Careers at Virginia Tech

The Public Safety Division at Virginia Tech is comprised of the Police Department, Environmental Health & Safety, and the Office of Emergency Management and has a critical role in supporting the well-being of our community. We are essential in planning for and responding to emergency events, and in creating a culture of preparedness where employees and students are safe in their work and living environments.

Security Officers at Virginia Tech provide security for a diverse university community and provide support to the Police Department in the prevention and detection of criminal activity. Specific responsibilities include:
• locking and unlocking university buildings at prescribed times and as requested;
• continuous patrol of buildings and grounds on foot, bicycle, or vehicle;
• reporting safety and security deficiencies; identifying suspicious activities within the campus and handling them appropriately;
• responding to varying situations tactfully while conveying a professional image;
• reporting criminal activity to law enforcement officers;
• communicating via two-way radio;
• completing daily reports and incident reports;
• providing escorts for visitors, employees, and students upon request;
• adhering to all criteria established for a Nationally Accredited Police Department.

In performing the above duties, the security officer position requires a considerable amount of walking, climbing, carrying and lifting, and reporting for work in adverse weather conditions. All positions require night, shift, and weekend work. Security Officers may be subpoenaed by the court and must be able to give credible testimony.

The incumbent also performs other duties as requested; takes initiative to support a healthy work environment; strives to fulfill the terms in the Standards of Business Conduct; exemplifies the Virginia Tech Principles of Community; and supports the university’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

Experience
• Demonstrated experience involving public contact.
• Experience keeping records and/or logs, including demonstrated attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal relationship skills.
• Must be able to observe patrolled areas for security violation safety hazards, handle stressful situations with emotional control and conduct mediation in a diplomatic manner.
• Must maintain compliance with all DCJS Campus Security Officer Regulations and all Department and University policies and procedures.
• Result-oriented with demonstrated ability to follow through, make informed decisions, complete tasks and problem-solve.
• Ability to work with a culturally diverse department and the University community.
• Ability to give credible court testimony.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical activities such as walking considerable distances and up and down stairs, ladders, etc.
• Ability to work in varied environmental conditions.
• Ability to maintain reasonably regular, punctual attendance.


Employment Conditions:
• Must be a high school graduate or able to furnish documentary evidence of equivalency degree.
• Must be at least 18 years of age on the date of hire.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident eligible under the United States law for employment in the United States.
• This position is designated safety sensitive.
• Must successfully complete a criminal background check, including fingerprinting.
• Must undergo an extensive background check and credit history check, with satisfactory results.
• Must successfully complete a pre-employment driver's license check and maintain eligibility to operate a state-owned motor vehicle.
• Candidates for employment are required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening.
• Incumbents are subject to random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident drug and alcohol screening, in accordance with department policy.
• Successful completion of a psychological assessment is required.
• Must currently possess or successfully obtain the following within 180 days of hire:
   o DCJS Campus Security Officer Certification
   o Security Officer Training Program, which includes driver and personal defense training
   o CPR and First Aid Certification
   o FEMA's ICS-100.HE Certification

Physical Requirements:
• The Security Officer position requires a considerable amount of walking, climbing, carrying and lifting, and reporting for work in adverse weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.

• Security work experience and/or physical security and protection of assets training.
• Previous emergency services experience, including fire and rescue.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Previous military experience.
• Experience using radio communications equipment.

3

Regular

Base salary of $36k. Hiring incentives are available to increase the starting salary for completing post-high school education degrees and military service.

October 30, 2024

The selected candidate will be required to successfully complete an extended criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.