The Penn State University Police and Public Safety Department is responsible for protecting and serving more than 100,000 students, employees, as well as visitors at campuses located throughout Pennsylvania.

We are a cohesive and centralized department with sworn police officers who have full law enforcement authority serving the 22 campuses with our headquarters being located at University Park.

We are in search of a non-sworn, armed, Public Safety Specialist to support our Department of Defense cleared facilities who are responsible for carrying out the functions of protection of sensitive materials and property, employee safety, preliminary security investigative work and other related duties at the University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) facilities.

University Police and Public Safety's values model those of Penn State's and we are especially committed to our vision to establish a cohesive, inclusive, and innovative work environment while also providing consistent professional and value-added service to our communities.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to :

• Monitor and enforce University and Department of Defense regulations.
• Patrol designated buildings, ensuring that all necessary security controls and measures are engaged and functional.
• Respond to alarms; investigate and take appropriate action; communicating 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 procedures for employees and visitor controls such as device controls, restricted personnel, 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; excellent analytical, judgment, ethical decision-making, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with various levels of faculty, staff, students, and outside agencies.
• Ability to provide effective, honest, and credible testimony at court hearings.
• Ability to work with a wide variety of diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Ability to always uphold an excellent standard of conduct, abiding by laws, regulations, and policies.

The position requires a High School diploma or higher and up to one year of relevant experience. A current PA Act 235 certification, or the ability to obtain one within six (6) months of hire, and the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance and clearance sponsorship is required for employment.

Current PA Act 235 certified individuals preferred.

This position requires :

• Successful University Police and Public Safety Background Investigation
• U.S. Citizenship
• Fingerprint background check
• Operation of 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
• Successful completion of a credit history check, due to the security, financial and fiduciary responsibilities of this position
• Sponsorship with the Applied Research Laboratory will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen
• Completion of all Act 235 requirements
• Successful Department of Defense Background investigation

Please include a cover letter and resume with your application.

Last updated : 2024-05-23