Careers with the UMPD

There are currently no administrative jobs available. 

Go the UMass Amherst Careers page to find more information.  When applications are being accepted, the application portal will be open on the Careers page.

UMPD Emergency Dispatcher responsibilities include, but are not limited to receiving emergency and non-emergency calls for Police, Fire, and EMS.  Candidates should have the ability to multi-task and maintain composure in stressful situations.  Excellent communications skills, both oral and written, are a must.  Candidates also need to possess a working knowledge of basic computer functions and programs.  Prior public safety dispatching experience is preferred but not required.  Please see the job posting linked above for a complete list of job requirements.

The Dispatch Center is a 24/7, emergency services operation and successful candidates must have schedule flexibility and be willing to work any shift.  Dispatchers are assigned to a 4-on, 2-off schedule with a seniority bid taking place three times per year.  The current positions being hired will likely be assigned to the 11pm-7am shift to start.  

   Current salary range for Dispatchers is $54,828 to $77,058 (top step).   Full-time Dispatcher benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, accrued leave time (15 sick days, 4 personal days, and 10 vacation days accrued annually for first-year employees), on-duty exercise time with use of the Department gym, and more.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma/GED and a valid driver's license.  Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment must submit to and pass a thorough background investigation before being accepted for full-time employment.

UMass Amherst Affirmative Action, Non-Discrimination, and Title IX Non-Discrimination Policy

Police cadets are paid, non-sworn, student employees who have an interest in law enforcement or who want to pursue a career in law enforcement. The program allows students to get invaluable hands-on experience in law enforcement while still pursuing their educational goals. Complementing the UMPD, the Police Cadets provide an additional level of security and further strengthen the UMPD community policing efforts. Assigned primarily in the residential areas, the cadets work very closely with police officers and the Residence Hall security force. Cadets are extensively trained in police techniques, perform foot patrols, parking enforcement, prisoner watch, and perform ancillary functions to free officers for other duties.  As students, they often see and hear what the police cannot, spotting problems early and alerting police to intervene and prevent escalation.

Police Cadets are paid $19.00 per hour.  Shifts are Thursdays (7 p.m. – 3 a.m.) and Friday & Saturday nights (8 p.m.- 4 a.m.).  Cadets are expected to work at least two shifts per week. 

You must complete an application in order to be considered for selection, to request more information please contact Lt Mike Malouin (@email).

Eligibility Requirements:

• Open to any college students

• Must stay enrolled as a student (6 credits) during his or her employment in the Cadet Program

• Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or better

• Pass a physical examination and an academic test

Selection Process:

• 3-person panel interviews are held in the spring of each year for the next academic year

• Successfully complete a thorough background investigation

• Must successfully complete the in-house Cadet Academy (see below for details)

• Applicants will be removed from the process should they fail any stage.

About the Training Program

The training program consists of 100 hours, as part of this recruits must participate in a 50 hour live-in “Cadet Academy” during the end of August each year. During this time they receive instruction on criminal law, de-escalation techniques, UMPD procedures to comply with accreditation standards, defensive tactics, communication techniques, physical fitness, and more.  Those who are unable to complete all aspects of the training will not continue in the Cadet Program. 

Pathways of Police Cadet Graduates

Since the program's beginning in 2003, more than 160 young men and women have participated in the UMPD Police Cadet program. Many have used the experience they gained as a launching point to a career in law enforcement.

Police cadet graduates are employed at police departments in Amherst, Ashland, Belchertown, Bernardston, Easthampton, Longmeadow, Northampton, Northfield, Monson, Palmer, Pittsfield, Ware, Framingham State University, Freeport ME, Las Vegas NV, West Hartford CT, as well as the Massachusetts, Vermont and Connecticut State Police Departments. UMPD currently employs three former police cadets. 

Fitness Requirements

Police cadets are expected to maintain a high fitness level to meet the program standard. The fitness test are based off of 50th percentile numbers, using the Cooper Model for each physical ability tested.  

Entry Level Police Officer Positions

Applicants for the Entry Level Police Officer position who are applying to be a full time police officer and do NOT currently hold a POST-accepted full time academy certificate, and will need to attend an MPTC Police Academy in order to begin working as an officer.

University Police Officer Lateral

NOTE: If you are a current police officer who possesses a Massachusetts POST-accepted academy certificate (or are from another state and can apply to have your academy accepted by Mass. POST), apply as a Lateral Transfer candidate. 

UMPD Employment and Selection Process

UMPD no longer utilizes a written exam for applicants to become a police officer. To learn more about the application and selection process including minimum application requirements, employment benefits, and job responsibilities, read our Overview of the Selection and Hiring Process.

Questions

For any questions about working at UMPD or the application process, email the UMPD Recruiting and Retention Unit at: @email

UMass Amherst Affirmative Action, Non-Discrimination, and Title IX Non-Discrimination Policy

University Police Officer - Experienced Level

Full-Time Academy Required

Applicants for Experienced or Lateral Transfer positions are applying to be a full-time police officer and must currently possess a Massachusetts POST-accepted academy certificate (or are from another state and can apply to have your academy accepted by Mass. POST). 

​NOTE: Persons who desire to be a full-time police officer and do NOT currently hold a POST-accepted full time academy certificate, and who will need to attend an MPTC Police Academy in order to begin working as an officer need to go through the Entry Level process.

UMPD Employment and Selection Process 

UMPD no longer utilizes a written exam for applicants to become a police officer. To learn more about the application and selection process including minimum application requirements, employment benefits, and job responsibilities, read our Overview of the Selection and Hiring Process.

For any questions about working at UMPD or the application process, email the UMPD Recruitment and Retention Unit at: @email

UMass Amherst Affirmative Action, Non-Discrimination, and Title IX Non-Discrimination Policy

Residence hall security job openings for students are posted on the UMass Amherst Student Job Board. These jobs are not handled by Human Resources but by Residence Hall Security.

How to Find and Apply for Open Residence Hall Security Positions

To find open resident hall security positions:

1. Go to the UMass Amherst Student Job Board.
2. Click Search the UMass Student Job Board.
3. On the Search page under Job Title, look for and select Residence Hall Security Staff. (If there are no open positions, that job title will not be in the list.)
4. Click Search.
5. In the search results (if any), hover over and click the linked Job ID text.
6. Follow the instructions on the job information page on how to apply.

Residence Hall Job Descriptions

During the academic year, over 200 students are employed as Security Monitors to check residents’ identification, register guests and screen visitors. During vacation periods, security is also provided in the occupied nine-month and year-round halls. We are one of the largest employers of students and we welcome you to apply for the exciting opportunities below.

Monitor:

This is an excellent job for a busy student. Security monitors are the cornerstone of our department. They are assigned to work in the lobbies of residence halls 8:00 pm to 12:00 am on weekdays and 8:00 pm to 3:00 am on weekends. Security monitors oversee residence hall access by checking resident's IDs, registering their guests, and reporting emergency situations to the UMass Police Department and the Residence Hall Security dispatcher. Security Monitors start at $14.75 an hour.

Area Supervisor:

The Area Supervisor is assigned to supervise security monitors in a residential patrol area of 6 or 7 buildings. They check and support monitors by signing in minor guests, guests without identification, assist in complex and emergency situations, and provide relief for breaks. Outside duties include ensuring exterior doors are closed and locked, reporting lighting or other environmental concerns, assisting with walking safety escorts, and serving as the eyes and ears of the department to alert the Police or other agencies of issues of concern. The Area Supervisors are assigned two-way radios to maintain communication with the Dispatcher and other Supervisors. This position is great for anyone looking for more activity and independence on the job while building invaluable leadership skills. Pay starts at $15.75 an hour, and hours are 7:00 pm to 12:30 am during the week and 7:00 pm to 3:30 am on weekends. 

Dispatch:

The role of dispatcher is also filled by a supervisor. The dispatcher is located in Dickinson Hall. They staff the phone and two-way radio, relaying essential information to all supervisors. The dispatcher is responsible for responding to security monitor questions and concerns over the phone, and sending in-person assistance as needed. They also perform clerical duties by logging nightly staffing and assignments, recording employee warnings, and communicating with the UMass Police, Physical Plant or Housing and Residence Life as needed. Pay starts at $15.75 an hour, and hours are 6:00 pm to 12:30 am on weekdays and 6:00 pm to 3:30 am on weekends. 

Shift Supervisor:

Shift Supervisor is the senior student-held position in the department. Shift Supervisors perform all the behind-the-scenes administrative work required to keep Residence Hall Security running smoothly, including distributing and collecting all security equipment, moving staff to respond to nightly security needs, assisting area supervisors, and responding to employee conflict. This is an excellent position for people who enjoy problem solving, job variation, independence, and who are looking to improve upon their leadership and team-building talents. In the absence of the Residence Hall Security Manager, they provide oversight for the department during night shifts. The pay is $16.25 an hour

Coordinator:

Coordinators schedule approximately 30 monitors for a cluster of 5-7 buildings or the staff of 30 Area Supervisors. Coordinators don't work a fixed schedule, but are required to have the monthly schedule completed on time and participate in weekly meetings responding to employee warning appeals. Coordinators are expected to be highly organized and communicative with the monitors they schedule. This role is a good fit for those who are self-directed and looking for more flexibility in their work. The pay is $14.25 an hour. 

Day Staff:

Day Staff are those student employees who staff the security office during normal business hours. They perform clerical support for the department by reviewing and filing guest logs, preparing reports, replenishing equipment, and preparing supplies for the evening shift. The day staff will also communicate with other departments to report non-urgent matters relayed by the evening shift. The day staff receive supervision from the security office manager or the security Program Manager.