Join the Trojan Family: USC Department of Public Safety (DPS)

Title: Public Safety Officer I (Open to lateral officers and academy graduates)

Mission: To create a safe, secure, crime free environment for the Trojan Family through exemplary and professional service.

About the Department

• Team: DPS, one of the largest campus public safety departments in the United States, is a team of over 300 dedicated full-time employees.

• What we do: We share in the university’s ONE USC Safety Vision of ensuring an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and protected from being a crime victim and where the experiences and needs of all USC students, faculty, staff, and neighbors throughout USC’s spheres of influence are addressed.

• Learn more: Visit our DPS Website to explore our mission in depth.

Role Overview: As a Public Safety Officer I, you are not just a problem solver and guardian but a vital part of a community where education meets excellence. Step into a role where your duties will include but are not limited to:

• Safeguarding the Trojan Family: Through patrolling on foot or in a vehicle, be ready to respond to radio and/or telephone calls for both routine and emergency assistance in criminal and non-criminal matters with efficiency and professionalism.

• Deterrence: Act proactively to deter and prevent unlawful behavior through both internal and external public safety functions.

• Authority and Supervision: Work under the direct supervision of a watch commander, field supervisor, or a unit manager/supervisor, exercising “powers of arrest” authority as per a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the LAPD while on duty.

• Upholding the Security of USC Assets: By maintaining the security of our world-class facilities and properties.

• Legal Representation: Testify in court, safeguarding the university's interests.

• Community Engagement: Taking a hands-on approach to crime prevention and public information programs within USC and surrounding communities.

Work Schedule:

• 4/10 alternative work schedule; 10 hours per day, 40 hours per week.

• Shifts may include holidays, weekends, and overtime; must have availability to work certain special events and emergencies.

Selection Process

• Evaluation: Your application will undergo a stringent evaluation based on your relevant experience and education.

• In-depth Screening: After a series of interviews, successful candidates will undergo background, psychological, and medical evaluations following P.O.S.T guidelines.

• Pre-employment Essentials: Obtain State of California Patrol Persons and Firearms permits from BSIS.

How to Apply

• Application: Showcase your readiness to join the Trojan family by submitting a detailed application, resume, and thoughtful responses to our supplemental questions.

• Current USC Employees: Please apply through the dedicated channel in Workday.

Benefits

• USC’s Commitment to You: We offer an excellent package of benefits and programs including, but not limited to:

  • Tuition assistance for you and your family

  • Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance options

  • 403b retirement account with matching 5% contribution by USC

  • 50% subsidy off Metro, LADOT, and Metrolink passes

  • Explore more on the USC Employee Gateway

Minimum Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent

• Experience: At least 1 year

• Licenses/Permits:

  • Valid California Class C Driver's license

  • Completed POST-certified Level I Academy or equivalent training/out-of-state training or;

  • One year experience as a USC Community Service Officer (CSO) meeting the POST or equivalency requirement

  • Possession of the State of California Patrol Persons and Firearms permits

Valid CA driver's license required. Position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System. A copy of DMV record will be required as a final condition of employment. For more information please visit the policy website.

Hourly Range

The hourly rate for this position is $41.47. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. 

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at [email protected]. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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• Read USC’s Clery Act Annual Security Report
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• Digital Accessibility

If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this  USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser: