Armed Public Safety Officer; APSO

Armed Public Safety Officer (APSO)

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 currently seeking a non‑sworn APSO to support Department of Defense‑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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• 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

A current PA Act 235 certification is preferred; 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. Candidates must also obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance.

• 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)
• Credit history check and motor vehicle records check for those operating a motor vehicle as part of job duties
• Applicants must be U.S. Citizens

The starting contractual base salary is $57,766.40 as of July 1 2026. Annual rate changes and service time increases apply. The current contract expires June 30 2028.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; robust retirement plans; substantial paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time); and a 75 % tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.

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.