- Job Title: Communications Officer I - Protective Services - OFMD
- Company: Washington University in St. Louis
- Location: Washington University Medical Campus, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site
- Category: Protective Services, Operations & Facilities Management
- Date Posted: May 19, 2025
- Experience Level: Entry to Mid-Level (0-2 years)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Coordinating emergency medical assistance and campus safety
- Utilizing various communication and surveillance systems
- Detecting and directing assets related to emergency and non-emergency incidents
- Providing immediate research databases to support field operations and investigations
- Serving as a Communications Training Officer (CTO) or other instructor
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, quick decision-making, and the ability to handle complex and ever-changing situations.
📋 Key Responsibilities
- 🚨 Emergency Response & Incident Management:
- Detect and direct assets related to emergency and non-emergency incidents (medical, law enforcement, injury/accident, etc.)
- Maintain constant vigilance of all university properties
- Provide Emergency Management support during larger scale incidents
- Operate the campus emergency notification system (Alertus)
- 📞 Communication & Information Management:
- Receive and compile information for the computer-aided dispatch system (CAD) and subsequent incident reports
- Provide immediate research databases to support field operations and investigations
- Master the closed-circuit television system (CCTV), the access control system, and other security-related systems
- 🎓 Training & Leadership:
- Serve as a Communications Training Officer (CTO) or other instructor
- Fulfill informal leadership duties in the absence of Leads or supervisors
- 🏢 Customer Service & Support:
- Assist Medical Center personnel and visitors with directions and other information
- Partner with customers in assisting them in resolving multi-department or multi-organizational issues
- 🔍 Proactive Safety & Security:
- Conduct virtual building checks, monitor access control devices, and proactively look for any possible safety or security hazards
- Use problem-solving skills to resolve issues related to campus facilities
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work well under pressure.
🎯 Required Qualifications
- Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Certifications:
- No specific certification required
- Work Experience:
- One year of experience as a Communications Officer/Dispatcher in an academic environment or civilian/military police setting
- Skills:
- Strong communication skills (oral and written)
- Problem-solving skills
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Proficiency in using various communication and surveillance systems
🏆 Preferred Qualifications
- Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice
- Certifications:
- Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) - CIT International
- Work Experience:
- Two years of experience as a Communications Officer in a professional organization
- One year of college or technical school training
- Skills:
- Computer literacy
- Organizational commitment
- Professional integrity
- Teamwork
- Working independently
💰 Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: $17.87 - $27.06 per hour
- *ASSUMPTION:* The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.
- Benefits:
- Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time
- Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance
- Take advantage of the free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees
- Defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan with university contributions starting at 7%
- Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs, employee assistance program, financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
- 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child
- Tuition coverage for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with the University
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
- Industry: Higher Education, Healthcare
- Company Size: Mid-size (501-1,000 employees)
- Founded: 1853
- Company Description:
- Washington University in St. Louis is a premier research institution with a strong commitment to both teaching and research.
- The Operations & Facilities Management Department is committed to delivering a comprehensive range of services to support the medical campus, overseeing maintenance and operations for 65 buildings, and covering more than 11.1 million gross square feet of space.
- Company Specialties:
- Operations & Facilities Management
- Protective Services
- Emergency Management
📊 Role Analysis
- Career Level: Entry to Mid-Level
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Operations & Facilities Management Department
- Work Arrangement: On-site, with flexible hours, short notice schedule changes, and a fast-paced, stressful work environment
- Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for career growth within the Operations & Facilities Management Department or related fields
- Opportunities for training and development, such as serving as a Communications Training Officer (CTO) or other instructor
🌍 Location & Work Environment
- Office Type: On-site, multi-function atmosphere
- Office Location(s): Washington University Medical Campus, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Geographic Context:
- St. Louis, Missouri, is a large metropolitan area with a diverse population and a rich cultural scene
- The Washington University Medical Campus is located in the Central West End neighborhood, close to many amenities and attractions
- Work Schedule: Flexible hours, short notice schedule changes, and a fast-paced, stressful work environment
💼 Interview & Application Insights
- Typical Process:
- Submit application through the provided link
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Final decision and offer
- Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills (oral and written)
- Problem-solving skills
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Proficiency in using various communication and surveillance systems
- Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills
- Be prepared to discuss specific examples of your experience with emergency response, incident management, and communication systems
- Research the Operations & Facilities Management Department and Washington University in St. Louis to demonstrate your interest in and understanding of the role and the organization
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Computer-aided dispatch system (CAD)
- Closed-circuit television system (CCTV)
- Access control system
- Emergency notification system (Alertus)
- Various communication and surveillance systems
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
- Company Values:
- Excellence in all endeavors
- Integrity and honesty
- Respect and collegiality
- Diversity and inclusion
- Work Style:
- Fast-paced and stressful work environment
- Strong teamwork and collaboration
- Ability to work well under pressure and in a multi-function atmosphere
- Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you handle working in a fast-paced, stressful environment?
- How do you prioritize and manage multiple tasks and responsibilities?
- How do you work effectively as part of a team, especially in a high-pressure situation?
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role requires working flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
- The work environment can be stressful and fast-paced, with short notice schedule changes
- The role may involve dealing with difficult or emotional situations, such as emergency incidents or upset customers
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Communications Officer I vs. Communications Officer II/Lead Communications Officer:
- Communications Officer I is an entry to mid-level role, while Communications Officer II/Lead Communications Officer are more senior roles with additional responsibilities and leadership duties
- Communications Officer I focuses more on day-to-day operations and incident management, while Communications Officer II/Lead Communications Officer oversee teams and strategic planning
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a new emergency notification system
- Conducting a comprehensive review of campus safety and security protocols
- Coordinating a large-scale emergency response or drill
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?
- How does this role fit into the overall Operations & Facilities Management Department and Washington University in St. Louis?
- What opportunities are there for growth and development within this role and the department?
- How does the department support work-life balance for its employees?
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
- To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the provided link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills
- Prepare for a phone or video screening and in-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Follow up with the hiring manager after the interview to express your interest in the role
- If selected, complete the required pre-employment screening, including a criminal background check, drug screen, and employment and education/licensure/certification verification
⚠️ Disclaimer
This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
