Police Officer (Certified)

Job Description The Public Safety Division at Virginia Tech is comprised of the Police Department, Environmental Health & Safety, and the Office of Emergency Management. The division plays a critical role in supporting the well‑being of the community by planning for and responding to emergency events, and creating a culture of preparedness where employees and students are safe in their work and living environments. Responsibilities Police Officers at Virginia Tech protect and serve a diverse university community. Responsibilities include: Investigating motor vehicle accidents, personal injuries, and criminal matters Enforcing state and federal laws and university policies Preparing reports and providing courtroom testimony Managing traffic direction and crowd control Responding to emergency situations and engaging in extended foot patrols Working a rotating shift schedule that includes weekends, nights, and holidays Reporting for duty in adverse weather conditions and when the university is otherwise closed ("Emergency Personnel") Adhering to all criteria established for a nationally accredited police department Performing other duties as requested by the supervisor and supporting the best interests of the department Fulfilling the terms in the Standards of Business Conduct, Virginia Tech’s Principles of Community, and supporting the university’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) Required Qualifications Experience with writing reports or similar documents Experience working with the public Demonstrated computer experience Skills and Abilities Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Ability to work with a culturally diverse department and the university community Ability to give credible court testimony and comprehend legal documents Ability to use independent judgment and exercise considerable restraint under stressful situations Ability to operate a motor vehicle at high speeds in adverse conditions Ability to ascertain facts through personal contact, observation, and examination of records Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations Ability to recognize safety and security hazards on campus and take appropriate corrective action Physical Fitness Ability to perform strenuous physical activities Ability to run, jump, climb stairs, bend, lift, and physically restrain an individual as needed Ability to perform duties on bicycle, vehicle, or foot Must pass a physical ability test by running 1.5 miles within 20 minutes Must be able to use a respirator Following a conditional offer, one must pass a medical exam, including vision testing Pre‑Employment and Ongoing Employee Screening Successful completion of an extensive background check and credit history check (including driving records, criminal history with fingerprinting, and pre‑employment drug screening) 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 Federal, State, Local Government, and Other Requirements Must be a U.S. citizen as required by Virginia Code Section 15.2‑1705 Must qualify under federal and state guidelines to carry a firearm Must be a high‑school graduate or be able to furnish documentary evidence of equivalency degree Must currently possess a valid Virginia Operator’s License or be able to obtain it within 30 days of employment Must meet vision requirements: no worse than 20/200 uncorrected, must correct to 20/20; color blindness (including pronounced shade deficiencies) will be disqualifying Must be at least 20 years of age on the date of hire Must meet all other standards by law (15.2‑1705: 9-169 Code of Virginia) and by the policy of the Criminal Justice Services Board Preferred Qualifications Current Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Certification at the time of hire Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, police science, or related field Previous military experience Pay Band 3 Overtime Status Non‑Exempt: Eligible for overtime Appointment Type Regular Salary Information Base salary of $54k. Hiring incentives are available to increase the starting salary for military service, completing advanced education degrees (Associate, Bachelor, or Master), and/or currently possessing a Virginia DCJS certification ($1k). Hours per Week 28‑Day Cycle; 12‑hour shifts; shifts vary depending on assignment Review Date June 15th 2026 Additional Information The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check. Equal Employment Opportunity Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr