Police Officer I

Colorado State University; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 71,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee benefits

Job summary

Colorado State University Police Department in Fort Collins seeks a Police Officer I (Lateral) to join our full-time team. Applicants must hold or be eligible for Colorado POST certification, possess a valid driver’s license, and demonstrate a guardian-centric, service-oriented mindset for education and safety.

The role includes campus patrol, enforcement, investigations, and testimony, with community engagement as a core mission.

Qualifications

• Current P.O.S.T certification (must be attached) OR eligible to apply for Colorado P.O.S.T certification.
• Minimum 1 year of experience as a certified Police Officer with a P.O.S.T recognized agency OR equivalent education/experience (30 Credits = 1 year).
• At least 21 years old; no felony convictions; no recent disqualifying incidents per POST.
• Must have a valid driver’s license for the past two years and be able to obtain POST certification.

Responsibilities

• Patrol campus properties by foot, bike, and vehicle to detect safety concerns and deter crime.
• Engage with students, staff, and visitors to provide safety education and community outreach.
• Enforce laws through citations/arrests and assist with investigations and evidence collection.
• Respond to calls for service, coordinate with campus departments, and maintain accurate records and reports.
• Prepare reports and serve in lead or officer-in-charge roles when required.

Skills

POST certification

Driver's license

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Education

Associate degree or higher

Job description

Job DescriptionPosition SummaryThe Colorado State University Police Department (CSUPD) is hiring for a Police Officer I (Lateral Police Officer).CSU Police Department is a full-service law enforcement organization. We are committed to working with all our stakeholders to maintain a safe environment which supports the academic mission of the University, and the health and wellness of the community. To learn more about CSUPD please visit: https://police.colostate.edu/join-our-team/.Police Officers work to fulfill our mission and the University’s mission through training, education, community engagement, active patrol of University properties, crime investigation, identification and resolution of safety/security hazards and problems, assistance to students, staff, faculty and visitors, and handling of accidents and emergencies.Police Officers should have a demonstrated guardian-centric mindset, including excellent interpersonal skills and strong orientation toward education, collaboration, service, and teamwork. A strong work ethic, the demonstrated ability to be self-directed and use reasoning and resourcefulness to determine the best process/resource available is a necessary skillset. Police Officers must be detail-oriented and capable of producing work of the highest quality and accuracy and exhibit an exceptionally high level of personal and professional ethic.Application DeadlineTo receive full consideration, applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. MST on November 16, 2026.Job DutiesSelf-Initiated Activity:Patrol campus property, parking areas, and buildings by foot, bicycle, and vehicle to identify and address safety or security concerns, deter criminal activity, and proactively engage in community interactions.Community Oriented Policing:Build collaborative, positive relationships with students, faculty, staff, and visitors by providing assistance, education, and outreach, including presentations and seminars on relevant crime prevention and campus safety.Traffic Related:Promote traffic safety through enforcement, education, and special event management, including patrol operations, accident and complaint investigations, roadway hazard identification, and appropriate citation or warning of violations.Dispatch Initiated Activity:Respond to calls for service to identify, prevent, and reduce crime, investigate incidents, collect evidence, interview involved parties, intervene and manage disturbances or crises, and take appropriate enforcement action, including arrests and use of appropriate force when necessary. Support campus departments with civil standbys.Administrative Duties:Prepare accurate reports, documentation, and legal records to support investigations, compliance, and trend analysis; perform administrative responsibilities and serve in a lead or officer-in-charge capacity in the absence of a formal supervisor, as assigned.Testimonial Duties:Enforce laws and policies through citations and arrests and provide testimony or coordination with judicial and disciplinary bodies, including courts, hearings, and campus proceedings.Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check; Positions are subject to a background investigation in accordance with the administrative procedures of the State Personnel Director. Physical and psychological evaluations are required in accordance with section 24-31-303 (5) (b), C.R.S.Pre-employment PhysicalPre-employment psychological assessmentPre-employment Drug TestingValid Driver's License;Have for the past two years a current, valid driver’s license issued in the US or by a US territoryA full description of driving requirements can be found in the University Vehicle policyEssential Services Designation; Willing and able to report to work without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety, and welfare of the campus communityShift Work; willing and able to maintain availability for shift work as neededUse of Firearms or Other Weapons – Per CO POST standardsSpecial Requirements/Other;Current POST certification required. Candidates must not have any POST-disqualifying incidents. A list of disqualifying incidents is available through the Colorado POST website: https://post.colorado.gov/certification/disqualifying-incidentsMust be at least 21 years of ageNo Felony Convictions,No Domestic Violence Convictions,Must have not acquired more than seven points in the last year and/or more than 12 points within the last two years on a driver’s license,Must have no alcohol/drug related traffic convictions in the last three (3) years and repeat alcohol/drug convictions after the age of 18 within the last ten yearsMust have had no Marijuana use in the past 3 monthsNo more than two at-fault accidents in the past three years (includes accidents resulting in claims, regardless of citation),Must not have had any Type A violation in the past three years,Must not have had more than three or more Type B violations in the past three years,Minimum QualificationsTo be considered for this position, candidates must demonstrate in the application materials:Current P.O.S.T certification (must be attached) OR be eligible to apply for Colorado P.O.S.T. certification.* Please Note: Out of state PO I applicants must obtain a Colorado provisional POST certification letter before first day of employment and must successfully challenge Colorado POST within 6 months of obtaining a Colorado provisional POST certification letter. CSUPD will support applicants in challenging Colorado POST by providing time to study, time to take the exams and paying for the testing exams required for challenging Colorado POST. It is up to the applicant to successfully challenge Colorado POST and obtaining a Colorado POST certification is a condition of employment.One year of experience as a certified Police Officer with a P.O.S.T recognized agency. OR A combination of experience and education in Psychology, Sociology, Communications, Criminal Justice, Social Justice, Military Science or similar studies equal to one (1) year of experience (30 Credits = 1 year).Preferred QualificationsThe highly desired candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, abilities, personal characteristics, and experience directly related and critical to this position:Completion of an Associate’s or higher level degree from an accredited college or university are highly desired.Demonstrated commitment to education, learning, and growth.Ability to verbally communicate with both internal and external constituents in a professional and direct manner while maintaining excellent customer service.Demonstrated attention to detail through diligence and maintaining a high standard for finished work product.Work experience which encompasses roles leadership and the associated characteristics of a strong leader: accountability, integrity, self-motivated, and a desire to lead others by example.Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to establish and build relationships with a diverse range of colleagues and customers.Demonstrated critical thinking skills to make decisions in emergency/stressful situations as well as the use of problem-solving skills as part of daily work responsibilities.Demonstrated experience volunteering with the community (volunteer experience should be clearly labelled in the application materials).Directly related state service experienceApplication DocumentsIn addition to the required documents outlined below, please attach the following documents, if relevant to your application materials.Unofficial or Official Transcripts (required if utilizing education in place of experience, as outlined above)POST or Equivalent Peace Officer Certification (required for consideration at the PO I level)Salary Range$70,596 - $82,848 AnnuallyEmployee BenefitsColorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.Application InformationRequired Application DocumentsTo apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.Cover Letter, Resume/CVApplication Instructions and InformationFor State Classified searches, you may be able to skip the Experience, Education, Certification, Language, and Skills sections. Be sure to review the qualifications in the job posting to determine whether these sections should be completed. If additional documentation is required or should be uploaded to meet the requirements of the position, please attach all required documents in the Required Application Documents section as specified in the job posting.Clearly outline dates of employment (Month & Year) for each position listed in the Work Experience section of your application. Human Resources must be able to evaluate your experience based on this information.The Work Experience section is the only part of your application used to determine if minimum qualifications, as outlined in the job posting, have been met.The application is the legal document on file ; resumes will not be reviewed to determine minimum qualifications.Incomplete ApplicationsApplications will not be considered if:The Work Experience section is blank or lists “see resume.”Job duties are missing for any listed position.Month/Year employment dates are not included.NotesAppointment to the vacancy or vacancies represented by this announcement is expected to be made from the eligible list created. However, at the discretion of the appointing authority, the position(s) may be filled by another method of appointment for a valid, articulated business reason.The selection process for State Classified positions may include exam(s) and/or interview(s) that require candidates to appear in person , at the candidate’s own expense.Pertinent updates to your application status can be obtained by logging into your candidate account .Salary is commensurate with relevant experience and/or education and will be determined in accordance with State Classified compensation policies .Current CSU employees should apply through the Jobs Hub in their Workday account.For Current or Former Employees of the State of Colorado:Per the requirements of the Step Pay Program implemented on July 1, 2024 , any State employee must be paid a rate that is equal to or greater than the appropriate step pay rate within their classification’s pay range, based on completed years in their current class series as of June 30.All current and former State employees must ensure that their entire work history within the State Classified System, including at Institutions of Higher Education, is included in the application so that time-in-series can be accurately calculated.Background Check Policy StatementColorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.EEOColorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.Employment and Appeal RightsIf you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for the position, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging.Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director’s Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director’s Administrative Procedures are available at www.colorado.gov/spb .A standard appeal form is available at: www.colorado.gov/spb . If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: [phone]. Phone: [phone]. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination.