Community Safety Officer (CSO) - Other Shifts

Centrally located in the heart of Iowa, Ames is a vibrant, progressive community with more than 66,000 residents providing an excellent quality of life. Home to Iowa State University, Ames offers year-round recreation opportunities, diverse cultural offerings, a stable economy, safe neighborhoods, and a high-achieving school district.

The City of Ames Police Department is currently accepting applications to fill at least 1 opening as Community Safety Officer. Candidates must be available to work a rotating schedule of three 6-hour shifts per week, averaging about 18 hours total, including day hours and weekends. Shifts will be for various days of the week from 8am to 2pm, 2pm to 8pm, and/or 5pm to 11pm. On-the-job training will be available for all CSO shifts.

Under direction, Community Safety Officers patrol assigned areas and issue tickets for parking violations; handles all parking calls and complaints tactfully in a calm and respectful manner; responds to calls that do not require a sworn police officer; performs other duties as required.

In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must submit their online application by the deadline listed on this posting. Your application includes complete responses to the supplemental questions. Please keep in mind that submission of a resume in lieu of work history on your application or answering the supplemental questions is not sufficient.

This recruitment will be open until filled. Interviews will start in March 2023, possibly during Spring Break, so please be sure to get your application in as soon as possible to have enough time to be considered for an interview if you meet the qualifications.

Applications submitted for this position by the application deadline may be considered for other openings in this classification for up to 6 months.

Patrols assigned areas either on foot or in a vehicle and issues tickets for parking violations. Reports parking meter defects to superiors. Prepares and maintains relevant reports. Responds to calls that do not require a sworn police officer such as assisting with traffic direction, funeral escorts, minor accidents, animal control duties, and initiating case reports on minor incidents such as vandalism, theft, etc. May testify in court regarding parking and other witnessed incidents.

Required Education and Experience:

High school diploma, HiSet, or GED, one year of experience in a related field to safety enforcement or security and/or one year in customer service.

Other Requirements:

Valid driver's license.

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Must be able to work at least shifts between 8am and 8pm at minimum, preferred availability is from 8am to 11pm. This includes weekends to ensure proper coverage for routine and special event needs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Some knowledge of the community's street layout. Knowledge of City parking ordinances; general knowledge of Police Department policies and procedures.

Skill in verbal and written communication. Skill in problem solving and making logical and sound decisions. Skill in the completion of records and reports.

Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions; ability to be detail oriented. Ability to take initiative in taking proper action when necessary and to be assertive in uncertain situations. Ability to take control during emergency events. Ability to walk for extended periods of time under adverse weather conditions. Ability to respond tactfully and calmly to citizens during enforcement and explanation of City policy and regulations; ability to write quickly and legibly. Ability to work independently and with a team. Ability to accurately complete tickets and other forms. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with supervisors, coworkers, and the general public.

Required Physical Activities: Standing, walking, talking, hearing, reaching, grasping, finger dexterity, stooping and repetitive motions.

Physical Characteristics of Work: Requires sitting and/or driving approximately 50% of the time and standing and/or walking approximately 50% of the time (including walking for extended periods of time under adverse weather conditions). Requires the exertion of under 10 pounds of force routinely, the exertion of 10 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and the exertion of over 50 pounds of force infrequently, to lift or otherwise move objects.

Vision Requirements: The minimum standard for use with those who operate cars, light trucks, etc.

Environmental Conditions: The worker is exposed to extreme heat (above 100 degrees) or cold (below 32 degrees) for periods of more than one hour; noise; vibration; atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system (i.e. dust, fumes, gasses, odors); and hazards. The worker is also required to work in darkness or under poor lighting conditions.

Examples of Equipment Used on the Job: Pickup truck/automobile. Two-way radio. Printed materials such as ticket pad, forms, city map, and code book. Basic computer equipment. Writing utensils. Safety equipment such as safety vest, flares, and barricades.

Selection Process:

The selection process consists of an evaluation of education and experience, phone interview, hiring assessment, on-site interview which will include a manager meeting and written exercise and completion of a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry check. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.

**Preference may be given to applicants possessing qualifications above the minimum.**

Depending on the number of qualified candidates, the City may forego phone interviews.

E-Verify Process:

The City of Ames participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered a position with the City of Ames must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity on their first day of employment. Please be prepared to provide required documents on your first day of employment. For additional information regarding acceptable documents for this purpose, please contact Human Resources at 515-239-5199 or go to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at: http://www.uscis.gov.

NOTE: Applicants with disabilities may submit requests for ADA testing or interview accommodations to the Human Resources Department prior to the test or interview.

The City of Ames is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Human Resources Department at 515-239-5199.