Police Officer - Cal State University

Application Process

This position is open until filled. For full consideration, please submit application, along with cover letter and resume.

A complete application includes the SSU Online Employment Application and the following results/scores taken within the year:

• POST Personal History Statement for Police Officer
• Certificate of Completion from a California POST Accredited Training Academy

The incumbent must have successfully completed an approved California Basic Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Academy, including obtaining a Basic Course Certificate, or re-certification course within the three years preceding hire date. In addition, this position requires successful completion of an oral interview, written examination, physical agility test, pass all background requirements mandated by P.O.S.T., psychological examination, potential polygraph or similar examination, and medical exams which include drug screening, and must possess and maintain a valid California Driver License. The incumbent must meet and maintain compliance with state and federal law (e.g. Clery Act, CANRA, etc.), and California POST regulations and certifications for peace officers.

Please review the position description listed above for full scope of responsibilities and qualifications. Evidence of degree(s) or certificate(s) and/or license(s) required at time of hire.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Chief of Police or designee, taking lead work direction from other sworn administrators or a supervisor, and under general supervision of the Patrol Sergeant and/or shift supervisor, the Police Officer patrols   and   enforces  Federal,  State,  and   local  laws  and   ordinances;   conducts  criminal investigations and  writes complex criminal and  civil reports; maintains a high degree of  independence, initiative, and interaction with all factions of the University community and general public; testifies in court; incorporates 21st Century and Community  Oriented  Policing  and  Problem  Solving methodologies; must integrate professional knowledge and law enforcement service with the culture of the diverse educational environment to accomplish department and university objectives and goals; and performs related work  as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must meet the POST minimum requirements for eligibility to be a police officer, which includes being at least 21 years old.
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
• Successful completed of an approved California Basic Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Academy, including obtaining a Basic Course Certificate, or re-certification course within the three years preceding hire date.
• Successful completion of an oral interview, written examination, physical agility test, pass all background requirements mandated by P.O.S.T., psychological examination, potential polygraph or similar examination, and medical exams which include drug screening, and must possess and maintain a valid California Driver License.
• The incumbent must participate in, and successfully complete a Field training program and successfully pass a one-year probationary period.
• The incumbent must meet and maintain compliance with state and federal law (e.g. Clery Act, CANRA, etc.), and California POST regulations and certifications for peace officers.
• The incumbent must participate in the California DMV Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program.
• The incumbent must be self-motivated with experience working independently, and as a member of team.
• The incumbent must possess excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• In addition to the minimum POST required standards, candidates may be subjected to additional standards established by the Department (Penal Code § 13510(d)).

Preferred Qualifications

• A BS/BA degree and law enforcement experience in a college or university setting.
• Knowledge of Google Suite, technology often used by law enforcement, and PeopleSoft.

The incumbent must maintain current licenses, certificates, permits, and other items required for this position and immediately report to supervisor the loss or expiration of same. Must be able to perform law enforcement and emergency related duties in various environments to include indoor, outdoor, inclement weather, and other adverse conditions. The incumbent must participate in, and successfully complete a Field training program and successfully pass a one-year probationary period.

If you do not meet post requirements, please consider our Police Officer Cadet recruitment.

Salary and Benefits

Starting salary placement depends on qualifications and experience and is anticipated to be in the range of $7,512 to $7,685 approved a month. This is a full time, non-exempt position, which will lead toward permanent status following the successful completion of a probationary period.

This position is eligible for a broad range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, retirement (CalPERS), tuition waiver, vacation and sick leave. In addition, 15 paid holidays are offered each year. Sonoma State University is also a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) Employer. 

A comprehensive benefits summary for this position is available online by clicking here to be taken to the CSU benefits page.

Supplemental Information

Sonoma State University is committed to achieving excellence through teaching, scholarship, learning and inclusion. In line with our Strategic Plan and our Seawolf Commitment, our values include diversity, sustainability, community engagement, respect, responsibility, excellence and integrity. We strive to cultivate a community in which a diverse population can learn and work in an atmosphere of civility and respect. We encourage innovation, experimentation and creativity, as well as contributions to equity and inclusion, in the pursuit of excellence for all members of our university community. 

The University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status. Mandated Reporting: This position may be considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all faculty, staff, administrators, and students who are accessing campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications. Any candidates advanced in a currently open search process should be prepared to continue to help us protect and maintain a healthy Seawolf Community. More information related to campus level requirements can be found here: https://risk.sonoma.edu/covid-compliance-and-monitoring-office.

CSU Out of State Policy - Sonoma State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

A background check (including a criminal records check), psychological examination, potential polygraph or similar examination, and medical exams which include drug screening must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check and stated examinations may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current employees who apply for this position.

Sonoma State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions (i.e. H-1B visas).

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.

For questions related to the application process, please reach out to hr@sonoma.edu. The ADA Coordinator is also available (hraccommodations@sonoma.edu) to assist individuals with disabilities in need of accommodation during the hiring process.

Sonoma State University's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person by emailing the Clery Compliance and Safety Office at clery@sonoma.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is available for viewing at https://housing.sonoma.edu/compliance-data/2024-campus-housing-fire-safety-report. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within Sonoma State University student housing facilities for three years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Residential Education and Campus Housing at housing@sonoma.edu.