Privacy Policy for SMS Communications
Vanguard Resources, Inc. (“Vanguard,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) operates an SMS service used to send job applicants transactional updates about their own application. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, store, and protect information transmitted through that service.
This policy applies only to SMS communications conducted with our designated recruiting telephone number and to the SMS opt-in form at recruiting-sms-program.vanguardresources.com. It does not govern the broader hiring process, the handling of application materials, or any other communication channel.
1. Who this policy covers
The SMS service is intended exclusively for individuals who have applied (or are applying) for a position with Vanguard Resources, who have requested SMS updates through the public opt-in form, and whose enrollment has been individually confirmed by Vanguard’s recruiting team. Members of the general public are not the intended audience and will not receive marketing communications from this service.
2. Information we collect
When a prospective enrollee submits the public opt-in form at recruiting-sms-program.vanguardresources.com, we receive and store:
- The submitter’s full name, mobile telephone number, and email address
- The position applied for, if provided
- The exact text of the consent disclosure the user agreed to
- The timestamp of consent
- The source IP address and browser user-agent string of the submission
When an enrolled applicant exchanges messages with the service, we receive and store:
- The mobile telephone number from which the message was sent
- The full text content of the message
- The date and time the message was sent or received
- A unique message identifier assigned by our SMS carrier
- Routing metadata necessary to deliver messages (carrier identifier, delivery status)
If a message is sent from a number we do not recognize, the message content and originating number may be reviewed briefly to determine whether it relates to an application on file, after which it is either forwarded to the recruiting team for evaluation or discarded. Application materials themselves (resume, work history, answers to application questions) are collected through the job application process, not through this SMS service.
3. How we use this information
Information collected through the SMS service is used solely to:
- Evaluate opt-in form submissions and, upon confirmation by the recruiting team, enroll the applicant
- Communicate with the applicant about their application: receipt confirmation, interview scheduling and confirmation, requests to confirm details, and status updates
- Honor communication preferences, including opt-outs, immediately
- Maintain an internal audit log of consent and message delivery for accountability and compliance
- Detect and discard unsolicited or fraudulent messages
We do not use your mobile number for marketing or promotional messages.
4. How we store and protect information
All information is stored within Vanguard’s controlled cloud infrastructure on Google Cloud Platform, in databases protected by industry-standard encryption at rest and in transit. Access is restricted to authorized Vanguard personnel and the limited automated systems required to operate the recruiting SMS service. Backups follow Vanguard’s standard internal retention practices.
5. Sharing with third parties
We do not sell, rent, lease, or otherwise transfer phone numbers or message content to third parties for any marketing purpose. No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Text messaging originator opt-in data and consent will not be shared with any third parties. Information is shared only with the following service providers, and only to the extent necessary for them to deliver the SMS service on our behalf:
- Twilio, Inc. — provides SMS message delivery between applicant phones and Vanguard’s system
- Google Cloud Platform (Google LLC) — hosts the application, database, and static web pages that make up this service
Each of these providers operates under its own privacy and data-handling commitments and processes data only as required to perform its specific function. No third party receives information for marketing purposes. We may also disclose information if required to do so by law, valid legal process, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Vanguard, our employees, or others.
6. Retention
Consent records and message logs are retained for as long as needed to support the hiring process, so we can consider you for future openings, and to meet our record-keeping obligations. You may request removal from SMS communications at any time (see below); this stops all texts without affecting your application. You may also request deletion of your opt-in form submission by contacting the address below.
7. Opt-in, message frequency, and opt-out
How users opt in
Enrollment in the SMS service is initiated by the applicant through the public opt-in form at recruiting-sms-program.vanguardresources.com. The form collects the applicant’s full name, mobile telephone number, email address, and (optionally) the position applied for. Immediately adjacent to the submit button, the form presents a required consent disclosure that identifies:
- The types of messages the user will receive (application confirmations, interview scheduling, and status updates)
- The approximate message frequency (generally a few messages over the course of an application)
- That standard message and data rates from the user’s mobile carrier may apply
- That the user may text STOP at any time to opt out, and HELP at any time for assistance
- That Vanguard will not share the user’s phone number with third parties
- Links to this Privacy Policy and the Terms and Conditions
The user affirmatively opts in by checking the consent checkbox and submitting the form. The consent checkbox is unchecked by default; active user action is required. Consent to receive SMS messages is entirely voluntary and is not a condition of employment, of consideration for any position, or of any purchase, service, contract, transaction, or business relationship with Vanguard Resources. Applicants who do not wish to receive SMS messages simply do not submit the form and are contacted by phone or email instead.
Submitting the form creates a pending enrollment request that is delivered to Vanguard’s recruiting team for individual review against applications on file. No SMS message of any kind is sent to the submitted mobile number until the request has been reviewed and approved and the number has been added to the enrolled list. Once approved, the user receives a single confirmation SMS from the service number restating opt-out instructions.
Message frequency
Message frequency varies with each application’s activity. Most applicants receive a few messages over the course of an application — typically an acknowledgment, scheduling messages, and status updates.
Opting out and getting help
Enrolled applicants may opt out of all further messages at any time by replying STOP to any message from the service. Opting out removes the user’s number from the enrolled list immediately, and no further messages will be sent. Opting out does not affect the job application; Vanguard will continue to reach the applicant by phone or email. Replying START re-subscribes. Replying HELP returns assistance and contact information. Standard message and data rates from your wireless carrier may apply.
8. Your choices and rights
You may at any time:
- Opt out of further SMS messages by replying STOP
- Request a copy of the consent record and messages associated with your number
- Request deletion of an opt-in form submission you made
- Request removal of your number from the enrolled list
- Ask questions about how your information is being handled
Send any such request to the contact address below.
9. Children’s information
The SMS service is not directed at, and is not intended for use by, anyone under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect information from minors.
10. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be reflected in the “Last updated” date above. The current version of this policy is always available at the URL where you are reading it.
11. Contact
For questions about this policy or to exercise any of the rights described above, please contact:
Vanguard Resources, Inc.
Attention: Privacy Officer
6500 US Hwy 281 North, Spring Branch, TX 78163, USA
Email: privacy@vanguardresources.com