Position Type: Full-time, on-site; shifts assigned based on seniority, 10-hour shifts (7 AM–5 PM, 5 PM–3 AM, 9 PM–7 AM), 4 days on, 3 days off.
Reports To: Shift Sergeant
Salary Range: Starting at $59,302 (entry-level, per union agreement); significant experience may adjust starting pay. Union contract renegotiation in summer 2025, with changes expected.

Join a Strong Team in a Connected Community

The University of Vermont (UVM) Police Services is a dedicated and highly trained law enforcement agency serving the UVM campus community. With a strong team-oriented culture and a deep connection to the greater Chittenden County community, this department offers a unique career path in law enforcement.

What makes UVM Police Services unique?

• Lifestyle: Work in a setting where the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain create an unparalleled quality of life.
• Caseload: The nature of university policing is distinct from municipal departments, allowing for strong community engagement and problem-solving rather than a high volume of traditional street crime.
• Career-Changers Welcome: Many officers join UVM Police Services later in life, transitioning from other careers, including law enforcement, public safety, military service, or fire and rescue.
• Strong Training & Career Development: Officers receive extensive field training, access to specialized courses, and a tuition remission benefit for themselves and their dependents.
• Team-Oriented Culture: Many current officers have transitioned from municipal police agencies and report a positive work environment with strong leadership and growth opportunities.
• Brand-New Patrol Vehicles: Officers are assigned their own vehicles, with a new fleet this year.

Role Overview

As a Police Officer with UVM Police Services, you will be responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the university community through patrol, emergency response, investigations, and community outreach. Officers actively engage with students, faculty, and staff to create a safe and welcoming campus environment.

UVM Police Officers handle a wide variety of calls, ranging from general security concerns to emergency incidents, all while fostering a proactive and collaborative relationship with the campus community.

Key Responsibilities

• Campus Patrol & Law Enforcement – Conduct proactive patrols to maintain a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
• Incident Response – Respond to emergencies, provide immediate assistance, and take appropriate law enforcement actions.
• Investigations & Reports – Conduct follow-up investigations, gather evidence, and document cases for further action.
• Community Engagement – Build relationships with the campus community, deliver safety education programs, and support initiatives such as self-defense courses.
• Special Event Coverage – Provide security and traffic control at Division 1 athletic events (60+ games per year), concerts, and other campus gatherings.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED.
• Associate’s degree or at least one to two years of specialized experience in law enforcement, security, military, emergency response (including volunteer fire, EMS, or rescue experience).

Physical & Medical Requirements

• Satisfactory visual field and depth perception with the ability to hear high and low decibel sounds.
• Ability to physically restrain a suspect, run up/down multiple flights of stairs, and run up to 100 yards in emergency situations.
• Ability to stand for long periods and handle physically demanding law enforcement tasks.

Certifications & Training

• Screening Process: Must complete the Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) as part of the application.
• Testing & Evaluations: Includes a background investigation, psychological assessment, polygraph examination, and medical screening.
• Physical Fitness Test: Applicants must pass a timed run and rowing assessment at the Vermont Police Academy.
• Final Interview: Candidates will meet with Chief Bilodeau before receiving a conditional offer of employment.

Academy & Field Training

• New Officers (Not Yet Certified) – Attend the Vermont Police Academy (17-week in-person training, home on weekends).
• Experienced Officers (Level 3 Certified in VT) – Complete a 10-week field training program with UVM Police.
• Out-of-State Certified Officers – May be eligible for a waiver process through the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council (VCJTC).
  • This process typically requires 168 additional hours of training in three phases:
    1. One-week certification course for waiver officers.
    2. Additional legislative/council-mandated training.
    3. At least 60 hours of field training with UVM Police Services.
  • The VCJTC may require further training based on an applicant’s previous experience.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: Starting at $59,302 (union-negotiated rate for entry-level officers); additional compensation for experience.
• Sign-On Bonus: Available for eligible candidates.
• Overtime: Uncapped OT available, including special event coverage and filling shift openings for vacation/leave time.
• Union Benefits: Step plan in place (link available upon request); contract renegotiation in summer 2025.
• Paid Leave: Includes vacation, personal, cultural holidays, medical leave, and paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Retirement Savings Plans with employer contributions.
• Tuition Remission: Available for officers and their dependents—a significant career benefit.
• Annual Equipment Allowance: Uniforms and duty gear are provided.
• Extensive Training Opportunities: Regular professional development, field training, and specialized law enforcement education.

Why Join UVM Police Services?

If you're looking for a law enforcement career that combines community policing with the benefits of a campus environment, UVM Police Services offers an excellent opportunity. Officers enjoy a strong team culture, a tight-knit community, and outstanding training opportunities.

With uncapped overtime, tuition remission, and a beautiful Vermont lifestyle, this role is ideal for those seeking professional growth while maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and career paths, including those transitioning from other public safety roles. Whether you’re an experienced officer or new to the profession, we encourage you to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Vermont and The Source and Recruit Company are Equal Opportunity Employers. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of employment and recruitment. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.

Confidentiality Notice: The Source and Recruit Company has been retained to assist with this hiring process. All inquiries will be handled confidentially.

Ready to Make an Impact? Apply Today!