Exploring Employment Opportunities at Mercer County Community College

Mercer County Community College (MCCC) stands as a publicly supported institution, dedicated to fostering student success and open to all. Recognizing its workforce as its most valuable resource, MCCC actively seeks to attract, retain, and support a skilled and diverse team. The college prides itself on its diversity and commitment to open access, creating a "Community" feel for both students and employees despite its size. MCCC operates across two campuses: the James Kerney Campus (JKC) in Trenton, NJ, and a larger suburban campus just six miles north of the city.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

MCCC provides a comprehensive and valuable benefits package, including credit course tuition waivers for employees, their spouses, and dependents. This significant benefit allows employees and their families to pursue higher education degrees without incurring substantial costs. The college offers students a wide array of academic options, with 69 Degree Program Options and 35 Credit Certificates to choose from.

Job Duties and Responsibilities: A Focus on Safety

One area of employment at MCCC is within the college safety operation. College Safety Officers provide security services to project a security presence, which may include operating a vehicle to perform patrol, inspection, and/or incident response services.

These officers are deemed essential employees and are required to work during business closures to meet operational requirements. They are expected to exercise sound judgment in decision-making and actions to ensure the safety of the College community and all stakeholders. The role also involves utilizing technology and systems necessary for the job. Due to the nature of the position, College Safety Officers may be exposed to or required to handle sensitive and confidential information.

Essential Functions of a College Safety Officer

The essential duties and responsibilities of a College Safety Officer at MCCC include:

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Mobile and Stationary Patrol: Providing a visible security presence through mobile and stationary patrols. Maintaining communication with other College Safety personnel via radio or other means to report status, incidents, or request assistance.
Hazard and Violation Checks: Identifying unsafe conditions, hazards, security violations, and unauthorized persons. Inspecting buildings, grounds, and security devices; monitoring and setting security devices.
Enforcement and Protection: Protecting life and safeguarding property by enforcing college rules and regulations.
Incident Response: Protecting evidence or the scene of incidents such as accidents, emergencies, or security investigations. Setting up barriers and signage, and providing direction or information to others.
Reporting and Documentation: Preparing logs or reports as required for the patrol route. Writing and/or typing reports and/or entering information in a computer using standard grammar. Inspecting security control logs and acting as required.
Observation and Communication: Observing and reporting incidents, hazards, or suspicious activity to supervisors, college management, life/safety personnel, or public safety authorities as appropriate.
Emergency Response: Responding to incidents of fire, medical emergency, bomb threat, flooding, water discharge, elevator emergency, hazardous materials, inclement weather, and other incidents or conditions following established procedures.
Other Assigned Tasks: Carrying out specific tasks and duties of a similar nature and scope as required.

Working Conditions for Safety Officers

The working conditions for a College Safety Officer can be demanding and may include:

Exposure to stressful situations, such as confronting individuals in unauthorized areas.
The possibility of required overtime with little notice.
The need to handle multiple tasks concurrently.
Potentially long periods of driving.
Occasional stressful and physical activity.
Depending on the assignment, exposure to inclement weather or working in environments requiring protective gear and awareness of personal safety and the safety of others.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The position of College Safety Officer typically does not involve supervisory responsibilities.

ADA and Other Requirements

Positions typically require the ability to use a keyboard, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. The physical demands include keyboarding, basic computer usage, and operating controls. Clear seeing, hearing, speaking, and writing are necessary for communication, observation, reporting, and directing others. The role involves frequent sitting, standing, and walking, potentially including climbing stairs and walking on uneven terrain. Occasional reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling may be required. The officer must be able to lift, push/pull up to 60 pounds in emergency situations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for a College Safety Officer position at MCCC, candidates must meet the following qualifications:

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Possession of a High School Diploma or GED.
Successful completion of company standards for background and reference checks, in addition to any mandatory licensing requirements.
A reliable means of communication.
A valid driver’s license with a driving record that meets company and/or insurance standards.
Ability to speak, read, and write English.
Possession of a current SORA (Security Officer Registration Act) certification issued by the New Jersey State Police. Candidates who do not currently possess a SORA card must acquire one within 2 months from the date of hire.

Career Development Resources for Students and Alumni

MCCC's Career Development office plays a crucial role in assisting students and alumni in their pursuit of suitable college majors, meaningful careers, and competitive positioning within the job market. The office operates under a non-discrimination policy, ensuring equal opportunities regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex (including pregnancy), familial status, marital/civil union status, religion, domestic partnership status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for military service, and mental or physical disability (including perceived disability).

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Major/Career Exploration

Choosing a career path that aligns with one's skills and aspirations is a critical step. The Career Development office offers resources to aid in this process, including career assessments on CAREER COACH to match individuals with potential career choices.

Job/Internship Search Assistance

While the Career Development office does not currently offer direct job or internship placement services, it provides support and resources to assist students in their search.

On-Campus Career Activities

Throughout each semester, the Career Development office hosts a variety of informative activities, such as career panels, job/internship fairs, and in-class workshops. These events provide valuable opportunities for students to learn about different career paths and network with professionals.

Work-Based Learning Opportunities

The Work Based Learning (WBL) coordinator organizes trips to local companies, allowing students to meet with professionals in their fields of interest, learn about their roles, and experience the work environment firsthand.

Services for Alumni

MCCC alumni can also benefit from the Career Development office's resources.

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Job Search Assistance: Although direct job or internship placement is not offered, alumni can access resources to aid in their job search.
Career Change Guidance: The office provides tips and advice for alumni looking to transition to a new career.
Mentoring and Workshops: Alumni are encouraged to give back by sharing their stories, knowledge, and expertise with current students through mentoring and workshops.

Opportunities for Employers

Employers can partner with MCCC to connect with talented students and alumni.

Job/Internship Fairs: Employers can attend job/internship fairs on the Mercer campus to reach a large and diverse audience.
Job/Internship Postings: Employers can post current job openings online via CAREER COACH or on the physical job board.
Weekly On-Campus Recruitment: Employers can set up a table on campus to meet directly with students and promote open positions.
Mentoring: Professionals can mentor students, guiding them towards career success.
Career Advisory Board: Employers can participate in the Career Advisory Board, providing insights on industry needs and workforce demands.
MCCC Career Closet Donation: Employers can donate gently used professional attire to the Career Closet, a free clothing service for students and alumni.

Additional Collaboration Opportunities

The Career Development office is open to collaboration and new ideas, including:

Major/Career Specific Fairs: Partnering to connect students with employers in specific fields.
Speaking Engagements: Arranging for employers to speak on campus or for the office to visit companies.

Career Exploration Tools

MCCC provides a search tool to explore potential academic majors and careers, offering information on educational requirements, job prospects, and wages specific to the Mercer County region.

Work Study Program

The Work Study program offers students the opportunity to work and study while attending Mercer, providing valuable work experience and financial assistance.

Career Closet

The Career Closet, managed by the Office of Student Life and Leadership, provides free professional clothing for students and alumni to wear to interviews or job fairs, promoting confidence and a professional appearance. Donations of gently used professional attire are welcome.

Job Fairs and Networking

Job fairs are a valuable way to network and learn about job opportunities. The state of New Jersey, as well as many four-year and community colleges, including Mercer, hold annual job fairs.

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