Armed Public Safety Officer (APSO)

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• Outstanding customer service orientation;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• 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.

Qualifications

• General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS)
• 0 to 1 year of relevant experience

Skills

• Customer Service Orientation
• Verbal and Written Communication
• Analytical and Judgment Skills
• Collaboration and Coordination
• Credible Testimony
• Standard Conduct

Benefits

• Starting contractual base salary of $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 Commission.
• Training will be sponsored by the University.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance as a condition of employment.
• Successful completion of a University Police and Public Safety background investigation.
• Fingerprint background check.
• Pre-employment drug screen (required for ARL sponsorship).

Pay

• Starting contractual base salary of $54,766.40 as of July 1, 2026.
• Annual rate changes and service time increases apply.
• The current contract expires June 30, 2028.

Schedule

• Not specified.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Robust retirement plans.
• 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.

Contact Information

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.