Employer: Stanford University
Location: Stanford, CA, United States
Category: Security
Job function: Security Services
Workplace type: On-site
Contract type: Regular
Grade: D
Posted: 2026-08-27
Job Purpose
Perform non-sworn, un-armed security and parking enforcement duties to provide a safe environment for faculty, staff, students and visitors to the Stanford campus.
Position Description
Public Safety Officers (PSO) support the overall public safety mission of the Stanford Department of Public Safety (DPS) by performing a variety of functions. PSOs work under the general supervision of a civilian supervisor, sergeant, or other designated officer in charge.
Specific duties may include: patrolling designated areas of the University by foot, bicycle, motor vehicle or other DOT approved method of transportation for suspicious and/or illegal behavior, safety hazards, unlocked doors, opportunities to assist the public, etc.; enforcing violations of the University's Parking Code; providing traffic control services and/or logistical support during emergencies and special events; providing first aid or CPR; standing a security post in a potentially dangerous location; and staffing the Operations Desk monitoring the daily security and event operations of DPS' field personnel.
PSOs wear a uniform and a duty belt with limited gear; the position can require moderate to strenuous activity. The ideal candidate must be physically fit and able to adapt physically and psychologically to frequently changing needs and priorities. Strong customer service and interpersonal skills, the ability to problem solve, a high level of energy, enthusiasm and flexibility are key characteristics of the successful incumbent.
Work is performed primarily on-site; the position is subject to shift work and could be assigned to work any of the following: day, swing, or night shifts (including holidays), as well as a rotation which could include regular weekend work. Mandatory overtime is also required from time-to-time. Outdoor work is required, sometimes in inclement weather.
All benefits-eligible members of the Stanford Department of Public Safety are considered essential (or required) university personnel for purposes of managing emergencies and critical incidents impacting significant portions of the campus. As such, all benefits-eligible DPS personnel are expected to respond to campus during a major emergency.
Core Duties
Duties may include the following:
Safety and Security
- Patrol designated areas of the campus looking for suspicious and/or illegal behavior, safety hazards, unlocked doors, opportunities to assist the public, etc., document concerns and notify the appropriate university departments of issues that should be addressed.
- Respond to door alarms in the student housing and academic areas of campus.
- Open and/or close the Field Sites and Matadero Creek Trail access.
- Provide information, directions and assistance to community members.
- Coordinate the campus Bike Abatement program including abandoned bike tagging and pickup, and abandoned bike sales/donations.
Parking Enforcement
- Patrol designated areas of the University to enforce University parking regulations. Issue parking citations using license plate recognition system, electronic ticket writer or other tools provided.
- Conduct periodic parking utilization surveys at the request of Transportation Services (TS).
- Provide directed enforcement in areas of concern on campus.
Event Support
- Prepare and/or post parking space reservation signs and other event/parking/traffic control signs for special events and details on campus. Remove signs after the event has concluded.
- Deploy barricades, cones and other traffic control equipment per directions as part of event setup. Remove barricades and other safety equipment after the event.
- Drive various size trucks/vehicles including forklift to transport equipment, including towing barricade trailers.
- Provide safety, security, traffic control, logistics support and other services during campus details. Will require mandatory overtime, sometimes with little notice.
- Problem-solve to provide the best experience for attendees of events while also ensuring public safety.
Operations Desk Support
- Staff assigned shifts at the DPS Operations Desk, a central point of information coordination for ongoing campus activities.
- Monitor radio traffic and incoming phone calls, responding accordingly.
- Issue equipment to incoming special events patrol/outside security reporting to the Ops Desk window for security/event assignments.
- Track activities of on-duty field personnel, record information on daily Ops Desk log.
- Remain alert to incidents which would require the issuance of a mass notification message during assigned shift. Draft and send alert notifications per department practice using the university's AlertSU system.
Additional Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide logistical support during emergencies and critical incidents.
- Implement the Incident Command System during a major incident.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Minimum Education and Experience Required
- High School diploma or GED or combination of education and relevant experience.
Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
- Exceptional customer service skills. Ability to interact well with the public and maintain a positive, professional attitude even under trying circumstances.
- Effective oral / written communication skills including the ability to interact with a diverse group of people.
- Flexibility and calmness in dealing with the public.
- Ability to assimilate and understand information in a manner consistent with the essential job functions and translate information accurately and effectively to others. Ability to follow verbal and written directions.
- Ability to use sound judgment and independence in determining priorities and handling situations.
- Knowledge of and/or ability to learn and apply a variety of University and departmental policies.
- Ability to keep sensitive information strictly confidential at all times.
- Ability to use and/or learn to use two-way radio for communication even during stressful conditions.
- Familiarity and/or ability to learn the Stanford Campus.
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
- Computer skills in basic applications (e.g., Word, Excel, WordPerfect).
- Ability to pass and maintain certification in First Aid/CPR training.
- Ability to maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.
- Desire to learn, accept and promote the Department's Core Values.
- Possess and maintain a valid CA driver license.
Physical Requirements
- Frequently stand/walk, sit, perform desk-based computer tasks, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, operate foot and/or hand controls.
- Occasionally use a telephone/radio, write by hand.
- Rarely kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, other), reach/work above shoulders, grasp forcefully, use a telephone, sort/file paperwork or parts, scrub/sweep/mop, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh <40 pounds to a height of 18-24 inches repeatedly.
- Vision no more than 20/100 correctable to 20/30 in each eye with normal color vision.
- Normal hearing abilities in each ear.
* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
Working Conditions
- Shift work (days, swings, overnights, weekend, holidays) is required.
- Required 24-hour response availability seven days/week for emergency situations.
- Must wear personal protective equipment as defined/required by job assignments.
- May be exposed to active laboratories, outdoor work and inclement weather conditions.
- Will work mandatory overtime.
Work Standards
- When conducting university business, must comply with the California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.
- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
- Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable department and University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the university's Administrative Guide and the Department of Public Safety General Orders.
The expected pay range for this position is $28.85 to $30.77 per hour.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.
Special Requirements
- Applicant must pass a complete background investigation including a search of local, state, and national files for criminal history.
- Personnel will be trained to perform duties outside their normal day-to-day responsibilities, such as dispatching and/or emergency call taking and/or special events logistics support, so they are able to provide support during emergencies and special events. Training includes familiarity with the Incident Command System.
- PSOs may be selected to be trained to respond in the event of a chemical, nuclear and or biological threat. This response requires wearing Class B personal protective equipment including a full suit, mask or respirator and gloves over the regular duty uniform. When trained and equipped, the worker must be able to pass a fitness and lung capacity test on an annual basis.
- PSOs must successfully complete the Field Training Program; PSOs that do not successfully complete the Field Training Program are subject to termination.
- Must successfully complete Forklift driving and familiarity training.
- Must be able to participate and successfully complete the Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray testing. This requires the PSO recruit to submit to being sprayed with OC (pepper spray).
Selection Process (specific order of the process is subject to change)
- Application
- Detailed personal History Questionnaire (PHQ)
- Interview with Department and University personnel
- Extensive background investigation
- Medical Examination
- Personal Interview with the Director of Public Safety
Why Stanford is for You
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:
- Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
- A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
- A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
- Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
- Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law