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Blue Suede Brigade

The Downtown Memphis Commission (DMC) is seeking multiple candidates to be a part of our Blue Suede Brigade (BSB) team on a full-time and part-time basis.

Employment Application

Interviews ongoing. Open until filled.
Hiring bonus of $200 for new full-time and $100 for new part-time Brigadiers, paid after 90-day evaluation.

POSITION SUMMARY:  

Under the supervision of the Blue Suede Brigade Leads, Supervisors, and Director of Safety & Hospitality, the Blue Suede Brigade is responsible for patrolling Downtown Memphis as hospitality and safety ambassadors for the City of Memphis and Downtown; serving as supplemental eyes and ears for the business community and law enforcement agencies; and monitoring environmental conditions in the Downtown area.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Create a friendly, helpful environment in Downtown’s public spaces by being assertively friendly, cheerful and welcoming and by offering assistance to visitors, workers and residents while patrolling Downtown
  • Provide information on activities, services, history, development and other facts about Downtown
  • Give accurate directions to specific Downtown locations and other destinations in the Memphis area
  • Observe and report safety and environmental issues and general street activity
  • Maintain routine two-way radio contact with other brigadiers and, as needed, the Memphis Police Department’s Downtown Precinct
  • Report and react to emergency situations appropriately
  • Deter panhandling and other nuisances, e.g. perform minor litter removal
  • Visit businesses to provide, and share, appropriate information, and maintain positive relationships
  • Ensure the patrol area is provided with high-quality security services to protect people and property
  • Effectively patrol the area on a bicycle, Segway or afoot
  • Build, improve and maintain effective relationships with both client employees and guests, and the general public
  • Report safety concerns, security breaches and unusual circumstances verbally and in writing
  • Handle security issues and emergency situations according to protocol
  • Monitor closed circuit television systems and alarms
  • Use web-based incident reporting software via handheld device (training provided)
  • Monitor compliance with parking, vending, Main Street Mall access, and other civil ordinances
  • Issue city parking citations on Main Street and connecting streets/alleys
  • Assist with distribution of correspondence and materials to Downtown locations
  • Other duties as assigned

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability and willingness to walk up to an eight-hour patrol beat outdoors in all types of weather
  • Outgoing and friendly disposition; ability to work with diverse groups of people
  • Ability to remain flexible in an ever-changing environment; adapt well to different situations
  • Ability to use Segway (training provided) and ride a bicycle
  • Ability to lift 50lbs
  • Ability to work in a team-oriented atmosphere and/or unsupervised for extended periods of time
  • Basic knowledge of and interest in Downtown and the City of Memphis (or ability to obtain/retain this knowledge)
  • Good interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
  • Physically capable of bicycle and Segway patrol (training provided) for several hours at a time
  • Active Tennessee Security Guard License preferred (DMC will assist to acquire)
  • Previous security, military or law enforcement experience preferred
  • Neat and professional appearance
  • Ability to handle emergency situations efficiently and effectively at client site
  • Stable and dependable work history with references
  • Satisfactory completion of a background security check
  • Willing to submit to a substance screening at time of employment and randomly thereafter
  • Must be at least 18 years of age or older as required by applicable law and possess a high school diploma or GED

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Outdoor patrol plus office assignments and inside visits to businesses
  • Shifts may vary:  morning, evening and weekend, with some late nights and early mornings

Please email all resume submission to Christine Taylor, taylor@downtownmemphis.com.