Parking Enforcement Officer

City of Alexandria; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Alexandria is seeking a Parking Enforcement Officer I to patrol designated city areas, issue parking citations, and assist the public with information. The role requires outdoor work in various weather conditions and shift rotations including days, evenings, midnights, weekends and holidays.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma, strong public-contact skills, and the ability to maintain accurate records using basic computer tools.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Public contact experience preferred and ability to communicate clearly.
• Bilingual ability in English and another language is a plus.
• Experience with record-keeping and using basic computer devices is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned areas and issue notices for parking violations.
• Testify in court when required and maintain records of citations.
• Assist the public with directions and information about city services.
• Operate department vehicles and use mobile data terminals during shifts.
• Prepare daily activity reports after each tour of duty.

Skills

Public contact

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Bilingual

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Mobile data terminals

License Plate Reader (LPR)

Job description

Parking Enforcement Officer I

The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington, and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. About one-quarter of the City's square miles have been designated as a national or local historic district. We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for a position as a Parking Enforcement Officer I.

An Overview

Parking Enforcement Officers (PEO's) patrol an assigned designated area of the city looking for various parking violations. Such violations include residential permit parking, meters, official sign, loading and timed zone violations of commuter ordinance. The Parking Enforcement Officer issues parking citations for all violations noted and testifies in court whenever necessary. PEO's may render incidental assistance to the general public by giving directions and/or assisting with other general municipal information. This position requires shift work to include days, evenings, midnights, weekends, and holidays. PEO's are required to work outside for prolonged periods of time in all types of inclement weather conditions.

This position also provides an opportunity to learn more about the Alexandria Police Department and the law enforcement community. Candidates that are interested in a future law enforcement career may benefit from full time employment in this position. Those who complete the hiring process and successful completion of the mandatory probationary period of twelve (12) months as a Parking Enforcement Officer (PEO), excellent work history with the Alexandria Police Department will be considered upon applying for Police Officer.

The Opportunity - Examples of Work

The Illustrative example of Parking Enforcement Officer responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Enforces City parking ordinances by patrolling metered, time-zoned, and/or restricted parking areas with a motorized vehicle or on foot, and issues Notices of Parking Violation to violators; Marks tires of vehicles in time-zoned areas, issues citations and/or arranges for towing of vehicles for a variety of violations including blocked sidewalks, driveways, loading zones, fire lanes and fire hydrants, double parking, and obstructing traffic and checks vehicle license plate numbers against outstanding parking citation lists.
• Responds to complaints regarding vehicles without current personal property stickers, reports citizens' complaints to supervisor, responds to calls for service relating to illegally parked or abandoned vehicles, issues citations and/or vehicle check notices as required; and answers questions from and provides information to the public.
• Utilizes NCIC (National Criminal Information Center)/VCIN (Virginia Criminal Information Network).
• Inspects parking meters, completes work orders requesting repairs for those found to be malfunctioning, inspects vehicle tags and inspection stickers for proper licensing and currency and cites violators and notifies Transportation Division about vandalized or missing meters, traffic signs and malfunctioning traffic signals.
• Prepares daily report after each tour of duty, listing work activities and reads daily bulletin; Testifies in court cases concerning citations which are contested and/or those which have gone unpaid and uncontested; Applies boot apparatus to vehicles with outstanding parking citations.
• Inspects vehicle before towing for damage, removes property, when accessible, from vehicles to be towed and transports to the Police Property Room; Utilizes mobile data terminals, hand‑held computers, and personal computers in issuing citations, retrieving information, and downloading/uploading data.
• Performs minor vehicle maintenance such as checking fluid levels and tire pressure and ensures the vehicle is in clean condition; Assists with traffic and crowd control, parades, foot races, and other special events and directs traffic when ordered or during special and/or emergency situations.
• Utilizes observation skills to recognize possible criminal activity or hazardous situations and reports same to police communications or the appropriate city government agency and obtains tag listings, requests assistance and is dispatched when needed by use of a police radio.
• Operates an assigned department vehicle in accordance with Virginia law and department policy. Vehicle may be equipped with LPR (License plate reader) technology to assist employee with duties.
• Performs related work as required.

High School Diploma or GED; one year of public contact work experience involving record-keeping duties; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The Virginia VCIN/NCIC (Virginia Criminal Information Network/National Criminal Information Center) mandates that all basic terminal operators be a United States citizen or be a lawful resident of the United States, as well as be employed by a criminal justice agency prior to applying for certification.

Employees must possess a valid driver's license issued by their state of residence.

• Two or more years of public contact or customer service experience.
• Experience working in a law enforcement or public safety environment.
• Experience in parking operations, enforcement, regulatory compliance, security, or a position requiring the explanation of rules and procedures.
• Experience maintaining accurate records and using computers, handheld electronic devices, or mobile data-entry systems.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate professionally and manage difficult or confrontational interactions.
• Strong observational skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently.
• Familiarity with City of Alexandria streets and neighborhoods.
• Bilingual ability in English and another language.

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background requirements to include but not limited to:

• Mandatory Orientation
• Local and Federal Criminal Background Checks
• Polygraph
• Psychological Evaluation
• Drug Screening
• Medical
• Driving Record - A poor driving record is disqualifying.

Salary is negotiable based on experience as it relates to this position.

The Parking Enforcement Officer position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement with the Labor and Trade CBA.