Armed Public Safety Officer (APSO)
Penn State University
State College, Pennsylvania
Full-Time
$46,522
RemoteSenior
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice 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, and visitors across campuses located throughout Pennsylvania. We are a cohesive, centralized department with sworn police officers who possess full law enforcement authority and serve all 22 Penn State campuses, with headquarters located at University Park. We are currently seeking a non-sworn Armed Public Safety Officer (APSO) to support Department of Defense (DoD)–cleared facilities at the University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). APSOs are responsible for the protection of sensitive materials and property, employee safety, preliminary security investigative duties, and other related responsibilities within a mission-driven, high-security environment.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Monitor and enforce University and Department of Defense regulations.
Patrol designated buildings, ensuring all required security controls and measures are engaged and functioning properly.
Respond to alarms; investigate incidents; take appropriate action; and communicate 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 employee and visitor control procedures, including device controls, restricted personnel access, and the 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; and strong analytical, judgment, ethical decision-making, and organizational skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively within a mission-driven organizational structure and coordinate with outside agencies as required.
Ability to provide effective, honest, and credible testimony at court hearings.
Ability to consistently uphold an excellent standard of conduct, in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
Application Instructions
Please include a cover letter and resume with your application.
Compensation
The starting contractual base salary is $54,766.40 as of July 1, 2026. Annual rate changes and service time increases apply. The current contract expires June 30, 2028.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS) 0 to 1 year of relevant experience Required Certifications: Pennsylvania Driver's License - Pennsylvania Department of Transportation First Aid Certification - American Red Cross, American Heart Association or other accredited organization Firearms Qualification - Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission CLEAN Certification - Pennsylvania State Police Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification - American Red Cross, American Heart Association or other accredited organization Act 235 Lethal Weapons Training - Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training CommissionA current PA Act 235 certification is preferred; however, candidates must be eligible for and able to successfully complete all PA Act 235 training and certification requirements within six months of hire. Training will be sponsored by the University. Additionally, candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance as a condition of employment.
This position requires:
Successful completion of a University Police and Public Safety background investigation
Fingerprint background check
Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen (required for ARL sponsorship)
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Due to the financial and fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks. This position requires that you operate 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.Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
This position is part of the bargaining unit represented by The Penn State University Police Officers Association (PSUPOA). More information can be found here: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.