COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER

City of Salida; Salida (CO); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement plan (401a/457)

Paid time off

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Swim benefit at local aquatic center

Job summary

The City of Salida is seeking a Community Service Officer to enforce city codes, handle animal control, and support the police department with safety and community oversight. The position involves inspecting premises, serving and testifying in court, and coordinating with municipal authorities.

Applicants should have a high school diploma or equivalent and prior code enforcement experience is preferred. The role requires adaptability to indoor/outdoor work and shift work.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of modern policing methods and related laws.
• Familiarity with city ordinances and municipal codes.
• Ability to communicate clearly and prepare reports in writing.

Responsibilities

• Capture animals that run at large and transport to impound.
• Observe alleged violations and interview witnesses.
• Inform individuals of laws and penalties for violations.
• Remove animals from inhumane conditions and transport to shelter.
• Inspect establishments for compliance with humane laws.

Skills

Modern police practices

Municipal codes and ordinances

Interpersonal communication

Report writing

Observation and interviewing

Vehicle and pedestrian safety

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Job description

A Community Service Officer is responsible for the performance of the duties of a non-sworn enforcement officer, as designated by the command staff under the Chief of Police. This position is responsible for enforcing laws and city code/ordinances set forth by the City of Salida. Work involves prevention, detection, and investigation code violations, domestic animal issues, security and safety of the community, protection of the public and maintaining oversight of parking enforcement.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Works closely with all levels of Police Department, Municipal Court, The 11th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and Public Works. Conducts business with other local law enforcement agencies, The Colorado Department of Transportation and the public on a constant basis.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. The City of Salida reserves the right to modify or assign additional duties as needed.

• Capturing animals that run at large. Transporting animals to the impound.
• Observes areas of alleged violations and interviews available witnesses to determine if laws are being violated.
• Informs persons perpetrating inhumane acts of laws and penalties for violations.
• Removes animals from inhumane conditions and drives vehicle to transport animals to shelter for treatment and care.
• Inspects establishments housing or exhibiting animals to ascertain compliance with humane laws.

Enforce codes as described in the Salida City Municipal Code. Most common are listed below but not all inclusive:

• Parking: 2-hour limited and other parking violations.
• Nuisances- Weeds, Rubbish, Dangerous/ Deteriorating Buildings, Property Maintenance. Enforcing as prescribed by ordinance.
• Abandoned Vehicles- Notice of violations, reporting, preparation of removal if necessary.
• Watering Restrictions- Enforcing as prescribed by ordinance.
• Peddlers, Solicitors and Transient Merchants- Enforcing the requirements as required by Code.
• Sign Standards- Enforce provisions of the sign code ordinance.
• Zoning – Enforce provisions of the land use code.
• Enforcing the Adopted International Property Maintenance Code.
• Prepares forms and letters advising property owners and tenants of possible violations and time allowed for correcting deficiencies.
• Consults file of violation reports and revisits dwellings at periodic intervals to verify correction of violations by property owners and tenants.
• Issues court summons as needed to violators. Prepare for appearances in Court and ability to testify.

ACCOUNTABILITY AND DECISION-MAKING

• Works under the direction of a Sergeant who reviews work on an occasional basis for the overall effectiveness of town services and compliance with policies, procedures, state and federal laws.
• Make decisions related to City of Salida municipal codes, and State of Colorado laws to ensure consistent law enforcement and safety of the City of Salida community and guests.
• Receives direction from Police Sergeant and command staff.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge and application of modern police practices and methods.
• Knowledge and application of controlling laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of the geography of the City of Salida.
• Knowledge and application of the policy and procedures of the Salida Police Department.
• Knowledge and application of City Ordinances.
• Ability to deal firmly and courteously with uncooperative persons.
• Ability to develop a working relationship with other departments.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, including using computer to generate reports.
• Ability to use multiple technologies which drive our reporting and ticketing systems, evidence collection and storage, body and car camera systems, and town surveillance systems.
• Ability to work without supervision and to make appropriate decisions.
• Ability to work with a diverse population.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Experience with code enforcement work preferred but not necessary to apply.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Inside and outside work with exposure to weather conditions.
• Exposure to fast moving vehicles and motor vehicle accidents.
• Ability to lift, push/pull objects weighing up to 100 pounds infrequently.
• Ability to wear and carry a duty belt during the scheduled shift.
• Ability to stand, sit for extended periods of time.
• Physical danger from highways, ice, uncooperative subjects, frequent adverse weather conditions.
• Physical strength, agility and/or endurance are often challenged.
• Shift work of 10–12-hour shifts.
• Working indoors and outdoors year-round with exposure to the weather conditions.
• Provide the City of Salida community and fellow workers a safe environment while dealing with issues of liability, and civil liberties.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF BENEFITS:

The City of Salida offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(a) and 457 retirement plan options with employer contributions; paid time off; life insurance; long-term disability coverage; and a complimentary swim benefit at the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center. Additional benefits may be available in accordance with City policies and plan provisions.