Armed Public Safety Officer (APSO)

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 51,989 - 63,543; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

Substantial paid time off

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University seeks an Armed Public Safety Officer in University Park, Texas. This individual will monitor and enforce regulations, patrol facilities, and respond to emergencies ensuring the safety of employees and sensitive materials.

Candidates should possess strong communication skills and the ability to act decisively under pressure. A competitive benefits package, including a tuition discount, is offered to full-time employees.

Qualifications

• 0 to 1 year of relevant experience.
• Required Certifications: PA Driver's License, First Aid Certification, Firearms Qualification, CLEAN Certification, CPR Certification, Act 235 Lethal Weapons Training.
• Must be able to maintain Department of Defense security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and enforce regulations.
• Patrol designated buildings and ensure security measures are functioning.
• Respond to alarms and investigate incidents.
• Conduct preliminary investigations of security incidents.
• Respond to emergencies and hazardous situations.

Skills

Customer service orientation

Verbal and written communication

Analytical skills

Judgment

Organizational skills

Education

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

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). 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.

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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Application Instructions

Please include a cover letter and resume with your application.

Compensation

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.

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 (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.
• 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). Information about the collective bargaining agreement is available through the university’s Labor & Employee Relations office.

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 including 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. For more detailed information, please visit the university’s Benefits Page.

EEO Statement

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.