Transportation Safety Officer

Vanderbilt is a community of talented and diverse staff & faculty!

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice through:

• Working and growing together as a community of communities... we are One Vanderbilt.
• Providing a work environment where every staff and faculty member can be their authentic and best self, while providing the resources and opportunities to learn and grow.
• Encouraging development, collaboration, and partnership both internally and externally while fostering the value that every member of the Vanderbilt community can lead and grow regardless of title or position.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

*************************************************************************************************************************

Vanderbilt University has made the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University may require employees to comply with any testing or health and safety measures which the University may require.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are.  We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.

The Transportation Safety Officer is responsible for providing transportation of students, visitors, campus pedestrians as required throughout the campus.  This position reports suspicious or hazardous situations, provides general security and patrol and performs proactive patrols on foot. This position may utilize only non-police vehicles, may staff security posts and will enforce parking regulations. This position will have daily contact with members of the university community to include students, parents, staff, faculty, and visitors to give information/directions, take reports, and provide assistance.

The shift for this position is 5 pm-1:30 am. The pay rate is $22.50 plus shift differential up to $1.75 per hour.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

Transport Passengers:

• Provide safe and proper transport of passengers in concert with VU safety guidelines and policies.
• Follow all local, state, and federal laws regarding proper operation of shuttle vehicles.
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of all routes to include Vanderbilt garages, major streets, landmarks, etc.
• Maintain vehicles according to defined standards (inspections, cleaning, fueling, and logging of transports).
• Report accidents observed or suspected violations of Vanderbilt policies, safety hazards and/or unusual incidents to the Manager.
• Provide customer service as required and assist disabled passengers when necessary.

Patrol/Stationary Post:

• May be assigned to a fixed security post and will perform specific tasks and assignments defined for the post.
• May be assigned to traffic mitigation, and/or parking enforcement.
• May be assigned to proactive patrols of facilities, grounds, parking lots and garages to check for safety and security hazards.  Enforces fire lane loading and handicap parking including towing vehicles as necessary.
• May lock and unlock facilities or areas. 
• May be assigned to monitor non-violent psychiatric patients.

Community Oriented Policing:

• May serve the community through proactive security post assignments or patrol functions including self-initiated activities.
• Develop rapport with members of the university community as well as surrounding areas; participates in community relations activities.
• Assist community members as necessary. 

Calls for Service:

• May respond to non-police emergency calls to include but not be limited to the following: alarms (fire, general security), hazardous material spills and leaks, and pedestrian or vehicular traffic control.
• May be required to assist in controlling, de-escalating, or restraining combative and/or violent patients as requested by medical personnel. 
• May provide back-up and assistance for other officers within guidelines specified in department policy and procedures
• May respond to general security or safety hazard calls for service as directed and maintains familiarity with personal protective equipment including protective suits and N-95 respirators.
• Maintain knowledge of the Institutional Disaster Plan.
• May provide appropriate internal and external disaster assistance according to Departmental, University, and Medical Center policies and procedures.
• May provide walking escorts as necessary.

Investigation:

• May be assigned to investigate and write reports for non-criminal activities according to established procedures.

Special Events and Assignments:

• May provide security for events such as athletic, concerts, speakers, visiting dignitaries, commencement and numerous other social activities where personnel may be required to provide crowd control and maintain order.
• May assist with annual parking permit registration.

 Qualifications

• High School Education or GED is required.
• At least 18 years of age is required.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills is necessary.
• Demonstrated self-restraint in challenging and/or difficult situations is necessary.  
• Ability to operate computerized equipment and a two-way radio is necessary. 
• Demonstrated problem solving skills is necessary
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record. 
  • Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide up-to-date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records.
• Completion of VUPS training within 30 days of hire is required*. This includes:
  • De-escalation, Pressure Point Control Tactics, Asp Baton, pepper spray, or similar training
  • CPR and AED certification
  • Security officer training

*Note: this training is completed within the first 2 weeks of training. In some cases, if someone missed a few days of training they must have it completed within 30 days. 

Physical Requirements:

Transportation Safety Officers must be able to:

• Sit and stand for long periods.
• Walk, climb, and lift.
• Meet written departmental standards on appearance/grooming.
• Pass a thorough background investigation.
• Must obtain immunizations and medical tests as required to be able to work in patient care and high-risk areas.

Working Environment:

• Required to work varying shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays as assigned.
• Must be able to work in inclement weather and various weather extremes.
• May encounter such things as hazardous materials, infectious diseases, blood-borne pathogens, steam, car battery acid, loud noises, smoke, and fire.
• Must correctly use a TB Mask and other precautionary equipment. 
• May encounter physical danger from violent patients, suspects, and others.

#VUCLO