Armed Public Safety Officer (APSO)

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).

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.
• Congduct 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.
• Aid 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

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle as a part of job duties

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
• PA 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
• 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
• A 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.
• Department of Defense security clearance as a condition of employment.
• 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.

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.

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. 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. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.