Police Officer

Job Title

Police Officer

Agency

Tarleton State University

Department

University Police & Transportation

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Stephenville, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of Police Officer in the University Police Department. As part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service, this role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a university that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth. Join us in advancing knowledge and transforming lives—on campus and beyond. Tarleton State University continues to grow its impact across Texas, with four distinct campuses located in Stephenville, Fort Worth, RELLIS-Bryan and Waco, along with a robust online community that extends our reach even further.

At the heart of it all is Stephenville, where Tarleton State offers a dynamic environment for faculty and staff. From a lively live music scene and numerous local festivals to rich traditions rooted in the surrounding community, Stephenville provides a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

No matter where you're located—on campus or online—you are part of a mission that transforms lives and makes a difference across the state of Texas and beyond.

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Important Immigration Information:

A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Please be advised that Tarleton State University will NOT pay this fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Tarleton State University subject to this fee. 

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate.

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The Police Officer, under general supervision, provides specialized professional law enforcement skills by giving service, information and aid to citizens as circumstances require, preventing crime, suppressing disturbances, investigating criminal offenses, and arresting offenders. Job location is Stephenville, Texas. Patrol currently utilizes 12-hour shifts (Pitman Schedule).

Responsibilities:

65% Patrol duties; Provides for the safety of the students, faculty and staff by patrolling campus on foot, by vehicle, ATV or by riding bicycles. Prevents Crime and suppresses disturbances. Enforces Criminal Law and Texas Transportation Code violations. Performs preliminary investigation of crimes and incidents creating initial reports. Reports violations of Tarleton State University Rules and Regulations. Assists neighboring law enforcement agencies. Testifies in court proceedings. Investigates traffic accidents.

30% Public Service: Provides motorist assistance (vehicle jump starts and unlocks.) Attends campus functions and gatherings. Assists Residential and Living Learning. Attends community events and student speaking engagements. Provides escorts to students, faculty and staff as requested. Provides police presence at special events.

5% Responds to emergency calls for service. Provides welfare and/or medical concern checks and request EMS/Ambulance services. Performs other duties as assigned

Required Education, Experience, Skills   

To be qualified at the Police Officer I level: Proposed Minimum Pay: $25.49/hr

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• One year of related experience in law enforcement.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) basic certification.
• Must have a State of Texas class “C” vehicle operator’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.

To be qualified at the Police Officer II level: Proposed Minimum Pay: $26.94/hr

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• One year of experience as a licensed Police Officer.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all segments of the campus population.
• Ability to function under adverse and stressful conditions.
• Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) basic certification.
• Must have a State of Texas class “C” vehicle operator’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.

To be qualified at the Police Officer III level: Proposed Minimum Pay: $27.90/hr

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three years of experience as a licensed Police Officer.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all segments of the campus population.
• Ability to function under adverse and stressful conditions.
• Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) intermediate certification.
• Must have a State of Texas class “C” vehicle operator’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.

To be qualified at the Police Officer IV level: Proposed Minimum Pay: $30.18/hr

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Five years of experience as a licensed Police Officer.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all segments of the campus population.
• Ability to function under adverse and stressful conditions.
• Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) advanced certification.
• Must have a State of Texas class “C” vehicle operator’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.

All system university police will be required to meet minimum licensing standard requirements as required by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) § 217.1. Work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends. Must successfully pass psychological evaluation, physical examination, and complete background investigation to include but not limited to driving history, criminal background, and credit history.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: Commensurate with experience

The target base hourly pay may be negotiable based on funding availability and candidate experience/skillset in relation to the minimum requirements of this position. Tarleton State University offers a career filled with purpose and opportunity in addition to competitive wages. As part of the Tarleton family, the following benefits are also available to full time and qualifying part time employees:

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a completed application for consideration. Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.

Application Procedure:

During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents and Submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via "Submit" action.

Employment applications must include:

• Completed online application

• Cover Letter / Letter of Interest addressing qualifications

• Curriculum Vitae or Resume

• At least 3 current professional references and their full contact information

 Applications received by Tarleton State University must have all job application data entered. Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. “See resume” is not an acceptable entry in the job application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.