Position Summary

San Diego State University is seeking a service-oriented and observant Campus Safety Guard to support the safety and security of the campus community. This role conducts security patrols, responds to safety concerns, enforces university policies, and assists University Police with crime prevention, emergencies, and special events.

Key Responsibilities

• Campus Security & Patrol 
• Conduct foot, bicycle, and vehicle patrols of campus buildings, grounds, and parking areas to identify suspicious activity, safety hazards, and security concerns.
• Inspect security-related equipment and facilities, document deficiencies, assist with room unlocks, and provide first aid when needed.
• Complete reports and use crime and incident trends to support directed patrol activities.
• Policy Enforcement & Incident Response 
• Enforce university and parking policies, document violations, and refer incidents to University Police when appropriate.
• Identify and report unlawful activity and assist University Police with enforcement actions as needed.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation using applicable police and parking systems.
• Emergency, Event & Community Support 
• Assist University Police during emergencies and special events, including safety escorts, crowd support, and fire-watch assignments.
• Provide information to the public and participate in crime prevention and community engagement activities.
• Crime Prevention & Campus Safety 
• Provide crime prevention information and promote collaborative campus safety practices.
• Assess campus areas and recommend security and safety improvements using incident trends and crime prevention practices.
• Support University Police in addressing community concerns and public safety issues.

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it’s like to work at the CSU—watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU.

Position Information

• Full-time, benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• Position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU Police Department work hours follow a 24/7 operational schedule, with officers assigned to varying shifts based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

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 30 days 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:
Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 17 ($5,084 per month) for highly qualified candidates.
• Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the SUPA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $3,703 - $5,395 per month (Step 1 – Step 20).
• Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.

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 October 14, 2026 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. 

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.  Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

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 Sophia Faulk at srfaulk@sdsu.edu.