Community Service Officer

City of Grand Forks ND; Grand Forks (ND); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 3,031,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Grand Forks ND is seeking a Community Service Officer (CSO) to support police officers and serve the public. This civilian role covers animal control, parking enforcement, court bailiff duties, and general public assistance in the Grand Forks area.

The CSO will respond to non-emergency calls, assist with records, vehicle maintenance tracking, and provide credible testimony when needed. Join a team focused on dependable, professional service to the community.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of public relations principles and record keeping procedures; familiarity with police equipment and safety protocols.
• Strong communication and data entry skills; ability to work with the public professionally.
• Ability to learn city codes, parking and animal control rules, and apply them in a service-oriented civilian role.

Responsibilities

• Respond to non-emergency calls for service; assist in civil process and court-related tasks.
• Perform animal control and parking enforcement duties; educate the public on ordinances.
• Provide support to officers, assist in traffic control at events, and help with records and reporting.
• Assist in booking prisoners, bailiff at Municipal Court, and support the Police Department with various duties.

Skills

Public relations

Record keeping

Computer skills

Police equipment

Animal knowledge

Clear communication

Data entry

Interpersonal skills

Independence

Observation skills

Education

High school diploma

Criminal justice coursework

Job description

Description The Grand Forks Police department is seeking a Community Service Officer (CSO) to provide valuable support to our officers and the community we serve. This civilian public safety position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands on experience in the law enforcement career field responding to a variety of calls involving animals, parking, working in the bailiff role at municipal court and providing exceptional service to the public. if you are dependable, professional, and enjoy helping people, this could be an opportunity for you!

Description The Grand Forks Police department is seeking a Community Service Officer (CSO) to provide valuable support to our officers and the community we serve. This civilian public safety position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands on experience in the law enforcement career field responding to a variety of calls involving animals, parking, working in the bailiff role at municipal court and providing exceptional service to the public. if you are dependable, professional, and enjoy helping people, this could be an opportunity for you!

Examples of Duties

• Animal Control to include patrol of the City and impound of stray animals; issue summons for violations of animal ordinances; educate the public with regard to animal ordinances.
• Parking Enforcement for the City of Grand Forks, enforcement of fire zones, handicapped zones, tagging and impounding vehicles; enforcement of 24 hour violations; impounding bikes and releasing them; releasing impounded vehicles; to administrate and monitor the City bike licensing program.
• Delivery of correspondence or monies relevant to official City business; Perform protective escort for City departments, as needed; perform delivery and pickup of mail and packages for City departments.
• Respond in person, or by telephone to non-emergency calls for service; respond to theft reports, as assigned; respond to criminal mischief complaints, as assigned; respond to any other calls for service not requiring a sworn police officer.
• Operations Division support to include traffic control at various scenes to include special events; crowd control at various scenes to include special events; assist with booking of prisoners as needed; assist Municipal Court with prisoners, act as Bailiff as needed; assist vehicle fleet manager as required.
• Administrative Division support to include assisting in the training function; assist the evidence technician as assigned; Assist in fingerprinting of prisoners and performing file maintenance as needed; assist with records as needed; and assist the Criminal Investigations Bureau with the photo lab.
• Maintain and update the department’s Quartermaster computer tracking program and other computer software programs as necessary.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports including video, audio, and digital recordings and time logs on violations; prepare written reports and records of activities involving parking citations and animal control.
• Maintain assigned vehicle and equipment in safe proper working condition; clean and maintain vehicle and equipment as necessary; perform periodic maintenance checks on other equipment as necessary; maintain animal holding facility; obtain body damage estimates and tire repairs; transfer police vehicles to and from repair garages; prepare and deliver reports on repairs; maintain and update the vehicle maintenance computer tracking program.
• Communicate with other City departments using a two-way radio; communicate with central dispatch on civil violations.
• Respond to and resolve citizen inquiries and complaints; offer assistance to pedestrians and motorists.
• Provide credible testimony in a court of law.
• Assist a variety of city, county and state agencies as required.

Marginal Functions

• Attend and participate in City Council meetings; stay abreast of new trends in the field of animal control and regulation of parking.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge : Public relations principles and techniques; Principles and procedures of record keeping and report preparation; Knowledge of computer operation and software; Operational characteristics of a variety of police equipment; Various breeds of dogs, cats and other domestic animals and a wide variety of wildlife; Procedures and techniques for dealing with the public in a tactful but firm manner; Investigative techniques and procedures; Geography of the City including layout of streets; Principles and procedures of record keeping; Principles of basic report preparation; Pertinent City, state and county laws and ordinances of parking and animal control; Procedures and practices of the Grand Forks Police Department; Appropriate safety procedures.

Skills : Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Entry of data into computer software systems; Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public; Deal tactfully and courteously with the public; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; Work independently in the absence of supervision; Maintain mental capacity which allows for effective interaction and communication with others; Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties; Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.

Abilities : Interact with citizens to respond to complaints and problem solving; Learn basic methods of animal collection and parking enforcement with vehicle impoundment; Enforce animal control and parking regulations; Interpret and apply laws and regulations of the City, state and county related to animal control and parking; Perform a variety of community service activities; Recognize a variety of animal diseases; Prepare written reports and maintain an efficient record keeping system; Learn and utilize proper handling of vehicle and animal control equipment and techniques; Administer first aid to humans and animals.

Supervisory Controls

The supervisor assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

Guidelines

Guidelines include the municipal code, the North Dakota Century Code, OSHA regulations, NTSHA regulations, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

Complexity/Scope Of Work

The work consists of related community service duties. The need for attention to detail contributes to the complexity of the position.

The purpose of this position is to provide support for a variety of department operations not requiring a sworn officer. Success in this position contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of a variety of department operations.

Contacts

Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, representatives of other law enforcement agencies, court staff, vendors, and members of the general public.

Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, to resolve problems, or to provide services.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

Travel from site to site; field and animal shelter environment; exposure to noise, grease, smoke, fumes, gases; exposure to a variety of domestic and wild animals, animal body fluids, potentially hostile environments and inclement weather conditions; Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for heavy lifting; walking, standing, running or sitting for prolonged periods of time; operating motorized vehicles.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None.

Supplemental Information

Experience : Two years experience dealing with the public in a service orientated environment including

one year general data entry and/or computer experience.

Training : Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by one year general course work in criminal justice or related field.

License or Certificate : Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid CPR. Certificate.

The City of Grand Forks offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include participation in the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System.

Employee Contribution is mandatory 5.5% with an Employer Contribution of 13.77%. For more information on our benefits click 2025 Public Safety Benefit Summary 2026 Public Safety Benefit Summary

If you are applying for a Part Time Temporary or Seasonal position, you are not eligible for benefits through the City of Grand Forks.