Armed Public Safety Officer (APSO)

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Penn State University Police and Public Safety Department is responsible for protecting and serving more than 100,000 students, employees, as well as visitors at campuses located throughout Pennsylvania. We are a cohesive and centralized department with sworn police officers who have full law enforcement authority serving the 22 campuses with our headquarters being located at University Park. We are in search of a non-sworn, Armed Public Safety Officer (APSO) to support our Department of Defense cleared facilities who are responsible for carrying out the functions of protection of sensitive materials and property, employee safety, preliminary security investigative work and other related duties at the University's Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) facilities.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Monitor and enforce University and Department of Defense regulations.
• Patrol designated buildings, ensuring that all necessary security controls and measures are engaged and functional.
• Respond to alarms; investigate and take appropriate action; communicating via radio calls, including requests for assistance or service as needed.
• Conduct preliminary investigations of security and safety incidents.
• Respond to fires, medical emergencies, and other hazardous situations; effect emergency rescue; suppress fires; and take other appropriate action.
• Establish and monitor procedures for employees and visitor controls such as device controls, restricted personnel, search of materials entering and exiting buildings.
• Assist with special University events and other activities as needed.

Successful candidates will possess:

• Outstanding customer service orientation; excellent verbal and written communication skills; excellent analytical, judgment, ethical decision-making, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with various levels of faculty, staff, students, and outside agencies.
• Ability to provide effective, honest, and credible testimony at court hearings.
• Ability to work with a wide variety of diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Ability to always uphold an excellent standard of conduct, abiding by laws, regulations, and policies.

The position requires a High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or higher and up to one year of relevant experience. A current PA Act 235 certification, or the ability to obtain one within six (6) months of hire, and the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance and clearance sponsorship is required for employment. Current PA Act 235 certified individuals preferred.

This position requires:

• Successful University Police and Public Safety Background Investigation
• U.S. Citizenship
• Fingerprint background check
• Operation of a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties - a valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks
• Successful completion of a credit history check
• Sponsorship with the Applied Research Laboratory will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen
• Completion of all Act 235 requirements to become a certified agent (with firearms) through Pennsylvania State Police
• Successful Department of Defense Background investigation

Please include a cover letter and resume with your application.

Starting contractual base salary is $ $53,185.60. Annual rate changes and service time increases as applicable. The current contract expires June 30, 2028.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT

Labor & Employee Relations Click on Union Agreements and select the applicable Agreement.

SALARY & BENEFITS

For details on starting salary and progression, please see the above collective bargaining agreement.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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