North-West University (NWU) invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for Protection Officer: Security vacancies (4 posts) at its Potchefstroom Campus. The positions are permanent and are aimed at security professionals who have the required PSIRA grades and relevant security experience. The closing date for applications is 23 September 2026, so interested applicants should make sure their applications are submitted before the deadline.
This opportunity may interest security officers who want to work in a university environment and have experience in protecting people, buildings and property. The successful candidates will form part of the university’s security operations and will help maintain a safe environment for students, employees, visitors and other people on campus.
North-West University is recruiting four Protection Officers: Security for its Operations, Digital, and AI Systems Division.
Here are the main details applicants should know:
The main purpose of the position is to help maintain safety and security across the university campus. Protection Officers will play an important role in protecting people and university property while responding to security incidents and other situations that may require assistance.
The Protection Officer: Security role involves much more than simply watching an entrance or walking around a building.
Successful candidates will be involved in different security activities across the campus. They will conduct patrols, control access to university facilities, respond to incidents and communicate security information to the Control Room.
Protection Officers must also make sure that security procedures are followed. This includes following standard operating procedures, university rules, security requirements and the institution’s values.
The role requires employees who can remain alert, communicate clearly and respond appropriately when something goes wrong.
Applicants must meet the minimum requirements listed for the position.
The main requirements are:
A valid driver’s licence will be an added advantage.
Applicants who have one year of higher education experience may also have an advantage.
Candidates should also be computer literate and comfortable using communication equipment such as radios and telephones.
The Protection Officers will have several responsibilities as part of the university’s security operations.
Regular patrols will be carried out to help identify security problems and protect people and property.
During patrols, officers may need to identify unusual activity, report problems and take the necessary steps according to university security procedures.
Access control is another important part of the job.
Protection Officers will perform access control functions and help make sure that people entering or leaving controlled areas follow the required procedures.
They may also monitor security service providers working at access points.
Protection Officers must be able to respond to different incidents on campus.
When a crime or security incident occurs, officers will need to attend to the situation and report relevant crime information to the Control Room.
The successful candidates will also be required to complete the necessary incident documentation.
This means good written communication and attention to detail are important.
Protection Officers will need to manage alarms effectively and respond when an alarm or other security alert is received.
Regular communication through radio and telephone systems will also be part of the job.
Officers must be able to communicate with colleagues, the Control Room and other stakeholders in a clear and professional way.
Any faults, problems or deviations identified during security operations must also be reported.
The position includes responsibilities related to securing university buildings.
This may involve locking and unlocking buildings according to the required security procedures.
Protection Officers will need to make sure buildings and areas are properly secured and that any problems are reported.
The successful candidates will also support physical crime prevention activities.
This may involve identifying possible risks, maintaining a visible security presence and taking steps to protect people and university property.
Protection Officers may also be required to perform searches when necessary and provide reaction services for alarms.
NWU may use outsourced security services in certain areas.
Protection Officers may therefore be required to monitor compliance with relevant security service agreements and oversee outsourced security services where necessary.
This requires employees who can communicate professionally and understand the importance of following agreed procedures.
The role also includes supporting disaster management functions.
During serious emergencies, Protection Officers may be expected to help coordinate incident responses and assist with keeping people safe.
The successful candidates may also help protect people and university property from fire and other safety risks.
Security arrangements for special events may also form part of the position.
Some security situations require evidence to be handled carefully.
Protection Officers may be required to preserve evidence and follow the correct procedures relating to the seizure and preservation of evidence.
They may also be required to provide evidence in disciplinary or criminal matters.
This means applicants need to understand the importance of following proper procedures and keeping accurate records.
The position may also include:
Applicants should understand that security work can involve different duties depending on what is happening on campus.
NWU is looking for people who can work with different groups of people and remain professional while carrying out their duties.
Important skills and competencies include:
Protection Officers may need to make decisions during incidents. Good judgement can help them respond appropriately while following security procedures.
The successful candidates will work with students, employees, visitors, contractors, security colleagues and other stakeholders. Good interpersonal skills are therefore important.
Although this is a security position, officers will interact with members of the public and the university community. Applicants should be able to communicate respectfully and professionally.
Security officers may encounter unexpected problems during their shifts. The ability to identify problems and take appropriate action is important.
Protection Officers will have different duties to complete during their shifts. Good time management can help ensure that important tasks are not missed.
Applicants should also be able to maintain pocketbooks and incident books and understand procedures related to visitation services, evidence preservation, traffic control and access control.
NWU has not provided a specific salary amount in the vacancy information.
The university states that the annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment and will be in accordance with NWU policy guidelines.
Applicants should therefore not assume a specific salary amount unless it is confirmed by NWU.
These vacancies are aimed at security professionals who meet the required qualifications and experience.
The opportunity may be suitable for applicants who:
A valid driver’s licence and experience in higher education may provide an added advantage.
Applicants should carefully check the requirements before applying.
NWU states that incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications must also be submitted through the official NWU vacancy website.
Candidates should make sure that all required information and supporting documents are included before submitting their applications.
The reference number for this vacancy is nwu_004696, which applicants should take note of when reviewing the opportunity.
North-West University states that it applies the principles of the Employment Equity Act and its Employment Equity Plan.
Preference is given to candidates from designated groups in accordance with these principles.
Applicants who meet the requirements are encouraged to submit their applications through the official recruitment platform.
The closing date for the NWU Protection Officer: Security vacancies is 23 September 2026.
There are four permanent positions available at the Potchefstroom Campus.
Because applications close soon, eligible security professionals should prepare their information and submit their applications through the official NWU vacancy platform before the closing date.
Interested applicants can access the official NWU vacancy listing and submit their application online.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY – NWU Protection Officer: Security
When applying, make sure you meet the PSIRA, experience and other requirements. Check your application carefully before submitting it, as NWU states that incomplete applications or applications submitted through other platforms will not be considered.
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