Operational Technology Safety & Access Student Assistant

University of South Florida; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

University of South Florida in Tampa seeks a motivated Operational Technology Safety and Access Student Assistant to support campus access control and safety-related OT systems. You will validate records, assist with monitoring systems, and help document procedures while collaborating with OT staff on modernization efforts.

The role provides hands-on experience with access technologies, data validation, and operational support, with an 8:00 AM–5:00 PM schedule and a 20-hour work week.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be a current USF student.
• Willingness to learn access control technologies and OT systems.

Responsibilities

• Assist with supporting campus access control and safety-related OT systems.
• Validate access records, user information, and system data for accuracy.
• Monitor OT systems and report issues to full‑time staff.
• Support credential and access-related administrative processes and documentation.
• Perform quality assurance checks on system configurations and records.
• Document configurations, processes, testing activities, and 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 OT initiatives and projects.
• Participate in team meetings and provide updates on assigned tasks.
• Learn and apply best practices related to OT and access management.

Skills

Access control

Data validation

Documentation

System monitoring

OT knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

USF student

Job description

Operational Technology Safety and Access Student Assistant

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

Additional Info for Applicants

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

Responsibilities and 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.

Minimum 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.

About USF

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.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first‑class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants’ Rights under Federal Employment Laws

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.