schedules & Environments

Academic calendar drives scheduling — fall and spring semesters are peak demand periods
Summer security needs are reduced at most Dallas campuses
Overnight and weekend residential patrol available at campuses with on-campus housing
Event security spikes during homecoming, graduation, and major campus events
Finals weeks and move-in/move-out periods create above-normal demand
Many campus positions offer stable semester-long scheduling — more predictable than commercial security

Now Hiring

Current Openings in Dallas, TX

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University & College SecurityJobs in Dallas