Application Process

This position is open until filled. For full consideration, please submit an application, along with a cover letter, resume, and response to the following supplemental questions by 8am on Friday, October 31, 2025.

1. As a law enforcement professional, how would you promote and institutionalize the principles of procedural justice within the department, while ensuring that all operations and enforcement strategies are aligned with constitutional policing standards? Please provide an example of how you would lead this in practice, particularly in high-stakes or community-sensitive situations.
2. Recognizing the unique dynamics of a diverse academic environment, please discuss your experience in building cooperative relationships, promoting community engagement, managing collaborative projects, completing or overseeing complex reports or initiatives and leveraging technology to enhance safety.

This position requires successful completion of a written examination, oral interviews, pass an extensive background investigation in compliance with the requirements mandated by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training and current law, as well as a potential polygraph or similar examination, and a psychological examination, and medical exams which include a physical agility test and drug screening.

Please review the position description listed above for full scope of responsibilities and qualifications. Evidence of degree(s) or certificate(s) and/or license(s) required at time of hire.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Chief of Police, the Police Lieutenant oversees patrol, investigations, community engagement, special events, records, policy, and training for the Sonoma State Police Department. The role includes managing and mentoring personnel, ensuring compliance with laws and CSU policies, and developing law enforcement programs and procedures. The Lieutenant collaborates with campus and external partners on mental health, investigations, task forces, threat assessments, manages incidents and events in the field, and assumes command in the Chief’s absence.

Key Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s Degree or higher from an accredited higher education institution; and,
• Must be currently employed or previously employed in a California law enforcement agency as a Police Sergeant or higher with at least three (3) years of service at the rank of Police Sergeant; and,
• Possession of California P.O.S.T. academy, Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Supervisory certificates; and,
• Ability to successfully earn the P.O.S.T. management certificate by completing a P.O.S.T certified management course within one (1) year of appointment and serving as a lieutenant for a period of two (2) years; and
• Meet all other requirements for peace officers, as established by law, the California Commission of Peace Officer Standards and Training, and the California State University; and,
• Must be at least 21 years of age except as provided by Government Code §1031.4; be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law; and,
• Must possess and maintain a California class C Driver’s License valid for the operation of any vehicle or equipment required to maintain and operate.
• The incumbent will be required to enroll in the California DMV Employer Pull Notice Program.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education, preferably with the California State University.
• Strong knowledge of law, and University policy and regulations regarding public safety and law enforcement functions.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting and financial practices applicable to law enforcement in a university environment.
• Intermediate proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) including knowledge of Google Suite and PeopleSoft.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to mentor, coach and develop others to achieve goals and objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a very diverse community.

Salary and Benefits

Starting salary placement depends on qualifications and experience and is not expected to exceed $13,334 a month. This position is a member of the Management Personnel Plan and serves at the pleasure of the President.

This position is eligible for a broad range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, retirement (CalPERS), tuition waiver, vacation and sick leave. In addition, 15 paid holidays are offered each year. Sonoma State University is also a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) Employer. 

A comprehensive benefits summary for this position is available online by clicking here to be taken to the CSU benefits page.

Supplemental Information

Sonoma State University is committed to achieving excellence through teaching, scholarship, learning and inclusion. In line with our Strategic Plan and our Seawolf Commitment, our values include diversity, sustainability, community engagement, respect, responsibility, excellence and integrity. We strive to cultivate a community in which a diverse population can learn and work in an atmosphere of civility and respect. We encourage innovation, experimentation and creativity, as well as contributions to equity and inclusion, in the pursuit of excellence for all members of our university community. 

The University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status. Mandated Reporting: This position may be 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.

CSU Out of State Policy - Sonoma State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current employees who apply for this position.

Sonoma State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions (i.e. H-1B visas).

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.

For questions related to the application process, please reach out to hr@sonoma.edu. The ADA Coordinator is also available (hraccommodations@sonoma.edu) to assist individuals with disabilities in need of accommodation during the hiring process.

Sonoma State University's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person by emailing the Clery Compliance and Safety Office at clery@sonoma.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is available for viewing at https://housing.sonoma.edu/compliance-data/2024-campus-housing-fire-safety-report. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within Sonoma State University student housing facilities for three years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Residential Education and Campus Housing at housing@sonoma.edu.