Sergeant

Position Summary

The Police Sergeant serves as a sworn law enforcement professional and first-line supervisor under the direction of a lieutenant. In addition to performing general and specialized law enforcement duties, the Sergeant provides leadership, guidance, and oversight to police officers and corporals. This position requires sound judgment, initiative, and the ability to make independent decisions while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and service. The Sergeant ensures the safety and security of the campus community by supervising daily operations, coordinating responses to incidents, and fostering collaboration among department personnel and the broader university community.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a working, first-line supervisor overseeing the activities of police officers and corporals.
• Act as watch commander, assigning and monitoring work, reviewing performance, and ensuring adherence to department standards and procedures.
• Patrol campus buildings and grounds by foot or vehicle to maintain order, prevent and respond to crimes, and ensure the safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
• Enforce federal, state, and local laws, as well as university rules and regulations.
• Apprehend, detain, and process violators; initiate appropriate law enforcement actions as necessary.
• Prepare and present comprehensive oral, written, and computer-generated reports related to law enforcement activities.
• Provide guidance, on-the-job training, and professional development to subordinates.
• Assist and collaborate with campus personnel, students, and members of the public in addressing public safety concerns.
• Promote a problem-solving approach to policing, emphasizing innovation, collaboration, and proactive engagement with the campus community.
• Uphold and model departmental values of integrity, professionalism, and excellence in service.

Why join us:

• Lead and mentor a dedicated team of law enforcement professionals committed to the safety and well-being of a diverse university community.
• Engage in meaningful supervisory and operational work that directly impacts campus safety and quality of life.
• Work within a supportive environment that values leadership, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Access ongoing professional development and leadership training opportunities.
• Contribute to a culture of community-oriented policing and collaborative problem-solving that strengthens trust across the campus.

Lead. Protect. Inspire. Take the next step in your law enforcement career and apply today to serve your campus community!

Position Information

• Full-time, benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• This 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 57 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.

The Division of Business and Financial Affairs (BFA) celebrates diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We understand representation is essential to our success, which is why we strive to recruit and retain highly-skilled, compassionate leaders. By prioritizing listening and learning, engaging in critical conversations, and thoughtfully considering the needs of our different populations, we are creating a culture of belonging. As a division, we aim to offer opportunities for advancement and foster an inclusive environment so all are valued and empowered to thrive.

For more information regarding the University Police, 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 eligibility to be a police officer in the State of California, graduation from a P.O.S.T. academy, a valid P.O.S.T. Certificate of Eligibility or a P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate in good standing, and three or more years of active law enforcement experience.

Key Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of current law enforcement methods and procedures.
• Comprehensive knowledge of current criminal codes and laws.
• Comprehensive knowledge of effective investigative techniques and procedures.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including writing clear and comprehensive reports.
• Ability to work independently and make sound judgments.
• Ability to provide effective leadership, training and direction to assigned personnel.
• Ability to supervise and evaluate employees effectively.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 10 days of hire.
• Eligible to be a peace officer in the State of California.
• Possess a valid CA P.O.S.T. Certificate of Eligibility or a CA P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate in good standing.

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 22 ($11,449) for highly qualified candidates.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $7,763 - $11,449 per month (Step 5 - Step 22).

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 December 8, 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 .

Advertised: Nov 20 2025 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close:

• 

• San Diego State University

• 619-594-5200

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