Job Description

The Public Safety Division at Virginia Tech is comprised of the Police Department, Environmental Health & Safety, and the Office of Emergency Management and has a critical role in supporting the well-being of our community. We are essential in planning for and responding to emergency events, and in creating a culture of preparedness where employees and students are safe in their work and living environments.

Police Officers at Virginia Tech protect and serve a diverse University community. Responsibilities include: investigating motor vehicle accidents, personal injuries, and criminal matters; enforcement of state and federal laws and University policies; preparation of reports; courtroom testimony; traffic direction and crowd control; response to emergency situations; extended foot patrol; working a rotating shift that includes weekends, nights, and holidays; reporting for duty in adverse weather conditions and/or when the university is otherwise closed (“Emergency Personnel”); and adhering to all criteria established for a Nationally Accredited Police Department.

Police Officers also perform other duties as requested by supervisor, take initiative to support the best interests of the department and a healthy work environment, strive to fulfill the terms in the Standards of Business Conduct, Virginia Tech’s Principles of Community, and support the university’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

Required Qualifications

Experience:
• Experience with writing reports or similar documents.
• Experience working with the public.
• Demonstrated computer experience.

Skills and Abilities:
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with a culturally diverse department and the university community.
• Ability to give creditable court testimony and comprehend legal documents.
• Ability to use independent judgment and exercise considerable restraint under stressful situations.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle at high speeds in adverse conditions.
• Ability to ascertain facts through personal contact, observation, and examination of records.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Ability to recognize safety and security hazards on campus and take appropriate corrective action.

Physical Fitness:
• Ability to perform strenuous physical activities.
• Ability to run, jump, climb stairs, bend, lift, and physically restrain an individual as needed.
• Ability to perform duties on bicycle, vehicle, or foot.
• Must pass physical abilities test by running 1.5 miles within 20 minutes.
• Must be able to use a respirator.
• Following a conditional offer, one must pass a medical exam, including vision testing.

Pre-Employment and Ongoing Employee Screening:
• Candidates for employment are required to successfully complete an extensive background check and credit history check, with satisfactory results. This includes, but is not limited to, a driving records check, criminal history check (including fingerprinting), and a pre-employment drug screening.
• Incumbents are subject to random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident drug and alcohol screening in accordance with department policy.
• Successful completion of a psychological assessment is required.

Federal, State, Local Government, and Other Requirements:
• Must be a U.S. citizen as required by Virginia Code Section 15.2-1705.
• Must qualify under federal and state guidelines to carry a firearm. Federal law prohibits a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence from carrying a firearm.
• Must be a high school graduate or able to furnish documentary evidence of equivalency degree.
• Must currently possess a valid Virginia Operator's License or be able to obtain it within 30 days of employment.
• Must meet vision requirements: no worse than 20/200 uncorrected, must correct to 20/20; color blindness, including pronounced shade deficiencies, will be disqualifying.
• Must be at least 20 years of age on the date of hire.
• Must meet all other standards by law (15.2-1705: 9-169 Code of Virginia) and by the policy of the Criminal Justice Services Board.

Visit www.police.vt.edu for details on the above employment conditions.

Pursuant to Virginia Tech policy 4260, Probationary Period for Salaried University Staff Employees, employees who have already completed a probationary period in a different position that accept a transfer/promotion into this position are required to complete a new probationary period. See https://policies.vt.edu/4260.pdf for more details.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Certification at the time of hire.
• Associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, police science, or related field.
• Previous military experience.

Pay Band

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Base salary of $54,500 with military and educational incentives

Hours per week

28-Day Cycle; 12-hour shifts; shifts vary depending on assignment

Review Date

September 10th, 2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction and driving check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Megan Hinkle at mahinkle@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Virginia Tech

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