Community Service Officer

City of Forest Lake; Forest Lake (MN); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

City of Forest Lake seeks a Patrol Division Support volunteer/part-time role to respond to calls for service related to city codes, animal complaints, and enforcement. You will assist with transport, traffic, reports, and park safety.

Responsibilities include managing property room support, fingerprinting, evidence handling, and delivering documents to prosecutors. 20+ hours/week, flexible shifts, and you must be 18+ with a Minnesota driver’s license.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum age: 18.
• Currently enrolled or have completed a law enforcement/criminal justice degree program.
• Must possess a valid MN Driver’s License.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public.
• Ability to work at least 20 hours per week, between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
• Ability to respond to and handle dog complaints.

Responsibilities

• Respond to calls for service related to city code violations, animal complaints, and enforcement.
• Transport animals to shelter facilities and assist with vehicle tasks.
• Assist with traffic direction and parking regulation enforcement.
• Support property room, records, and evidence handling.
• Deliver documents and evidence to prosecutors and city departments.
• Monitor park facilities and educate visitors on park ordinances.
• Maintain communication with supervisors and work independently or with the team.

Skills

Public relations

Communication

Report writing

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Law enforcement/criminal justice degree program

Job description

Patrol Division Support:

Respond to calls for service related to general city code (non-property) violations, animal complaints, and enforcement.

• Transport animals to shelter facilities.
• Assist with squad car transportation, maintenance, and inventory control.
• Enforce parking regulations and direct traffic as needed.
• Assist with vehicle lockouts and minor report documentation.
• Conduct facility tours and support procurement efforts.

Support Services Division Assistance:

• Assist in managing the Property Room and Records Division.
• Support crime prevention efforts, including fingerprinting and processing found property.
• Facilitate the release of property to rightful owners.
• Conduct traffic studies and radar speed monitoring.
• Deliver documents and evidence to the city prosecutor’s office and other city departments.

Investigative Division Support:

• Maintain and manage investigative equipment and inventory.
• Assist in procurement of necessary supplies.
• Handle and process evidence.
• Deliver reports and evidence to inter‑agency partners.

Park System Safety & Supervision:

• Monitor and interact with park facility users to ensure public safety.
• Educate visitors on park ordinances and enforce regulations.
• Conduct visual checks of park facilities and provide support for special events.

General Responsibilities:

• Keep supervisors informed of operational needs and concerns.
• Work both independently and collaboratively, demonstrating strong critical thinking and public relations skills.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Patrol Sergeant, Police Captain, or Chief of Police.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or Equivalent.
• Minimum age: 18
• Currently enrolled or have completed a law enforcement/criminal justice degree program.
• Must possess a valid MN Driver’s License.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate effectively with the public in a polite and respectful manner even under stressful circumstances.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in written reports.
• Ability to work at least 20 hours a week, between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday.
• Ability to respond and handle dog complaints.

Physical Setting:

Duties involve a mix of indoor office environments, special events, and outdoor field conditions (parks).

Shift Work:

Work shifts are an average of 20+ hours per week, based on departmental needs and special events. Hours can be flexible based on event scheduling.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to run, climb, bend, and kneel.
• Often required to life or move heavy objects (occasionally over 100 lbs..).
• High level of visual and auditory sharpness required for safety and monitoring purposes.

Salary:

Grade 80

The City of Forest Lake is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage all qualified candidates, including those from historically underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, and veterans, to apply.