Parking Control Specialist

City of Garden Grove; Santa Paula (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Garden Grove is seeking a Parking Control Specialist for the Police Department in California. This part-time role involves issuing citations, enforcing parking regulations, and assisting the public with parking issues.

Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED; no experience is required, though customer service experience is desirable. A background check will be conducted prior to appointment.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school or GED, or equivalent certification is required.
• No work experience is required; customer service experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Enforce a variety of vehicle parking restrictions and prohibitions.
• Issue written and computer-generated citations as needed under the Garden Grove Municipal Code/California Vehicle Code guidelines.
• Assist the public with information on parking issues and respond to citizen complaints.
• Identify and mark vehicles for towing or impound.
• Report on street conditions and other matters to be addressed by Public Works staff.
• Pick up or move debris weighing up to approximately 30 pounds.
• Remove nuisance signs along streets or on utility poles.
• Maintain written and/or computerized daily logs and records.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Conflict resolution

Communication skills

Computer literacy

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Hand-held computer

Job description

The City of Garden Grove is currently accepting applications for the position of PARKING CONTROL SPECIALIST.

Deadline to apply for this recruitment is September 29, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST.

Under general supervision, the Parking Control Specialist issues citations in violation of City parking ordinances. The ideal candidate will possess strong customer service skills, be able to handle conflict with others, and be technologically savvy. Candidates must be able to work part‑time shifts Monday through Friday, between 4:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Assigned work hours and schedules may vary according to the street sweeping schedule, weather, and the needs of the department.

There are currently two (2) part‑time vacancies in the Police Department. The eligibility list established from this recruitment will be used to fill these and other potential openings for the same classification. The candidate selected for this position must successfully pass an extensive background and reference check prior to appointment.

• Enforce a variety of vehicle parking restrictions and prohibitions;
• Issue written and computer generated citations as needed under the Garden Grove Municipal Code/California Vehicle Code guidelines;
• Assist the public with information on parking issues and respond to citizen complaints;
• Identify and mark vehicles for towing or impound;
• Report on street conditions such as potholes, tree branches that hang too low, graffiti and other matters that need to be addressed by the staff of the Public Works Department;
• Pick up or move debris that cannot be swept up by the sweeping equipment, such as branches, rocks and other items weighing up to approximately 30 lbs;
• Remove nuisance signs that have been placed along the streets or on utility poles;
• Maintain written and/or computerized daily log reports, files and records; and
• Perform related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from an accredited high school, successful completion of the GED (General Educational Development) exam, or an equivalent certification is required. No experience is necessary. Experience providing customer service and using a personal computer is highly desirable.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Must possess a valid class C California driver license and an acceptable driving record in order to operate a City vehicle. An acceptable driving record is one that has three (3) or fewer DMV points issued within the past five (5) years, and no more than one (1) DUI within the past ten (10) years.

KNOWLEDGE OF

Safe driving practices and principles of good customer service.

ABILITY TO

Learn, understand and interpret laws and regulations related to the vehicle code and local ordinances; work independently to provide good customer service; respond to inquiries, complaints and requests for service in a fair, tactful, and effective manner; maintain a calm demeanor in difficult situations; learn and use standard radio system broadcasting procedures; accurately operate a hand‑held computer to issue tickets and report parking infractions; demonstrate attention to accuracy and detail; understand and accurately apply oral and written instructions, laws, policies and procedures; communicate clearly and effectively in English, including reading, speaking and writing legibly; learn the geography of the City to effectively read and follow street system maps; maintain accurate and complete records and reports; operate a motor vehicle in a safe and responsible manner; and operate a computer.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In the performance of the essential duties of this classification, Parking Control Specialists bend, squat, stoop, sit and stand to enter and exit vehicles many times per shift. Incumbents must use hands, feet, vision and hearing to safely operate a motor vehicle; and grasp, push, pull and lift objects weighing up to 30 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment described here is representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Incumbents in this classification work outside, damp or wet areas, dry atmospheric conditions and working alone-no one nearby.

BACKGROUND CHECK PROCESS

Due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the information accessible to those in this position, the candidate selected must successfully pass a LiveScan, thorough reference check, background investigation conducted by the Garden Grove Police Department, and pre‑employment medical exam prior to appointment.

NEPOTISM POLICY

The City has adopted a Nepotism Policy that may affect the status of your application. Please refer to the Garden Grove Municipal Code 2.44.440 Nepotism Policy for more information.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Garden Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, religion, ancestry, national origin, medical condition, non‑disqualifying disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, military/veteran status, or other protected class covered by appropriate law.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

Per Government Code 3100, in the event of a disaster, employees of the City of Garden Grove are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process may consist of:

• Written test - administered remotely through eSkill October 1 - 8, 2026
• Oral panel interview - tentatively scheduled for October 22, 2026

Applications and responses to the supplemental questionnaire will be reviewed carefully, and only those who appear to have the best qualifications will be invited to continue in the recruitment process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to further testing.

Virtual testing may require candidates have access to a computer, the internet, speakers, microphone, and video recording or conferencing capabilities. Applicants who advance in this recruitment may be required to take parallel versions of virtually administered exams in a proctored in‑person setting in order to confirm their identities as the original test takers.

Applicants will receive communication through email only. Applicants should check their email and spam mail for all notices.