Police Officer I-III #006543

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, UNC Asheville is the designated public liberal arts campus in the University of North Carolina system. UNC Asheville is nationally known for the quality of our student-centered teaching, mentoring of undergraduates in research, interdisciplinary learning, and a welcoming campus community.

In addition to award-winning faculty, UNCA has also ranked high in Research.com, US News & World Report and the Princeton Review in 2025.

Research.com - #8 in Best Colleges, #11 Most Affordable Colleges in NC, #16 Best Value Colleges in NC

US News & World Report - #9 in Top Public Schools

Princeton Reviews - #7 in Top 50 Guide to Green Schools

Employees of UNCA are provided with a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available. Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employees may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are group exercise classes, and free access to the campus recreation center for full time employees, vaccine shots are also offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

This position is required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as needed. This position is subject to Emergency Call Back to the workstations for emergency situations on short notice, if available. The employee will receive compensatory time for Emergency Call Back in accordance with UNC Asheville policy.

As a central part of the university community, the mission of University Police is to contribute to and promote the greater mission of UNC Asheville by facilitating a safe, secure, and service-oriented environment for all students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors. They do this by offering crime prevention programs to promote safety and deter criminal activity. University Police officers conduct various law enforcement activities, including patrolling within the geographic jurisdiction, conducting criminal investigations, crime prevention, assisting motorists, parking/traffic control and providing security at special events.

Police officers participate in and attend training exercises and classes in law enforcement, first-aid, and other emergency response areas. Police officers perform other assigned duties as requested.

In an effort to recruit well-qualified Police Officers, UNC Asheville may opt to offer a sign-on bonus for newly hired Officers with at least one year of law enforcement experience. The sign-on bonus will be for a total amount of $4,500 and will be paid in three installments in the first year of employment. To be eligible for a sign-on bonus, the candidate must not have worked as a probationary, permanent, or time-limited employee in the last 12 months as an employee subject to the State Human Resources Act or within the UNC System.

Minimum of High School diploma or GED and completion of the State of NC Basic Law Enforcement Training ( BLET) and successful completion of the appointing agency's designated field training program for newly appointed Campus Police Officers.

Police Officer I: 0-2 years of experience. At least probationary certification from the NC CJETSC as a commissioned police officer.

Police Officer II: 2 years experience as a sworn local, state, or federal law enforcement officer. Current certification from NC CJETSC as a commissioned police officer or certification eligible with an agency-specified timeframe.

Police Officer III: 4 years of experience as a sworn local, state, or federal law enforcement officer. Current certification from NC CJETSC as a commissioned police officer or certification eligible within an agency-specified timeframe.

Master Police Officer I: 6 years experience as a sworn local, state or federal law enforcement officer. An advanced degree (JD, Masters, Doctorate) reduces the minimum experience by 1 year. Current certification from NC CJETSC as a commissioned police officer or certification eligible within an agency-specified timeframe.

Candidates who apply that do not meet the above minimum criteria may be considered for hire as a Police Officer Trainee with the ability to qualify for attendance at a State of NC Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy ( BLET). The minimum salary would be based on trainee-level experience.

Current possession of North Carolina BLET Certification. The preferred candidate will have at least two years of campus law enforcement experience.

Strongly prefer current certification as a law enforcement officer in accordance with the provisions of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission or the ability to achieve certification within one year of employment.

Out-of-state candidates must have successfully completed a Basic Law Enforcement Training course accredited by the state of transfer to be considered. Out-of-state candidates cannot have a break in service from the out-of-state agency for more than one year. All out-of-state candidates may have to complete 96 hours (or more) of training to be eligible for NC Certification, pass the state exam or other requirements set forth by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.

To be considered, application must be made online.

Attach a cover letter, current resume, and a list of professional references (including complete contact information with name, title, address, email, and phone) to complete the application.

For questions and additional information, please contact Captain Michael Dykes at mdykes@unca.edu

Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

UNC Asheville uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

The UNC Asheville Annual Safety Report is available online at UNCA Safety Report. For more information please contact the Assistant Vice Chancelor for Institutional Integrity & Access/Clery Act Compliance Officer at (828) 232-5658 or email oiia@unca.edu . The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.