Position Summary

The Campus Safety Guard performs a wide range of safety, security, and community engagement duties on the SDSU campus. Operating under general supervision, this position supports campus safety through patrols, special event coordination, safety education, and high-visibility service functions. With a strong focus on community contact and public support, the role requires professionalism, sound judgment, and a commitment to campus well-being.

Key Responsibilities

• Campus Patrol & Safety Support: Patrol assigned campus areas to safeguard students, faculty, staff, and property. Observe and report suspicious or criminal activity, make private persons arrests when necessary, and assist in the enforcement of SDSU policies and regulations.
• Community Engagement & Crime Prevention: Coordinate and conduct safety-related communication service training. Participate in community policing efforts, serve as a visible campus resource, and assist with mental healthcare crisis interventions.
• Special Event & Alarm Coordination: Support planning and on-site coordination of safety for special events. Perform campus alarm testing, respond to system alerts, and help ensure proper facility access and security.
• Operational & Administrative Support: Provide support in areas such as traffic direction, lost and found property management, investigations assistance, and safety escort services. Open, close, and secure campus facilities as assigned.
• Public Interaction & Professionalism: Interact daily with students, staff, faculty, law enforcement partners, and the public with discretion, tact, and professionalism. Independently assess and resolve problems using established protocols and sound judgment.

Why Join Us?

• Meaningful Campus Role: Be a trusted presence in the SDSU community, helping to create a safe and welcoming environment for all.
• Professional Development: Gain valuable experience in law enforcement support, community relations, and safety operations.

Team-Oriented Culture: Join a department where collaboration, service, and continuous improvement are valued and recognized.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• This position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU.
• The regular work schedule will be one of the following with shift rotations occurring approximately every three (3) to four (4) months:
  • Sunday to Wednesday, 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Sunday to Wednesday, 2:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
  • Wednesday to Saturday, 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  
  • Wednesday to Saturday, 2:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Please note: A minimum of twenty-one (21) calendar days advance notice will be provided prior to any schedule change.

Department Summary

Safety and security is coordinated by University Police, through a force of 40 sworn police officers and 50 non-sworn support employees. Our police officers are graduates of a California Peace Officers Standards Training Academy with full arrest powers throughout the state. They undergo continued training to upgrade their skills as well as first aid and CPR requirements. University Police officers are armed. They conduct foot, vehicular and bicycle patrols on campus and in the adjacent community 24 hours a day, year-round. Officers are responsible for reporting and investigating crimes and traffic accidents, enforcing state laws and local ordinances, responding to medical emergencies and all other incidents requiring police assistance.

For more information regarding the University Police Department, click here.

Education and Experience

Entry to the first level within this classification requires high school level reading and writing abilities and possession of a California Driver’s License. The nature of the duties may also require successful completion of a background check, physical and psychological exam and/or the ability to attend Police Officers Standards & Training (P.O.S.T.) programs related to public safety support and dispatch activities. Knowledge of and the ability to learn how to use the applicable public safety related equipment and systems are essential. High school diploma or equivalent and three to six months related experience would normally achieve these entry qualifications.

Key Qualifications

• College level coursework in criminal justice or code enforcement is preferred.
• At least one (1) year of full-time experience in police-related service such as communications, code or law enforcement, evidence collection, police or court records administration, animal control or a related public contact activity is preferred.
• Knowledge of defensive and de-escalation tactics.
• Knowledge of general procedures and regulations related to security and public safety.
• Ability to observe and recall details and incidents.
• Ability to remain calm and composed in stressful situations.
• Physical ability to walk, stand, and patrol for extended periods in various weather conditions.
• Knowledge of and the ability to learn how to use the applicable public safety related equipment and systems.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 10 days of hire.
• First-aid / CPR / AED / BBP – must be obtained within 1 year of hire.
• Clery Act training – must be obtained within 1 year of hire.
• Supplemental security related training through the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) and Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) – must be obtained within 1 year of hire.

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation:
 Salary is based on your experience, education, and qualifications, within the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• CSU Classification Salary Range: $3,794- $5,956/month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $5,376/month.

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by August 25, 2025 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is 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. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Michelle Puentes at mpuentes2@sdsu.edu.