Security Officer

Transit Security Officer - 17

To provide a safe environment for employees and visitors. May patrol by foot, vehicle, or ride buses to protect VIA's assets and property at all VIA-owned/Operated/Leased properties to include Administration buildings, transit centers and Park and Ride locations. Performs security duties Controls access and monitors activities at VIA Villa and may also work security posts at other VIA Facilities. Answers the Security desk phone and refers callers. Provides service and information to employees and visitors. May enforce VIA Code of Conduct and VIA policies such as Safety, Code of Conduct, Badging, Parking, Visitor sign-in, and office access. Monitors the employee/visitor parking lots for suspicious activity. Works closely with Transit Police Officers. May perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions:

• Greets visitors, customers and employees and provides directional assistance when required.
• Directs and oversees lobby activities to ensure the safety of customers, visitors, employees, and the protection of property.
• Acts as a liaison between customers, visitors, and all other divisions within VIA as well as outside agencies.
• Patrols VIA Facilities for suspicious, criminal and/or nuisance activities.
• Patrol's interior of buildings and checks for unsecured doors. Locks and unlocks doors for authorized personnel. Secures doors/offices.
• Checks for valid parking decals on vehicles entering and parking on VIA property. Enforces VIA parking policy.
• Addresses suspicious activity and persons.
• Escorts employees to their vehicles to ensure their safety, at night and perceived unsafe conditions when requested.
• Provides information to visitors and employees.
• Responds to, reports, and documents all irregularities and emergencies at assigned facilities to appropriate chain of command.
• Required to physically engage and de-escalate issues using training to defuse volatile situations.
• Prepares and maintains records and reports on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
• This job description excludes marginal functions that are incidental to performing the job. Other duties may exist.

Education and Experience:

High school education or GED and at least two years of commissioned security officer or prior law enforcement experience or other experience in a security related field or military. Additional related education or experience may be used in determining an equivalent combination.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be able to pass a thorough criminal background check and not ever have been convicted of a Felony or class A misdemeanor or been convicted of a class B misdemeanor within the last 10 years. Convictions are subject to review on a case-by-case basis.
• Must have a current State of Texas security officer's commission license (or be able to obtain within 180 days from date of hire) and/or current level 3 certification.
• Must have a valid Texas Class C driver's license and a good driving record.
• Must have the ability to clearly discern details and exercise above average judgment using the totality of circumstances and situational awareness of safety related issues. In addition to observing and reporting.
• Must have ability to respond to security related calls at assigned locations and take appropriate actions to mitigate or resolve the issue in the absence of Transit Police Officers.
• Must assist with Law Enforcement related calls at assigned locations at the direction of a Transit Police officer or any other Law Enforcement Official.
• Must have the ability to provide security back up and support to Transit Police officers or other Law Enforcement officials on assigned facilities when the need exists.
• Must have the ability to successfully pass Use of Force and Less-Lethal certification training in less-lethal force options and use of force continuum training to include, but not limited to, TASER, OC "pepper spray", and collapsible baton to include Industry best practices exposure.
• Must own or be able to own an approved weapon, preferably a semi-automatic handgun of "9mm", ".40 S&W" or ".45 ACP" caliber. Must be able to successfully qualify per State and Department guidelines with duty weapon.
• Must possess above average communication skills, both verbal and written, and must communicate both in person and by two-way radio.
• Must be able to gain a working knowledge of all VIA services and be available to provide information on these services to the general public.
• Must be able to write accurate and detailed reports.
• Must have working knowledge of PC and office software.
• Must be courteous and diplomatic in dealing with persons at all levels.
• Must comply with dress and grooming codes.
• Must have mathematical skills to perform basic calculations.
• Must be able to maintain good work attendance.
• Safety Accountability Statement:
• Employees must consider safety in all tasks performed, as well as demonstrate safe judgment and decisions that not only maintain their own safety; but that of fellow employees and customers.
• Demonstrate a professional commitment to assure compliance with all organizational policies, practices and programs; related to safety, health, and system security.
• Employees have a responsibility to identify and report hazards, as well as potentially unsafe conditions, to your immediate supervisor or Safety Department.
• Employees are responsible, and required, to stop a job/task to prevent an unsafe incident or act from occurring. This acknowledges the threat of potential injury, property damage and the opportunity for better judgment to be used.
• Must support VIA's EEO and Diversity Program.

Physical Requirements:

• Physical ability to be mobile, bend, stoop, stand, reach and have sufficient mobility, and strength to subdue and restrain offenders to include detention of offenders until the arrival of Transit Police Officers.

Work Environment:

• Work involves being around moving vehicles and exposure to dust, fumes, gases, noises, and extremes in temperature/humidity.
• Inside and outside shift work with irregular hours. Work hours could involve early morning, evening, late or overnight hours, weekends, holidays and/or split shifts.

VIA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal opportunity to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.