Position Summary

Under the direction of a lieutenant, the sergeant is assigned primary responsibility as a working, first line supervisor, in addition to general law enforcement and specialized work assignments performed by police officers and corporals. Work assignments require the incumbent to exercise common sense, independent judgment and action, and the ability to provide leadership to others.

The police sergeant typically performs general law enforcement work that includes some or all of the following: patrolling campus buildings and grounds on foot or vehicle; maintaining order; enforcing laws, rules and regulations; apprehending and processing violators; initiating police action; preparing and presenting oral, written and computer generated reports; providing assistance to campus personnel, students and the public in public safety matters; and serving as the watch commander; making work assignments, monitoring and reporting work activities, and providing on the job training and assistance to subordinates.

All university police department members are expected to partner with colleagues and members of the community in order to positively resolve issues in the department and community. The police sergeant shall be innovative in the problem-solving process, shall always strive for excellence, and is expected to strive for the best possible quality of work product.

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. Work hours for this position will vary based on operational needs and assignment.

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

This classification is the highest level in the Police Series and is a first line supervisory classification, requiring a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of law enforcement methods and procedures, criminal codes and laws, and investigative techniques and procedures. Work assignments include primary supervisory responsibility for a shift, program, unit or task force, and general law enforcement and specialized work assignments performed by other positions in this series. Incumbents require graduation from a P.O.S.T. academy, a Basic Course Certificate, and three or more years of active law enforcement experience.

Key Qualifications

• Graduation from a certified CA POST Supervisors training course is preferred.
• At least five (5) years of experience as a sworn peace officer in California, or at least three (3) years of experience as a sworn peace officer at an educational institution is preferred.
• Possession of a CA POST Intermediate or higher Professional Certificate and be eligible to receive a CA POST Supervisory certificate within two years of employment is preferred.
• CA POST certified and experienced Field Training Officer is preferred.
• Excellent supervisory and administrative skills, including knowledge of labor law, civil and other liability issues, organizational behavior, motivation, evaluation and disciplinary action.
• Must be available for on-call assignments.
• Must be able to: report for work or work past scheduled shifts; work overtime on short or no notice; work all shifts; work rotating shifts; and work weekends and holidays.
• Working knowledge of modern policing issues, philosophies, practices, and trends applied within the University environment; and ability to use computer devices and programs and other modern law enforcement technologies and tools.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Valid California Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within 10 days of hire.
• For new San Diego State University Police Officers, employment is contingent upon successful completion of the hiring process including medical and psychological examination, a thorough background investigation including a DOJ fingerprint check and pre-employment drug testing.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting salary upon appointment is not expected to exceed $9,924 per month. 

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department’s fiscal resources.

San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For more information regarding SDSU benefits, please click here.

CSU Classification Salary Range: $9,481 - $9,924 per month. 

Diversity and Community at SDSU

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. 

Through our commitment to equity and inclusion, we encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement.  For more information, click here.

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. 

Supplemental Information

Initial review of the required application materials, including cover letters and resumes, will begin on October 12, 2023. To receive full consideration, apply by October 11, 2023. 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 thorough background investigation (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. In addition, applicants must satisfactorily pass a polygraph examination, psychological review and medical examination. 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.

SDSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers all qualified candidates for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered military and veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Michelle Puentes at mpuentes2@sdsu.edu.