Armed Public Safety Officer; APSO

Overview

The Penn State University Police and Public Safety Department protects more than 100,000 students, employees, and visitors across campuses. We are seeking a non-sworn Armed Public Safety Officer (APSO) to support DoD-cleared facilities at the University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). APSOs are responsible for protecting sensitive materials, ensuring employee safety, performing preliminary security investigations, and other duties in a high-security environment.

• Monitor and enforce University and Department of Defense regulations.
• Patrol designated buildings, ensuring security controls are engaged and functioning.
• Respond to alarms, investigate incidents, take appropriate action, and communicate via radio, including requests for assistance.
• Conduct preliminary investigations of security and safety incidents.
• Respond to fires, medical emergencies, and other hazardous situations; assist with emergency rescue and fire suppression as needed.
• Establish and monitor employee and visitor control procedures, including device controls, restricted access, and screening of materials entering or exiting buildings.
• Assist with special University events and other activities as needed.

• Outstanding customer service orientation; excellent verbal and written communication; strong analytical, judgment, ethical decision-making, and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a mission-driven structure and coordinate with outside agencies as required.
• Ability to provide effective, honest, and credible testimony at court hearings.
• Ability to uphold high standards of conduct in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies.

Please include a cover letter and resume with your application.

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.

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

Certifications:

Pennsylvania Driver's License;
First Aid Certification (Red Cross/AMA or equivalent);
Firearms Qualification (Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission); CLEAN Certification (Pennsylvania State Police); CPR Certification (Red Cross/AMA or equivalent);
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 to complete PA Act 235 training and certification within six months of hire. Training will be sponsored. Candidates must obtain and maintain a DoD 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)

Employment requires successful completion of background checks in accordance with University policies. A credit history check may be required due to financial responsibilities. A valid driver’s license and motor vehicle records check are required. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.

This position is part of the bargaining unit represented by PSUPOA. Details are available through the Labor & Employee Relations resources and Union Agreements.

Penn State offers a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, and paid time off. A 75% tuition discount is available to eligible employees and dependents. For more details, please visit the Benefits Page.

Penn State publishes the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASR) as required by law. Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and forbids discrimination on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you cannot use the online application due to impairment or disability, please contact the provided support numbers.