Security Specialist I (Campus Locksmith)
- Public Safety
- Staff, full-time (32+ hours per week)
Title: Security Specialist I (Campus Locksmith)
Position Number: 999915
Unit/Department: Public Safety
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Job Summary:
The Security Specialist I (Campus Locksmith) plays a critical role in maintaining the safety, security, and accessibility of university facilities. This position is responsible for installing, maintaining, repairing, and rekeying locks, door hardware, key systems, and electronic access control devices across campus buildings. The Security Specialist is also responsible for basic fire alarm system maintenance as well as video surveillance equipment. The Security Specialist supports students, faculty, staff, and visitors by ensuring secure access to classrooms, residence halls, offices, laboratories, and other university facilities.
The Security Specialist I (Campus Locksmith) is responsible for maintaining the integrity, reliability, and security of the institution’s physical access systems. This position performs skilled locksmith work with a primary focus on lock repair and key cutting (60% of duties), while also supporting electronic access control systems, security infrastructure installation, fire safety systems, and emergency response functions.
This role carries a high level of responsibility for safeguarding the campus security system, ensuring proper access control, key accountability, and rapid response to security-related incidents. The position requires participation in after-hours and on-call response for all assigned functional areas.
Minimum Qualifications:
* High school diploma or equivalent
* Experience in locksmithing, facilities maintenance, or related trade
*Familiarity with fire safety systems.
*Knowledge of mechanical locking systems and key cutting
* Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive security information
* Valid driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience with fire safety systems
* Experience with installing and maintaining video systems
Job Duties:
- 60% - Lock Repair & Key Cutting - (Essential)
- 15% - Electronic Lock & Access Control Systems - (Essential)
- 10% - Fire Safety & Life Safety Systems - (Essential)
- 5% - Camera Installation & Wiring - (Essential)
- 5% - Emergency Elevator Response - (Essential)
- % - Other Duties as Assigned - (Essential)
Special Instructions to Applicants:
For consideration, you must apply online. Please include a resume and cover letter.
Review of Applications Begins:
A review of applications will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled.
Salary and Benefits:
At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our Drake Benefits Guide 2026. One of our popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. Tuition Benefits
For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.
ABOUT DRAKE
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.
All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.
STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. As reflected in our Core Values, we embrace a diverse and inclusive community.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Drake University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (p: 515.271.3133; e: jobs@drake.edu) and let us know how we can assist you.
