Transit Security Officer - Community Transit

As a Transit Security Officer (TSO), you will provide security services for employees, contractors, customers, and visitors. With the support of the Transit Police Unit (TPU), the Social Worker Program, and customer service positions across the agency, you will help provide a safe and secure environment.  This entails patrolling, monitoring, and responding to security incidents, among other duties.

Patrol and inspect Community Transit property, vehicles, and service areas to:

• Prevent and discover rule of conduct and policy violations
• Identify and address other suspicious activity
• Assist customers in successfully using our services
• Assist employees as needed
• Inspect property
• Provide event security, crowd control, checkpoint control, and vehicle flagging as requested.

Patrols will be conducted solo, with a partner, or as part of a group.  Patrolling will be on foot, driving a vehicle, riding a bus, and other similar activities.

Respond to all types of incidents and emergencies, both in-progress and not in-progress. 

• Take appropriate action, possibly in a lead role.
• Liaison with responding law enforcement, first responders, and other Community Transit staff.
• Assist Transit Police with non-law enforcement activities.
• Provide first aid, CPR, AED, and other approved medical aid.
• As directed, conduct internal security investigations and facilitate fact-finding. 

Enforce Rules of Conduct and other Community Transit policies.  Issue warnings, re-seat requests, temporary denials of service, exclusions, parking warnings or impounds, and conduct fare enforcement activities.  Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local security policies, laws, and regulations.

Security Operations Center (SOC):

• Manage CCTV, access control, alarm monitoring, and security communication systems. Monitor and assess activity, deploy resources, and coordinate cross-departmental activity.
• Answer phones, radios, and other communication methods. Triage information and coordinate response.
• Monitor intelligence and threat information, both open source and confidential, to determine appropriate response and mitigation.
• Monitor non-security systems and provide notification to other departments as needed.
• Write, review, and approve incident reports.
• Assist individuals with access badge and facility key issues.
• Process public records requests, internal records requests, and customer complaints.
• Maintain issued uniforms and equipment in good operating condition.

Collaborate with the Transit Police Unit (TPU), the Social Worker Program, and customer service positions across the agency to respond to, process, and debrief security incidents.  Foster continuous improvement and employee emotional support, using skills in mediation, emotional intelligence, and culturally sensitive communication.

Assist with training other TSOs, employees and contractors.  Assist with developing standard operating procedures and provide other program support. 

Participate in Emergency Management training and serve as an emergency responder during disasters or emergencies. May serve as the Incident Commander or in a similar position for extended periods of time until relieved.  

Perform other duties of a similar nature or level, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent credential.
• 2 years of experience in security or law enforcement related work, including military experience.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification or the ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license.
  • Ability to successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation, including:
  1. Ability to obtain and maintain clearance for access to the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) and Washington State Fusion Center (WSFC) within 30 days of hire.
  2. Ability to obtain and maintain fingerprint clearance from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, including FBI fingerprint screening, within 30 days of hire.
  • Ability to successfully complete physically demanding Use of Force training, which includes defensive tactics practice and pepper spray application.
  • Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule including full shifts on nights, weekends, and holidays to support 24/7 security coverage.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills. 

An equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the job duties is also accepted.

Knowledge Requirements

• Best practices for providing excellent customer service.
• Security activities and procedures.
• Conducting investigations, writing reports, and maintaining investigative files.

Skill Requirements

• Fostering an inclusive workplace by valuing and leveraging diversity, equity, and inclusion to uphold Community Transit’s Core Values and achieve the organization’s vision and mission.  Inspiring and fostering team commitment, pride, and trust.  Facilitating cooperation and motivating team members to accomplish group goals while treating others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect.
• Ability to make sound judgments and decisions in stressful or emergency situations.
• Managing stressful situations with patience, empathy, diplomacy, and sensitivity. 
• Ability to calmly communicate with agitated individuals to understand and address their concerns.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Working effectively both independently and as part of a team. 
• Working cross-functionally with law enforcement, first responders, and other transit agency staff.
• Accurate data entry.
• Managing multiple tasks simultaneously and effectively and adjusting to changing priorities.
• Accepting and applying feedback for continuous improvement.
• Experience with PC-based software such as MS Office, email, and scheduling applications.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

• Associate degree in criminal justice, risk management, emergency management, or a related field.
• Experience using Lenel OnGuard or Avigilon security systems.
• Experience working in a dispatch center, security operations center, 911 center or a similar environment.
• Ability to speak Spanish, Korean, Chinese, or Russian.
• Experience working in public transit, a public agency, or a regulated private industry.
• Understanding of Video Surveillance Systems (CCTV), Alarm Systems (intrusion and duress), Barrier Systems (Fencing, Pedestrian, and Vehicle), and Communication Systems (Emergency Assist Stations and Mass Notifications).
• Knowledge of security functions, such as security planning, threat and vulnerability assessments (TVA), resource management, and emergency management.
• Using social media platforms, search tools, productivity applications and communication tools to maintain situational awareness and complete job tasks.

Working Conditions

• Your work will be performed indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions and will require you to sit for extended periods of time and to walk and run between Community Transit properties.  You will need to wear, carry, and utilize defensive equipment, communication equipment, ballistic vests, flashlight, PPE, and similar security equipment while on duty.  You may be exposed to automotive fumes, odors, and dust.  You may also be required to exert up to 75 pounds of force occasionally, 20 pounds frequently, and wear 20 to 30 pounds of gear for the entire shift.  You will need good vision to perform the duties of this role and defend yourself and others.

Application and Selection Process

• Only on-line applications accepted. 
• Applicants for this job may be considered for other openings up to six months after the date this position is filled.
• Applicants who meet the minimum requirements may be scheduled for an interview as well as a variety of tests to demonstrate knowledge, and skills for the position.  The evaluation process may include interviews, background check, reference checks and various performance tests.

Employee Benefits

• Employees (and their families) are covered by medical, dental, vision, basic life and disability insurance.
• Employees participate in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and have the option to enroll in the agency’s deferred compensation plan.
• In addition to WA Paid Sick Leave, employees in this position, accrue of 19 days of Paid Time off (152 hours) in their first year and ten (10) paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Full list of all benefits and details can be found here.

If you are related to, or share the same living quarters of a current Community Transit employee, please let your Recruiter know as your eligibility for this position may be affected.

Community Transit provides a tobacco-free and drug-free work environment.  As a recipient of federal funds, Community Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on a basis prohibited by Federal, State or Local law.  We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.  EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, protected veteran status or disability.