Armed Public Safety Officer (APSO)

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University Police and Public Safety Department is seeking an Armed Public Safety Officer (APSO) to support DoD-cleared facilities at ARL. Responsibilities include patrolling, enforcing regulations, responding to alarms, and assisting with emergencies.

Candidates must meet rigorous certification requirements and obtain DoD clearance. Required qualifications include a GED or HS diploma, PA driver’s license, First Aid, CPR, Firearms, CLEAN, and Act 235 training, with six

Qualifications

• GED or HS diploma required.
• PA Driver’s License is required.
• First Aid Certification from a recognized organization.
• Firearms Qualification required.
• CLEAN Certification required.
• CPR Certification required.
• Act 235 Lethal Weapons Training required; six-month completion window.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and enforce university and DoD regulations.
• Patrol designated buildings; ensure security controls are operational.
• Respond to alarms, investigate incidents, and coordinate with responders.
• Conduct preliminary investigations of security incidents.
• Respond to fires and medical emergencies; assist in rescue and suppression.
• Manage access procedures and device controls for staff/visitors.
• Assist with special events and university operations.

Skills

Customer service orientation

Verbal & written communication

Analytical thinking

Judgment & ethics

Organizational skills

Collaboration with agencies

Court testimony ability

Education

GED or HS diploma

PA Driver's License

First Aid Certification

Firearms Qualification

CLEAN Certification

CPR Certification

Act 235 Lethal Weapons Training

Job description

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 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.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS) 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; 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

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.

Salary & Benefits: 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.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land‑grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.