Public Safety Officer

We are currently recruiting to fill multiple vacant Public Safety Officer positions.

The Public Safety Officer plays an integral role in Pierce Transit's ability to deliver safe service to the community.  The individuals selected for these positions are provided with training that will equip them for success in facing and managing the routine elements of the job as well as the unexpected challenges.  The Public Safety Officer's role is to create a safe and secure environment within the Pierce Transit system by being visible, observing, reporting, and engaging customers.  Public Safety Officers assist in the protection of customers and employees of Pierce Transit.  Public Safety Officers are specially commissioned peace officers and do not have arrest powers.

The ideal candidate for this role is an individual with excellent communication skills, a reputation for demonstrating maturity and sound judgment, and someone who excels in a team environment.  There are elements of this position that will be physically demanding so the successful candidate will need to be physically fit and ready to take on all the role entails to include:

• Patrolling by vehicle, bicycle and by foot throughout Pierce Transit facilities and properties.
• Riding the transit system buses within the service area providing a uniformed presence on board the buses.
• Searching transit facilities and vehicles for suspicious devices and/or people and conducting assessments of transit facilities, physical security breaches, threats to employees, customers and assets.
• Working closely with neighboring law enforcement agencies.
• Using Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) to conduct active surveillance of Transit Facilities, capturing video evidence for use in criminal and civil proceedings, testifying in court as required, listening and responding to radio traffic, responding to employee reports of suspicious activity, investigating and reporting on suspicious activity and notifying law enforcement agencies of criminal activity.
• Preparing detailed reports and taking photographic evidence for reporting purposes.

Public Safety Officers hold a "Special Commission" and are Specially Commissioned Peace Officers. They are not fully commissioned law enforcement officers, do not carry firearms when performing their duties and do not have full powers of arrest as defined by RCW 10.93.020(10).

BENEFITS:
At Pierce Transit, our employees’ health is important to us too!
That’s why we offer two on-site gyms and an incredible Wellness Program in addition to excellent medical, dental, and vision packages.
 
If your career goals change while you’re employed, we are here to help. Pierce Transit offers $5,000 per year (up to a total of $18,000) in Tuition Assistance after your one-year anniversary. Certifications, and career skills must be connected to a position at Pierce Transit.
 
All of Pierce Transit are required to participate in the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  Pierce Transit offers two Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans to choose from, PERS2 and PERS3, as well as a matching program for 457 deferred compensation.

Employees are not covered under the Social Security System except for a 1.45% payment for Medicare. 
 
PAID LEAVE:
Full-time Pierce Transit employees are eligible to receive 11 paid holidays, 2 personal paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 12 vacation days per year. Part-time employees, receive pro-rated leave, to include sick leave, vacation, personal holiday and holiday pay.  Vacation leave accrual rates increase per the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The following functions are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Issue passenger exclusion (trespass) orders according to established procedures as part of the exclusion program
• Issue notices of infractions for parking violations that occur on Transit property.
• Conduct proactive patrols, by vehicle, bicycle and/or on foot, of various parking structures, park and ride facilities, transit centers, bus stops, etc. 
• Respond to in-progress and/or emergency calls within the transit system.
• De-escalate volatile situations using verbal tactics whenever time, distance and circumstance allow.
• Use department issued radio and cell phone to communicate to supervisor, South Sound 911, and other police agencies. 
• Complete various detailed reports of incidents which occur within the transit system.
• Work closely with neighboring law enforcement agencies.
• Conduct assessments of transit facilities, reports inoperable equipment, conducts vehicle inspections, physical security breaches, assesses threats to employees, customers and assets. 
• Search transit facilities and vehicles for suspicious devices and/or people. Provides customer service to include taking complaints, answering questions and responding to requests for assistance. 
• With the use of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV), conduct active surveillance of Transit Facilities, capture video evidence for use in criminal and civil proceedings, testify in court as required, listen and responds to radio traffic, respond to employee reports of suspicious activity, investigate and reports suspicious activity, notify neighboring law enforcement agencies of criminal activity and prepare detailed, specific reports; take photographs of evidence for reporting purposes.
• Remain calm and focused in situations where personal safety or safety of others may appear to be at risk.
• Understand and apply written and verbal directions.
• Use sound, independent judgment within the scope of authority, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain positive working relationships with staff, customers and supporting organizations, such as law enforcement, to promote confidence in the safe and secure delivery of transit services.
• Conducts traffic control and employee escorts as requested. 
• Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

 
Other Functions:

• May serve as a Field Training Officer (FTO) to other Public Safety Officers or become certified department instructors in other specialized training techniques. 
• May administer first aid and CPR if needed. 
• Does not use firearms but may use defensive tactics strategies to physically subdue threatening individuals where personal safety or safety of the public is at stake.
• May temporarily perform Sergeant duties in the absence of the Public Safety Sergeants. 

Application Instructions
To be considered for this vacancy, you must apply online:

• Submit a completed electronic application that provides details for all employment and employment gaps for the last ten years.
• Complete the supplemental questionnaire portion of the electronic application.
• Upload a cover letter that explains your qualifications as related to this vacancy and your interest in the position.

As candidates are evaluated and at the request of Pierce Transit, the most competitive candidates will be required to:

1. Complete an online assessment
2. Participate in a series of interviews.
3. Authorize and submit a Criminal Background Release form if you receive this request from Pierce Transit.  
4. Complete a Personal History Statement (PHS). Return the signed document to Pierce Transit.
5. Provide at least 2 professional references (required)
6.  Fully cooperate with an extensive background investigation
7. Participate in a polygraph. 
8. Be fingerprinted.
9. Participate in a psychological examination. 
10. Participate in a functional assessment and a physical examination.

 
READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION COMPLETELY:  

• Carefully review your application for accuracy, spelling and grammar before submitting.
• Please ensure that your work history has been updated to include employment end dates as applicable.
• The initial screening of applications will be solely based on the information provided in the supplemental questions and the content and completeness of the "work experience" and "education" sections of your application at www.piercetransit/careers/.
• A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.
• All information may be verified and documentation may be required.

Salary : $5,000