Watch Commander

Job Summary
Reporting to the Captain of Patrol Operations, this position has an internal title of DPS Lieutenant and is a full-time, uniformed, unarmed university employee who is the primary supervisor of a shift or watch. The incumbent will have significant responsibility in supervising DPS Shift Supervisors (sergeants) contract security officers who supplement DPS staffing, and work study students; planning and directing watch activities; assigning work, monitoring workload, analyzing the methods used and implementing changes when/where needed; providing training, issuing assignments and reviewing quality of work. The Watch Commander also assists with patrolling the campus grounds and campus buildings to ensure a safe environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors.


As an employee of the Department of Public Safety, you will be required to work during designated days/peak periods. These days and periods, which can extend for several weeks during peak times such as summer, are critical for staffing needs and operational requirements. During these periods, employees are expected to be available for duty without the ability to request time off. Additionally, you may be called in and expected to respond during your scheduled days off, and you will receive appropriate compensation for this additional work.


This position is subject to a 4/10 Alternative Work Schedule (AWS) for which you will regularly work (four, ten-hour days per week) without the payment for overtime for the ninth and tenth hour worked in a day.

**For full consideration, please include and upload a copy of your guard card with your resume in the attachments section.**

As an employee of the Department of Public Safety, you will be required to work during designated days/peak periods. These days and periods, which can extend for several weeks during peak times such as summer, are critical for staffing needs and operational requirements. During these periods, employees are expected to be available for duty without the ability to request time off. Additionally, you may be called in and expected to respond during your scheduled days off, and you will receive appropriate compensation for this additional work.

This position is subject to a 4/10 Alternative Work Schedule (AWS) for which you will regularly work (four, ten-hour days per week) without the payment for overtime for the ninth and tenth hour worked in a day.

Position Specific Responsibilities/Accountabilities

• Provides technical advice and guidance to officers and students in the enforcement of campus rules and regulations.
• Prepares absentee/morning reports and watch schedules/lists for the following day. Responsible for receiving reports, maintaining desk journals, ensuring accuracy of paperwork submitted, maintaining key control for various buildings and vehicles, issuing specialized equipment, and checking neatness and cleanliness of DPS facilities.
• Inspects the physical security of the campus areas, evaluates situations and conditions, identifies deficiencies, and recommends or takes appropriate actions.
• Responsible for inspecting DPS activities on the campus to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures. The incumbent also responds to and investigates complaints, compiles evidence, makes apprehensions, prepares reports relating to criminal and civil security hazards, takes witness statements; monitors unusual situations/conditions through personal surveillance or electronic surveillance aids; responds to radio calls and takes required action and requests additional support if necessary.
• May respond to LMU-related incidents surrounding the Loyola Marymount University campus.
• Work special assignments as required and participate in all recommended training programs.
• Detect, identify, and assist LAPD in detaining persons who commit illegal acts or violations of university regulations on LMU property. Ensure reports and other forms are properly completed and approved.
• Supervise, schedule and track the work and training of the contract security officers assigned to work with LMU Public Safety.
• Respond to activated alarms for emergency situations such as fire, chemical spills, medical emergencies, burglaries, and door security concerns.
• Immediately send out LMU Alerts to LMU Community and report emergency situations to on-duty manager.
• Generate reports of daily activity, including any irregularities of equipment, property damage or any incidents reported to DPS.
• Circulate among visitors, students and employees to preserve order and protect property and warn persons of LMU rule infractions.
• Provide customer service in accordance with LMU established standards and expectations.
• Provide escort or access service according to policy for occupants if requested.
• May represent LMU DPS within the campus community and at professional organizations or associations and may serve on committees as needed.
• Patrol premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion, failed equipment operation and any safety hazards.
• Patrol to secure doors, gates and windows during off-hours.
• Must be able to report for work or work past scheduled shift, to work overtime on short or no notice, to work all shifts, to work rotating shifts, and to work weekends, holidays, closures, special events, and designated days/peak periods.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Loyola Marymount University Expectations

Exhibit behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the university.  Communicate and employ interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct.  Demonstrate a commitment to outstanding customer service.

Requisite Qualifications

• Typically an Associate of Arts degree or higher in criminology, police science or related field, or equivalent experience.  Incumbent will be expected to continue upgrading knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to keep abreast of regulation/policy changes.
• Minimum 5 years of municipal, state or federal law enforcement or security experience in progressively responsible positions.
• Must possess and keep current a California Guard Card and a California Driver’s License. Must possess or acquire within the six months from date of hire of employment and keep current a CPR/First-Aid & AED certifications and PR24 Baton certification.
• Requires valid California driver's license. Must maintain a “satisfactory” driving record as evidenced by DMV records.
• Certificate of Completion for PC 832 Training is preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of compliance requirements under state and federal regulations as they pertain to gathering and disclosing data. Working knowledge of constitutional rights of individuals, elements of arrest, search and seizure. Demonstrated knowledge in the areas of: emergency response, conflict resolution, gathering and compiling data to produce reports, public safety procedures and security operations, and the use of two-way communications equipment.
• Ability to use verbal and physical skills to de-escalate and control high profile incidents, maintaining an effective working relationship with the LMU community at all times. Maintaining control in an emergency, using good judgment, initiative, and organizing ability. Ability to use good judgment and tact when carrying out public relations activities, e.g., giving directions, making discreet inquiries.
• Demonstrated ability to thoroughly and professionally investigate and report incidents, to direct efforts of personnel and resources during an emergency (thorough knowledge of the Incident Command System is required) and to respond to incidents in a manner that will result in public confidence.
• Exemplary communication skills (both written and oral) evidenced by a background in preparing comprehensive reports and executive summaries.
• Must be willing to work various shifts and on weekends and holidays.
• Must be able to report for work or work past scheduled shift, to work overtime on short or no notice, to work all shifts, to work rotating shifts, and to work weekends and holidays.
• Demonstrated computer competency and preferably knowledgeable of relevant systems.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• This position is deemed as Campus Security Authority (CSA) under the Jeanne Clery Act.
• This position is deemed a Mandatory Reporter by university policy.
• This position requires the incumbent to wear an approved duty uniform and utility belt and to abide by a uniform and grooming standards policy.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this position.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Constantly required to sit, feel, use finger movement, speak clearly, hear conversation, see near and far. Frequently required to stand and walk. Occasionally required to lift, carry and push up to 25 lbs., stoop, kneel, reach high and low, use depth perception.

Hiring Salary

$35.05 hourly. This position is non-exempt.

Salary Range

$35.05 - $43.79 Salary commensurate with education and experience.

#HERC# #HEJ#

Staff Regular

Salary range

Please note that this position may not be eligible for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Loyola Marymount University, a Carnegie classified R2 institution in the mainstream of American Catholic higher education, seeks outstanding applicants who value its mission and share its commitment to inclusive excellence, the education of the whole person, and the building of a just society. LMU is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment as defined by federal, state and local law. We invite all persons in the full diversity of their being, life experience, and beliefs to apply. (Visit www.lmu.edu for more information.)

LMU is committed to providing equal access to employment opportunities and ensuring a comprehensive recruitment and selection process for all applicants.

Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the application, interview, or selection process may contact Human Resources at [email protected] or by phone at (310) 338-2723. Applicants who use relay services or other assistive communication technologies are welcome to utilize those services when contacting Human Resources.

When contacting Human Resources, please include the job posting number, title of the position and department for which you are applying. Applicants are not required to disclose the nature of a disability or provide medical information when requesting an accommodation during the recruitment process.

LMU will work with applicants in a timely and interactive process to identify and provide reasonable accommodations consistent with applicable federal and state law.