Public Services Officer

Job Summary

Joining the Santa Monica Police Department as a Public Services Officer offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community. If you thrive on engaging with the public and have a year of recent, paid related work experience involving heavy public contact, this role is tailor-made for you.

As a vital part of our team, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring public safety and fostering positive community relationships. Your responsibilities will involve significant interaction with the community, providing assistance, and contributing to the overall well-being of Santa Monica residents. This position not only allows you to utilize your existing skills in public contact but also provides a platform for personal and professional growth within a dynamic and supportive law enforcement environment.

By choosing to become a Public Services Officer, you'll be joining an esteemed department known for its commitment to excellence and community-oriented policing. If you're passionate about making a difference, being a bridge between law enforcement and the public, and contributing to a safer and stronger community, we encourage you to apply and be part of the Santa Monica Police Department's dedicated team. Your dedication to public service will be both valued and rewarded in this challenging and fulfilling role.

DEFINITION

Patrols all areas of the City, including parks, airport, beach, downtown business district, alleys, parking structures, light rail, and other City facilities by foot, bicycle, and other vehicles to provide general security services, perform facility inspections, enforce park rules, City ordinances, laws, and regulations.

SUPERVISION

Works under the close supervision of a Public Services Supervisor who frequently provides detailed instructions, reviews work in progress, and monitors field performance. No supervision exercised.

Representative Duties

Patrols all areas of the City, including parks, airport, beach, downtown business district, alleys, parking structures, light rail, and other City facilities by foot, bicycle, and other vehicles to provide general security services, perform facility inspections. Enforce City municipal codes, laws, rules and regulations of areas assigned. Conducts general crowd and traffic control, reviews permits, monitors park fields and other City facilities for irregularities or unauthorized use.

Interacts with City staff regarding general operations at assigned areas, assisting with the securing of fields, parking lots, gates and unattended property, and other City facilities as designated. Monitors storage containers and releases property when properly identified. Monitors police radio calls and responds to situations as needed. Resolves non-violent disputes and minor disturbances. Performs general crowd and vehicle traffic control as directed.

Issues notices of violation, parking citations and other applicable citations, including but not limited to administrative citations to individuals in violation of municipal codes and infractions on the beach, parks, parking structures, and other areas patrolled City-wide. Writes minor non-custody reports. Utilizes noise decibel meter to test noise level. Appears in court as needed.

Follows applicable safety rules and regulations.

Reports hazardous, unsafe or irregular conditions within the patrol area.

Provides information, direction and assistance to the public and local merchants.

Responds to medical aid calls as a first responder.

Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills :

Knowledge of:

General security practices and patrol procedures.
Resource and referral information.
Effective customer service techniques.

Ability to:

Learn relevant park rules and regulations, municipal codes, air traffic codes, police policy and procedures, penal codes, vehicle codes, health and safety codes, and business and professional codes.
Interact and provide information and direction and to assist the public and City staff.
Learn about City attractions and services.
Make and record accurate, detailed observations.
Monitor and operate radio equipment, learn appropriate radio codes, procedures.
Use good judgment, grasp information quickly, and take appropriate action.
Work independently.
Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees and the public.
Provide effective customer service.

Skill in:

Reading, writing and communicating at an appropriate level.
The use of personal computers and applicable software applications.
Working with various segments of the population in difficult situations.
Determining priority calls to police.
Determining when to elevate incident.
Riding a bicycle and operating a motor vehicle.
Performing mathematical calculations at an appropriate level.

Education, Training and Experience :

Graduation from high school or the equivalent.

One year of recent, paid related work experience involving heavy public contact.

Licenses and Certificates :

Possession of a valid Class C driver license.

Completion of a POST approved Bicycle Patrol course for non-sworn employees within six months from the date of hire.

A standard first aid certificate, CPR and POST Penal Code 832 certificates must all be obtained within the first twelve months from date of hire.

Supplemental Information

HOW TO APPLY : An on-line City application and required supplemental questions must be completed for this position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified for the position on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.

NOTE: Only permanent employees are eligible for a transfer. Employees submitting transfer applications must notify the recruitment analyst via email upon submission of their application.

SELECTION PROCESS : All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Testing will consist of the following:

• Written Examination: 100%

(THE WRITTEN EXAMINATION IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 11, 2025)

• Performance Examination (Bicycle Obstacle Course) : Pass/Fail

(THE PERFORMANCE EXAMINATION IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 25, 2025)

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS : Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

Medical Examination: Prior to appointment, candidates must successfully complete a thorough examination, including a drug screen, to determine if they meet the City's medical standards.

NOTE : If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority, in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.

Equity & Inclusion Statement

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS: Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is generally performed inside and out in seasonal climate and weather conditions where noise, dust, dirt, vibrations, odors, and fuel fumes are generally encountered. Physical demands included walking, climbing, running, bending, riding a bicycle, standing for prolonged time periods and moving of objects requiring motions such as dragging, bending and carrying and lifting up to 25 lbs. May be required to work weekends, evenings, holidays, on-call and overtime. For more comprehensive information, click HERE to access the Essential Functions Job Analysis for this job classification.

The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.

Closing Date/Time: 2/6/2025 5:30 PM Pacific

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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• City of Santa Monica

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