TSO Lead

Only Open to Internal Community Transit Employees

The Transit Security Officer (TSO) Lead, under the general direction of the Assistant Manager - Security Services or designee, is responsible for prioritizing, overseeing, and directing the daily activities of Transit Security Officers (TSOs) as assigned. The TSO Lead ensures the effective and efficient security operations, compliance with policies, and the safety of employees, contractors, customers, and visitors. This role combines leadership responsibilities with operational duties, functioning as a "working position" to support security operations and team performance.

Prioritize, plan, and assign daily tasks to Transit Security Officers to ensure operational needs are met. Address staff inquiries, solve problems, and escalate issues to the Assistant Manager of Security Services as needed.

Coordinate and communicate with internal and external stakeholders, including customers and employees, regarding security incidents and operations. Provide timely updates on investigations, enforcement actions, and other relevant activities.

Monitor and assess staff performance for compliance, quality, and productivity. Provide feedback to team members and maintain documentation of performance issues. Report performance metrics and observations to management.

Oversee and participate in patrol operations, security response, incident investigations, and monitoring activities. Ensure TSOs are equipped and prepared to address incidents professionally and effectively.

Ensure adherence to safety protocols and agency policies by staff, vendors, and contractors. Conduct inspections and assessments of security equipment, facilities, and patrol operations to ensure operational readiness and safety.

Assist in training new and current TSOs, including developing and updating standard operating procedures (SOPs). Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the team.

Review staff timecards, leave requests, and other administrative forms for final management approval. Assist with scheduling to ensure adequate coverage for 24/7 operations.

Assist in coordinating third-party vendor activities related to security services. Monitor contractor performance and ensure compliance with agency standards and agreements.

Oversee and ensure compliance with the Use of Force policy and Reporting procedure. This includes responding to use-of-force incidents, ensuring proper documentation by involved individuals, conducting preliminary investigations, and notifying the On-Call Security & Emergency Management Manager as outlined in the procedure.

Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Minimum Qualifications

1. High school diploma or GED certificate.
2. Three (3) years of experience in security operations or related field.
3. Successful completion of CT Transit Security Officer probation.
4. Proven ability to respond to, de-escalate, and document security incidents effectively.
5. Ability to read and write in English sufficient to convey information, provide work direction, draft policies and procedures, follow instructions and make reports.
6. Ability to provide and maintain professional communication and interpersonal relationships when interacting with direct reports, managers, internal and external customers, even during difficult conversations.
7. No disciplinary action in the past 12 months.
8. Ability to work with cross-functional partners, including law enforcement and other first responders.
9. Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State driver's license.

Preferred

1. At least one (1) year as a Community Transit TSO.
2. At least one (1) year in a supervisory role.
3. Associate’s degree in criminal justice, or a related field.
4. Experience in public transit, public agency, or similar environments.
5. Knowledge of security systems such as CCTV and access control software.

Entry Requirements for: Knowledge and Skills

Qualification to enter this position requires knowledge of the following:

1. Principles and practices of security operations, including patrols, investigations, and emergency response.
2. De-escalation techniques and conflict resolution methods.
3. Agency policies, local laws, and security regulations.
4. Effective supervisory practices, including performance management and team leadership.
5. Security operations center (SOC) functions and radio procedures.

Qualification to enter this position requires skill in:

1. Assigning and prioritizing work effectively.
2. Communicating clearly and diplomatically with diverse audiences.
3. Training and mentoring team members.
4. Operating and maintaining security-related equipment and systems.
5. Analyzing and responding to security threats and incidents.
6. Writing detailed and accurate incident reports.

Proficient Performance Requirements for Knowledge and Skills

Qualification to fulfill the full range of this position’s duties requires the following knowledge, which may be gained or further developed after entering the job:

1. Understanding of services provided by Community Transit and regional transit partners.
2. General 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 Notification).
3. Knowledge of current and future trends in transit security
4. Knowledge of security functions and programs, including security planning, threat and vulnerability assessments (TVA), resource management and emergency management.

Qualification to fulfill the full range of this position’s duties requires the following skills, which may be gained or further developed after entering the job:

1. Training Community Transit employees on security-related topics.
2. Access Control and Alarm Monitoring
3. Video Management System Monitoring
4. Ability to engage in continuous development of critical thinking skills, necessary to mitigate actual and potential security threats.
5. Identify, evaluate, and apply appropriate situational options and approaches. 

Physical Requirements

Climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, repetitive motions.

Adequate health and physical ability to participate in defensive tactics training and other required physical activity of the job. 

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, night vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Medium Work: Exerting up to 75-100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.  Wearing 20 to 30 pounds of gear for entire shift. 

Working Conditions:  Requires that the person stand or sit, either aboard moving vehicle/bus or on fixed platforms for extended periods of time under a variety of weather conditions.  Requires that the person be able to effectively use a bicycle as assigned.  Requires person to occasionally run, including up and down stairs and lifting an adult in an emergency.    Work is performed both indoors and outdoors, in varying weather conditions, including inclement weather. Employee’s risk physical hazard from individuals attempting to harm them physically. Must be physically able to use armed and unarmed defensive tactics and equipment to stop a combative individual from harming themselves and others, and detain individuals for police, as authorized by policy. 

Exposed to automotive fumes, odors, dusts, intense noise, and diverse weather conditions.

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.