Community Service Officer

City of Pacific Grove; Pacific Grove (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Pacific Grove is seeking a non-peace officer to perform various law enforcement tasks including traffic control, municipal code enforcement, and evidence collection. Ideal candidates have experience in high public contact roles and must possess a valid California Driver’s License. This position offers a dynamic and engaging work environment where community service is key.

Qualifications

• One year experience in a high public contact role.
• Valid California State Driver’s License is required and acceptable driving record.
• Terminal Operator Certification required within thirty days of employment.

Responsibilities

• Perform parking enforcement, traffic control, and municipal code enforcement.
• Conduct interviews, write reports, and issue citations.
• Collect and book evidence related to crime scene investigations.

Skills

Dealing tactfully and courteously with the public

Interpreting laws and regulations

Following and enforcing verbal and written instructions

Establishing cooperative working relationships

Communicating effectively verbally and in writing

Education

High School Diploma or GED equivalent

Job description

Under basic supervision performs a variety of non-peace officer field and office law enforcement tasks including parking enforcement, traffic control, municipal code enforcement, abandoned vehicle abatement, animal control, evidence collection, taking telephone and counter reports, and providing general support to Police Department staff.As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, essential functions may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.

The following tasks are typical for positions in this classification. Any single position may not perform all of these tasks and/or may perform similar related tasks not listed here:

• Patrols City on foot, on a bicycle, and/or in a motorized vehicle; Responds to calls for service not requiring a sworn peace officer: telephone and minor counter reports for past-tense property crimes, lost and found property reports, abandoned vehicle abatement, nuisance animal complaints, parking complaints, and municipal code enforcement.
• Interviews complainant and witnesses; notifies owners and involved parties of violations and corrective actions; writes reports and issues citations and warnings within scope of authority.
• Presents cases to courts and hearings; responds to administrative reviews; and testifies as required.
• Collects, organizes, and books physical evidence related to crime scene investigations.
• Directs traffic and provides crowd control at crime scenes, traffic collisions, and public events; Acts as crossing guards during school days as needed.
• Performs other animal control functions, including picking up stray animals, verifying animal licenses, caring for animals, transporting animals, quarantining animals, maintaining animal kennels. Transports captured animals to Humane Society shelter; picks up and disposes of deceased animals; returns wild animals to natural habitats.
• Performs other parking functions, including maintaining parking meters and pay stations; troubleshoots errors in coordination with parking vendors. Empties parking meters of deposited coin, and processes collections according to City procedures.
• Provides information, education, instructions and assistance to the public, including educational programs to community groupsand individuals including outreach of State and County health and safety orders, participation in neighborhood watch, and crime prevention efforts; answers questions and resolves issues within scope of authority and training.
• Maintains assigned vehicle and equipment according to Department standards.
• Provides general police records, front counter and administrative assistance as needed.
• Assigned to various shifts and hours, including night shifts, holidays, weekends, and occasional required overtime.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Pacific Grove and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:
High School Diploma or GED equivalent; AND one-year experience in a high public contact role; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Knowledge of:

• Criminal codes, vehicle codes, and municipal codes.
• Principles of basic report writing and preparation.
• Procedures for the management of official documents.
• Geography, roads, and landmarks of City and surrounding areas.
• Research and investigative techniques.
• Principles and practices of confidential records management, and file maintenance.
• Business computers, and specialized software applications for police records systems.
• Procedures for the collection, processing and packaging of evidence.
• Interviewing skills and techniques.

Skill in:

• Dealing tactfully and courteously with the public.
• Interpreting laws and regulations.
• Following and enforcing verbal and written instructions and procedures.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers, outside agencies and community members.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports.

• A valid California State Driver’s License is required and an acceptable driving record.
• Terminal Operator Certification for access to NCIC/CLETS is required within thirty days of employment.
• CPR/First Aid Certification within six months of employment.
• Additional technical training and certifications may be required, such as certification through the California Animal Welfare Association, California Public Parking Association training programs; and California POST training related to report writing, criminal investigations, communications, police records and crime scene processing.

Written Exam tentatively scheduled for Friday, August 1, 2025, at 10am
Oral Interviews Tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, August 20, 2025, starting at 9am