Transit Safety Officer

• 14-Jul-2024 to 04-Aug-2024
• - Operations
• Bellingham, WA, USA
• $31.79 - $39.74
• Hourly
• Full Time
• To view the compensation and benefits document copy this URL into your browser address bar: https://exacthire-files.s3.amazonaws.com/WTA_2024CompensationandBenefitsRep.pdf

First priority given to applications received by Sunday, Aug 4, 2024 at 9:00pm PST.

Please attach a resume and cover letter to the application. The cover letter will be attached to the same location as the resume. Your cover letter should address why you are interested in this position and what makes you a good fit for this role.  

In-person interviews are tentatively scheduled to be held on Monday August 19 or 21, 2024. Please plan to be available.

COMPENSATION: 2024 Rates

$31.79 start to $39.74 full range

WTA is now hiring a Transit Safety Officer due to an internal promotion. Safety is a critical element of WTA's mission statement. The Transit Safety Officer plays a key role in making our transit system safe for our employees, passengers, and the community.

Job Summary:

Provides safety and security duties on WTA properties, vehicles, and throughout the service area.  Responds to safety/security incidents and assures appropriate documentation thereof. Directs the movement of transit vehicles and staff as needed.  Creates, tracks, and updates daily activity reports.

Conducts security foot patrols, may issue temporary denials of service, and ensures passengers are complying with WTA's Code of Conduct.  Interactions with community members may involve dealing with hostile, intoxicated and/or individuals experiencing mental and/or emotional health concerns. Must have the ability to use good judgement for determining the most effective way to manage a variety of situations.   

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Patrol: Patrols WTA properties, vehicles, and service area to prevent and discover customer Code of Conduct policy violations, prevent, and discover suspicious activity. Assist customers in successfully navigating and utilizing WTA services and assist employees as needed.  This includes patrolling solo, with a partner, and as a group. Patrolling will be on foot, driving a non-revenue vehicle, riding the buses and other similar activities.  Occasionally transports passengers/public in non-revenue vehicle for non-routine rides such as for minor medical events or service recovery.
2. Response & Investigations: Respond to all types of incidents and emergencies; takes appropriate action in a lead role until relieved. This may include responding to incidents and directing the movement of transit vehicles as needed. Liaison with Supervisors, Expediters, local law enforcement, first responders, and other WTA employees. Assist staff as needed.   May provide first aid, CPR, AED, and other approved medical aid.  Conducts security investigations and facilities inspections. Refer employees for drug and alcohol testing per WTA's Reasonable Suspicion requirements. Requests, reviews, and utilizes video from security camera systems as needed.
3. Customer Code of Conduct: As authorized by policy, enforces customer Code of Conduct and WTA transit policies. This includes issuing warnings, trespass notices, temporary denials of service, exclusions and conducting fare enforcement activities. Administers, interprets, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
4. Communication:  Uses handheld radios and cellular phones. Prepares written correspondence as needed, including receiving, composing, and sending email, writing reports; may include drafting memos or hotboard communications for supervisors to post. Works with employees across the agency to help process and debrief security incidents. Applies informal conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and culturally competent communication skills in work with the public and with co-workers.
5. Schedule and Attendance: Must be willing to work shifts during the days, evenings, split shifts, on weekends, and holidays. Must maintain punctual and regular attendance to provide dependable service to the public.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. May serve as an emergency responder during disasters/emergencies.
2. Participate in Emergency Management trainings, exercises, and response.
3. Receives on-going organization training on issues related to the position (e.g., CPR / First Aid, Passenger Relations, etc.)
4. Performs other related duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, each essential function must be performed satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, experience, skill and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge of:

• De-escalation techniques for challenging behaviors and demonstrated experience using those skills.
• Making good decisions by considering the potential consequences.
• Principles and processes for providing excellent customer service and resolving conflict.
• Broad understanding of the characteristics, services, and activities of general security functions.
• Knowledge of English, verbal and written, sufficient to read, comprehend and retain information orally and in-writing.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• First aid, CPR, AED, and other approved medical aid.

Skills to:

• Demonstrate patience and sensitivity to serve the needs of internal and external customers, including those from culturally diverse backgrounds, the elderly, persons with disabilities and/or other vulnerable populations.
• Maintain composure and accept criticism, resolve conflicts, and negotiate solutions for compliance without resorting to physical force. 
• Exhibit a high degree of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Conduct customer investigations, creating reports and maintaining investigative files.
• Managing multiple tasks, setting objectives/goals, and re-prioritizing in a fast-paced environment with limited supervision.

Ability to:

• Engage in continuous development of critical thinking skills necessary to mitigate actual and potential security threats.
• Utilize computer equipment to input work time and carry out other computer-related tasks.
• Attending appropriate training selected by WTA.
• Report to work on time and work any day of the week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions for extended periods of time, including entire shifts.
• Work effectively with co-workers at all levels of the organization, as well as people affiliated with other organizations.
• To understand and follow WTA and Departmental policies and procedures.

Education and Experience:

• High school degree or equivalent.
• At least three (3) years of experience responding to, de-escalating, and investigating security incidents.
• Must have an acceptable driving record (in accordance with WTA personnel policy "Employment Requirements") and must submit a five-year driving abstract.
• Must pass a comprehensive background check (in accordance with RCW 43.43.830 through 43.43.840, Child / Adult Abuse Information Act.) Whatcom County Sheriff's Office fingerprint screening within 30 days of hire. 
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job will be considered.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree with an emphasis in law, risk management, criminal justice, emergency management, or closely related field.
• Five (5) years of experience responding to, de-escalating, investigating, and maintaining records of emergencies or security incidents.
• Public transit, public agency, or private transit industry experience.

License or Certificates:

• Obtain and maintain a valid and current CPR card within six (6) months of hire.
• Valid Washington State driver's license at time of hire and maintain licensing during length of employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to perform essential job functions includes, but is not limited to communicating (hearing, speaking, and writing); standing, stooping or bending, all for extended periods of time; walking; climbing stairs and ladders; pushing / pulling; lifting and carrying 75 pounds for a distance up to 10 feet; crawling under vehicles and lifting items weighing up to 15 pounds overhead. Full and complete use of all limbs to operate coach controls.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check to include criminal records and driver's record. All employees participate in the WTA's Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program, which is a condition of hire and a requirement of continued employment. This position is classified as safety sensitive and is subject to drug and alcohol testing pursuant to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations (49 CFR Part 30) and the Federal Transit Administration's regulations (49 CFR Par 655), which includes, pre-employment, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing as well as random drug and alcohol testing.