Law Enforcement Careers
Michigan State University Police and Public Safety has upheld a long tradition of courtesy and excellence by hiring talented officers with the highest standards of performance. If you have the leadership, integrity and honor required for a law enforcement career, we want you to join our team. Check out our available positions here.
Civilian Employment (Full-Time and Part-Time)
Michigan State University Police and Public Safety offers a variety of excellent opportunities for those seeking a position in a non-law enforcement career. These include parking services, communications, information technology, traffic engineering, business, access control, and strategic intelligence. Available positions can be found here.
Student Employment
Michigan State University Police and Public Safety also offers multiple student employment positions. You can apply to work for the department in parking enforcement, security, the cadet desk, events, access control, and more. There are also internships available including a general police intern, intelligence analyst intern, and communications intern. You can apply for student employment by filling out the application here. If you have any questions, please contact MSU DPPS Human Resources Administrator Laura King at whitlo11@msu.edu. Learn more about each position below.
Museum Security positions were created to assist MSU Police and Public Safety in providing property protection and visitor safety for the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum. The main functions of Security are access control, alarm monitoring, and loss prevention.
JOB DUTIES
Prevent prohibited items being carried into galleries
Screen employees, contractors and administrative visitors for entry into secured areas
Patrol galleries to ensure visitors are following museum guidelines
Monitor alarms, access control and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras
Most positions require standing throughout the work day
WORKING CONDITIONS AND HOURS
Museum Security Staff work during the following scheduled shifts:
- Monday and Tuesday: 8:00am-5:30pm
- Wednesday through Friday: 8:00am-6:30pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 8:30am-6:30pm
There are some special events that extend into evening hours and/or require opening earlier in the day.
The positions are all part-time and students are encouraged to apply. Shifts are worked completely around student employees' class schedules.
MSU DPPS has a policy restricting student employees from working more than 29 hours per week and restricting non-student employees working more than 19 hours per week. Any other part-time MSU job must be included in that weekly hour limit and disclosed to the department.
QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must possess the following:
Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills
Display a high standard of ethical conduct
Be able to stand and/or walk for an entire shift
Be able to work flexible hours; including nighttime, holidays and all home football games
Be able to pass a certification test provided by Department trained First Aid/CPR instructors based on the American Red Cross standard; or have a current and valid certificate of completion for that training
Complete required training and be able to be certified in blood-borne pathogen standards
Pass an employment background investigation
HIRING PROCESS
Applications are accepted at any time, but only filled when there is a vacancy. When an opening becomes available, if you meet these pre-screening requirements, qualified applicants will be contacted by telephone or email and scheduled for an initial interview. Applicants who are deemed ineligible for an interview, or who fail to successfully complete the interview, will be notified by e-mail. If there are no open positions, applications will be kept on file.
MSU Police and Public Safety provides security services for the FRIB. The department oversees homeland security, emergency management, and first responder issues for the laboratory. Supervised by MSU DPPS, a civilian security staff is utilized to help maintain a secure environment at the FRIB.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The FRIB Security Staff was created to assist MSU DPPS in providing property protection for the FRIB facility and work-site. The main functions of the FRIB Security staff are monitoring access controlled areas and intellectual, personal, and real property protection.
JOB DUTIES
Perform regular rounds around the laboratory
Monitor secured areas
Monitor and respond to access control and fire alarms
Provide leadership and direction in emergencies and assist emergency personnel as needed during emergencies
Make contact with police when needed
Monitor the facility for prohibited items
WORKING CONDITIONS AND HOURS
FRIB Security Staff are scheduled for various shift hours based on need. MSU DPPS has a policy restricting student employees from working more than 25 hours per week and restricting non-student employees working more than 19 hours per week. Any other part time job with MSU must be included in that weekly hour limit and disclosed to the department.
QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must possess, agree to, and/or have the following:
Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills
Display a high standard of ethical conduct
Be able to stand and/or walk for an entire shift
Be able to work flexible hours; including nighttime, holidays and all home football games
Be able to pass a certification test provided by the department trained First Aid/CPR instructors based on the American Red Cross standard; or have a current and valid certificate of completion for that training
Complete required training and be able to be certified in blood-borne pathogen standards
Pass an employment background investigation
Additionally, due to the nature of this position, must also possess, agree to, and/or have the following:
Minimum of one year prior security-related experience
Possess the ability to handle export-controlled materials
HIRING PROCESS
Applications are accepted at any time, but only filled when there is a vacancy. When an opening becomes available, if you meet these pre-screening requirements, qualified applicants will be contacted by telephone or email and scheduled for an initial interview. Applicants who are deemed ineligible for an interview, or who fail to successfully complete the interview, will be notified by e-mail. If there are no open positions, applications will be kept on file.
Greencoat Security works a variety of locations and at special events occurring at MSU.
JOB DUTIES
Monitor secured areas
Screen patrons for prohibited items at event venues
Provide leadership and direction in emergencies and assist emergency personnel as needed during emergencies
Make contact with police when needed for law enforcement or order maintenance
Monitor the facility/event assigned to and be vigilant for prohibited items
WORKING CONDITIONS AND HOURS
Greencoat Security is assigned to shifts that could encompass any time of day or day of week. Sign-up options are available to allow you to volunteer for work assignments. However, ALL Greencoats must work MSU Home Football Game weekends, or similar type high-volume events.
The department has a policy restricting student employees from working more than 25 hours per week and restricting non-student employees working more than 19 hours per week. Any other part-time MSU job must be included in that weekly hour limit and disclosed to the department.
QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must possess, agree to, and/or have the following:
Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills
Be able to work flexible hours, including holidays and MSU home football game days
Provide a detailed resume of relevant job experience and training
Display a high standard of ethical conduct
Be able to stand and/or walk for an entire shift
Be able to pass a certification test provided by Department trained First Aid/CPR instructors based on the American Red Cross standard; or have a current and valid certificate of completion for that training
Complete required training and be able to be certified in blood-borne pathogen standards
Pass an employment background investigation
HIRING PROCESS
Applications are accepted at any time and hiring does occur year-round. Persons hired must complete required training before working as Greencoat Security. You are paid to attend the training sessions.
When an opening becomes available, if you meet the pre-screening requirements, qualified applicants will be contacted by telephone or email and scheduled for an initial interview. Applicants who are deemed ineligible for an interview, or who fail to successfully complete the interview, will be notified by e-mail. If there are no open positions, applications will be kept on file.
The Traffic Worker position was created to assist MSU DPPS with special events hosted on campus throughout the school year. The focus of the Traffic Worker is to assist with traffic control and parking during special events, as well as provide customer service to those attending these events.
Traffic Workers can work year-round; however, the bulk of the hours occur during football season.
JOB DUTIES
Assist police officers with traffic direction for vehicles and/or pedestrians
Make contact with police when needed for law enforcement or order maintenance
Monitor the assigned area and inform supervisors of problems developing
WORKING CONDITIONS AND HOURS
Traffic Workers work a variety of shifts and the length of the shift will depend on the event scheduled. The events and shift can occur anytime and any day of the year (NOTE: During the “school day,” shifts may be lengthened or shortened to accommodate class schedules). On average, Football games run 8-12 hours, Men’s Basketball 8 hours, and Hockey and Women’s Basketball games are 4 hours. Everyone is required to work during home football weekends; a Traffic Worker may have a game assignment or cover an overnight assignment during those weekends.
The department has a policy restricting student employees from working more than 25 hours per week and restricting non-student employees working more than 19 hours per week. Any other part-time MSU job must be included in that weekly hour limit and disclosed to the department.
QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must possess, agree to, and/or have the following:
Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills
Be able to work flexible hours, including holidays and MSU home football game days
Provide a detailed resume of relevant job experience and training
Pass a thorough employment background investigation
HIRING PROCESS
Applications are accepted at any time and if you meet the pre-screening requirements, qualified applicants will be contacted by telephone or email and scheduled for an initial interview. Applicants who are deemed ineligible for an interview, or who fail to successfully complete the interview, will be notified by e-mail.
The Accountability Check-In Worker position was created to assist MSU Police and Public Safety with checking in staff, volunteers and event workers for various events at Michigan State University. The focus of this position is to verify the identity of the individuals who will be working and/or volunteering at university events.
This is a year-round position that has a varied schedule and will require availability during early morning, nights, weekends and holidays. Shifts are typically scheduled in five-hour increments with varied start times.
JOB DUTIES
Check in event staff workers
Make contact with police when needed for law enforcement or order maintenance
Monitor the assigned area and inform supervisors of problems developing
WORKING CONDITIONS AND HOURS
Accountability Check-In Worker positions are all part-time and due to the nature of the event scheduling; there are no typical number of hours worked each week. This position requires moderate physical effort and involves sitting and/or standing for extended periods of time and the use of a laptop or other computer device. Everyone is required to work during home football weekends.
The department has a policy restricting student employees from working more than 25 hours per week and restricting non-student employees working more than 19 hours per week. Any other part-time MSU job must be included in that weekly hour limit and disclosed to the department.
QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must possess, agree to, and/or have the following:
Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills
Be able to work flexible hours, including holidays, MSU home football game days and weekends
Have some understanding of basic computer skills, such as Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
Pass a thorough employment background investigation
HIRING PROCESS
Applications are accepted at any time and if you meet the pre-screening requirements, qualified applicants will be contacted by telephone or email and scheduled for an initial interview. Applicants who are deemed ineligible for an interview, or who fail to successfully complete the interview, will be notified by e-mail.
The Police Service Desk, staffed by student Cadets, serves as the central hub of MSU Police and Public Safety by receiving phone calls and walk-in customers. In addition to handling incoming phone calls and walk-ins, Cadets also monitor the University’s fire and intrusion alarm systems, monitor police radio traffic, take reports and provide general assistance and information to the campus community and visitors.
JOB DUTIES
Monitor campus-wide fire and intrusion alarm system
Take reports for simple crimes
Provide assistance to patrol officers using a police radio
Answer incoming phone calls and handle walk-in customers
WORKING CONDITIONS AND HOURS
Cadets work eight-hour shifts, providing coverage to the Police Service Desk 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (NOTE: During the academic “school day,” shifts may be lengthened or shortened to accommodate class schedules). Cadets typically are scheduled for a minimum of two eight-hour shifts per week, depending on demand. During a shift, Cadets may sit or stand and are required to stay in position at the Police Service Desk, unless relieved by another Cadet or Supervisor.
As the first level of contact for the department, Cadets are expected to maintain the utmost level of courtesy and professionalism. Additionally, Cadets should possess the ability to multi-task and be able to perform their job duties during emergency situations. Everyone is required to be available to work during home football weekends and similar high-volume events.
The department has a policy restricting student employees from working more than 25 hours per week. Any other part-time MSU job must be included in that weekly hour limit and disclosed to the department.
QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must possess, agree to, and/or have the following:
Required to be currently registered Michigan State University students
Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills
Be able to work flexible hours, including holidays and MSU home football game days
Provide a detailed resume of relevant job experience and training
Pass a thorough employment background investigation
NOTE: Due to the extensive amount of training incumbent to this position, preference may be given to candidates of freshmen or sophomore status.
HIRING PROCESS
Applications are accepted at any time, but only filled when there are vacancies. When an opening becomes available, if you meet the pre-screening requirements, qualified applicants will be contacted by telephone or email and scheduled for an initial interview. Applicants who are deemed ineligible for an interview, or who fail to successfully complete the interview, will be notified by e-mail. If there are no open positions, applications will be kept on file.
The focus of the Parking Enforcer position is to assist with parking concerns, as well as provide customer service to our community.
JOB DUTIES
Ticketing an illegally parked vehicle
Impounding unregistered bicycles
Assisting motorists, i.e., cutting off bike locks, etc.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND HOURS
Parking enforcers can work year-round. Parking enforcers must accept the job knowing they may work early morning, nights, overnights and weekends. Parking Enforcers usually work 5-hour shifts and those shifts are worked completely around your class schedule for that semester. There are no typical number of hours worked. Everyone is required to be available to work during home football weekends and similar high-volume events.
The department has a policy restricting student employees from working more than 25 hours per week. Any other part-time MSU job must be included in that weekly hour limit and disclosed to the department.
QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must possess, agree to, and/or have the following:
Required to be currently registered Michigan State University students
Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills
Be able to work flexible hours, including holidays and MSU home football game days
Provide a detailed resume of relevant job experience and training
Pass a thorough employment background investigation
HIRING PROCESS
Applications are accepted at any time, but only filled when there are vacancies. When an opening becomes available, if you meet the pre-screening requirements, qualified applicants will be contacted by telephone or email and scheduled for an initial interview. Applicants who are deemed ineligible for an interview, or who fail to successfully complete the interview, will be notified by e-mail. If there are no open positions, applications will be kept on file.
Access Control Assistants perform Access Control duties related to the MSU alarm system and doors around campus. Assistants provide key runs to qualified individuals following a specific protocol and Assistants will maintain the key storage cabinet and the department’s gun storage closet. You may be asked to perform minor data entry and assist with occasional filing and paperwork.
JOB DUTIES
Respond and secure “Hold Open” alarms emanating from the campus-wide intrusion alarm system
Provide assistance to Access Control Managers by completing minor data entry and filing
Perform key runs for approved individuals
Run a Key Cabinet Report and provide that information to an Access Control Manager
WORKING CONDITIONS AND HOURS
As a base level of contact for the department, Access Control Assistants are expected to maintain the utmost level of courtesy and professionalism. Additionally, Access Control Assistants should possess the ability to self-task and be able to perform their job duties without a direct supervisor present. These employees work rotating six-hour shifts including midnights, weekends and holidays. Access Control Assistants will be expected walk or drive to multiple locations in response to the MSU Access Control Alarm System. Everyone is required to be available to work during home football weekends and similar high-volume events.
The department has a policy restricting student employees from working more than 25 hours per week. Any other part-time MSU job must be included in that weekly hour limit and disclosed to the department.
QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must possess, agree to, and/or have the following:
Required to be currently registered Michigan State University students
Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills
Be able to work flexible hours, including holidays and MSU home football game days
Provide a detailed resume of relevant job experience and training
Pass a thorough employment background investigation
HIRING PROCESS
Applications are accepted at any time, but only filled when there are vacancies. When an opening becomes available, if you meet the pre-screening requirements, qualified applicants will be contacted by telephone or email and scheduled for an initial interview. Applicants who are deemed ineligible for an interview, or who fail to successfully complete the interview, will be notified by e-mail. If there are no open positions, applications will be kept on file.
Parking Services Office Aides perform office duties related to MSU Police and Public Safety's Parking Services operations. Aides may be asked to perform data entry, clerical functions and assist with filing or other similar paperwork.
JOB DUTIES
Provide assistance to Parking Services employees by completing clerical duties, data entry and filing
Perform duties associated with maintaining an office, i.e., answering phones, monitoring technology, etc.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND HOURS
As a base level of contact for the department, Parking Services Office Aides are expected to maintain the utmost level of courtesy and professionalism. Additionally, Aides should possess the ability to self-task and be able to perform their job duties without a direct supervisor present. These employees work during business hours when the Parking Services Office is open to the community. There is the potential need to be available to work during home football weekends and similar high-volume events.
The department has a policy restricting student employees from working more than 25 hours per week. Any other part-time MSU job must be included in that weekly hour limit and disclosed to the department.
QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must possess, agree to, and/or have the following:
Required to be currently registered Michigan State University students
Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills
Be able to work flexible hours, including MSU home football game days
Provide a detailed resume of relevant job experience and training
Pass a thorough employment background investigation
HIRING PROCESS
Applications are accepted at any time, but only filled when there are vacancies. When an opening becomes available, if you meet the pre-screening requirements, qualified applicants will be contacted by telephone or email and scheduled for an initial interview. Applicants who are deemed ineligible for an interview, or who fail to successfully complete the interview, will be notified by e-mail. If there are no open positions, applications will be kept on file.