Communications Officer

About the Work Unit:

Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS) is led by the Office of the Senior Associate Vice Chancellor/Chief of Police in the Division of Operations and the Campus Network (OCN). VUPS is a dedicated team of over 400 professionals united by a shared commitment to fostering a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all in the Vanderbilt community, as well as the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Organized into several specialized units, our department includes commissioned officers, security professionals, and skilled administrative staff—all working collaboratively to uphold the highest standards of community-based policing.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Calls for Service

• Perform a full range of radio, telephone, and data entry operational duties in a 24-hour facility.
• Receive and record incoming radio and telephone calls for assistance or general information. 
• Obtain information from callers and officers (the nature of the call, location, and the extent of the emergency).
• Dispatch necessary personnel and equipment to the scene and make appropriate notifications within the department and to other Vanderbilt departments, per policy.
• Monitor officers' activities and determine their availability for assignments; distribute assignments according to established procedure.
   

Support Services

• Monitor and relay information on Vanderbilt Police radio system, mutual aid talk-group, Metropolitan Nashville Police radio system and Metro Fire/Ambulance radio system.
• Process and prioritize incoming calls for police, fire, and EMS assistance.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records and logs of all radio transmissions, telephone calls, and other records, such as files and information systems, using a computer-aided dispatch software system.
• Operate a variety of advanced communications equipment including radio consoles, multi-line telephone system, fax/printers and specialized computer systems, i.e., CAD, WeatherData, Silent Knight, etc.)
• Operate computer inquiry terminal to obtain information on persons, vehicle registrations, driving records, and warrants through related databases to provide pertinent data. (NCIC/TCIC/TIES, Metro, Traffic and Parking files, VU card office, and other resources as needed.)
• Maintain a current, accurate file of protective orders that are associated with Vanderbilt employees, students, and patients, criminal history inquiry log, field interview reports, long-distance phone log, and campus events information.
• Ensure all communication equipment is functioning properly and communicate problems to the appropriate authority.
• Generate and distribute automated reports (equipment list, communications passover, campus siren testing and alarm reports, etc.).
• Monitor fire and security alarm systems, and coordinate and direct appropriate response.
• Make emergency notifications of departmental and campus administration per departmental policy or as directed.
• Monitor and activate the severe weather warning system and campus-wide siren warning system.
• Perform clerical functions as needed.
   

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility and reports directly to the assigned Communications Supervisor (Communications Officer III). 

Education and Certifications:

• High school diploma or GED is required. 

• Possession of a valid driver’s license in the State of Tennessee is required. 
   

Experience and Skills:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of modern police administration and police methods is necessary.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, intercultural, communication, and presentation skills is necessary.
   

Physical Requirements

Telecommunications Officers must be able to:

• Handle moderate physical effort in a sitting position for long periods of time.

• Meet written departmental standards on appearance/grooming

• Pass a thorough background investigation 

• Pass a drug test; medical examination; vision and hearing test; 

• Must obtain immunizations and medical tests as required by departmental standards.

• Pass a Psychological Evaluation. 

Working Environment

• Required to work nights/weekends/holidays

• The environment is stressful, requiring the ability to multitask while being isolated from fellow workers. 

• Cannot leave the work area without relief from a supervisor.

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.

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 is an equal-opportunity 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.