Operational Technology Safety & Access Student Assistant

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Operational Technology Safety and Access Student Assistant supports the systems, processes, and infrastructure used to manage campus access control, credentialing, and operational technology security initiatives. This position provides hands-on experience with access technologies, physical security-related systems, documentation, data validation, system monitoring, and operational support activities. The student will work collaboratively with Operational Technology staff to assist with maintaining accurate access records, supporting access control technologies, validating system data, documenting procedures, and assisting with modernization efforts related to campus safety and access operations.

• Hourly Rate: $15.00
• Hours per Week: 20
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday
• Shift Hours: 8AM - 5PM

ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY:

USF is proud to be an innovating partner within the Tampa Bay region, listed by Forbes as the top emerging tech city in the country. 

USF Information Technology (USF IT) provides technology services and support for the University of South Florida. The IT team, led by the Vice President and CIO, provides the following services: Administrative Services, Client Support, Communication Services, Teaching and Learning, Analytics and Reporting, Mobile and Web Services, Consulting Services, Cybersecurity Service and Research Technologies. For more information, please visit: Information Technology | University of South Florida (usf.edu).
 

ADDITIONAL INFO FOR APPLICANTS: The selected candidate must have current work authorization in the United States. This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

DUTIES:

• Assist with supporting campus access control and safety-related operational technology systems.
• Help validate access records, user information, and system data for accuracy and completeness.
• Assist with monitoring operational technology systems and reporting issues to full-time staff.
• Support credential and access-related administrative processes and documentation.
• Perform quality assurance checks on system configurations, records, and operational procedures.
• Document configurations, processes, testing activities, and operational procedures.
• Assist with troubleshooting basic hardware, software, and communication issues under supervision.
• Support data collection, reporting, and maintenance activities related to access and safety operations.
• Collaborate with technicians and administrators on operational technology initiatives and projects.
• Participate in team meetings and provide updates on assigned tasks.
• Learn and apply best practices related to operational technology, physical security systems, and access management.
• Provide technical and administrative support for ongoing infrastructure modernization initiatives.

OVERVIEW OF SAFETY & ACCESS OPERATIONS:

• The Safety and Access function supports technologies used to help manage access to university resources, facilities, and related operational systems. These technologies require accurate data management, system validation, documentation, and ongoing operational support to help maintain reliable service for campus stakeholders.
  
  OVERVIEW OF WORK:
• Students assist with operational activities including record validation, access-related support tasks, documentation, quality assurance reviews, reporting activities, and participation in operational technology projects. Work assignments may include system audits, data verification, process improvement efforts, and other tasks that support Safety and Access operations.

METHODOLOGIES:

• The Operational Technology team utilizes collaborative project management practices including Agile and Scrum principles where appropriate. Students gain experience working with documented processes, issue tracking, quality assurance activities, and team-based operational support environments.

MINUMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• This position requires a high school diploma, or equivalent, with one year of general office experience.
• Must be a current USF student.
   

IT CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Growth Mindset: Takes ownership of personal growth and embraces the concept that intelligence and talent can be developed through continuous learning. Willing to take on new challenges, and views failure as an opportunity to grow.
• Communication: Comfortable using a broad range of communication styles, and chooses appropriate, effective ways to communicate. Adapts communication style depending on the audience and situation. Listens and asks questions to develop a better understanding.
• Collaboration: Collaborates with others in the pursuit of common missions, visions, values and goals. Fosters a sense of community within and across teams, building on mutual respect, trust, and drawing on the strengths of others.
• Client Obsession: Client focused when creating solutions or solving problems, believing that everything we do is to earn and keep our clients’ trust.
• Ownership: Takes responsibility, accountability and proactively focuses on areas they can directly influence. Understands their role within the team and recognizes that they share the team’s successes and failures.
• Outcome Driven: Focuses on desired results, business outcomes, and how to achieve them. Takes appropriate actions to ensure commitments are met and results achieved.

 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu