Community Service Officer

Community Service Officer

Pay Range: $19.60 - $27.60

Nature of Work

This position is responsible municipal law enforcement work in a non-sworn class within the police department. The Community Service Officer shall perform enforcement procedures related to city codes dealing with animal control, parking and vehicle ordinance, health and safety ordinances and with assisting with the storage and disposal of police property and evidence.

Work will include picking up stray and injured animals and arranging for their care and conducting investigations into animal bites, animal abuse/neglect and inspections of commercial animal establishments, Work will also include notifying citizens of violations of city ordinances dealing with parking, junk, weeds, health and safety. Additionally, Community Service Officers will be required to work with certified police officers in the enforcement of the all city ordinances, as well as other duties as assigned. The incumbent must be able to act without direct supervision and exercise independent judgment in meeting both routine and emergency situations. Work is performed under the supervision of the Community Service Supervisor who in return works under the direction of a police administrator

Instructions are received based upon the type of assignment and situation at the time. Working a scene or situation with either an Investigator or Patrol Officer, CSOs will work in conjunction with and at the direction of those sworn staff.

Essential Functions: This is a generalized job description. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary, depending on assignment.

• Serves as a linkage person between the department and other city agencies/departments in enforcing codes/ordinances; may write citations for code violations.

• Assists sworn officers by monitoring and enforcing city ordinances on parking violations including overtime, abandoned vehicles, handicapped parking; junk vehicles, nuisance and junk properties, unsanitary homes or businesses and all other city ordinance violations dealing with health safety and quality of life in the city. Also acts as liaison with area towing companies and managing city impound lot.

• On an assigned basis, assists the Evidence Technician by receiving, storing, and disposing of property and evidence and maintaining the chain of evidence; maintaining records of property and evidence.

• Maintains complete and accurate records and prepares reports as directed.

• When available, assists customers of the police department at the front window by relying information to help the customer get the service that they need.

• Rolls fingerprints for police department customers that have paid for law enforcement fingerprinting.

• Assists zoning department when necessary.

• Serves as a crime scene technician involving processing of crime scene, providing officer drawings, taking photographs, fingerprinting, and constructing diagrams when necessary at the direction of the Evidence Technician or other department supervisor.

• Responds to calls from the public, the police department, or others, picks up or captures animals that are stray or injured, and transports to the designated shelter.

• Cleans and disinfects kennels, cages, and shelter facilities according to schedule or as needed to maintain a safe and healthy environment for the animals, staff, and public.

• Cares for animals in the immediate capture or recovery prior to being placed at the shelter.

• Works with the city contracted company for the housing of animals in accordance with city ordinance and state law.

• Informs and instructs pet owners on good care and sanitation for their pets; facilitates the expedient return of pets to pet owners.

• Pursues and investigate cases of animal neglect, abuse, or overpopulation; notifies the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services regarding unhealthy situations regarding household with children or elderly occupants.

• Operates a light truck to patrol the community, transports animals, and supplies; maintains live trap program.

• Maintains a variety of records on the animals housed and operates personal computer to record the records kept on the same, prepares reports, tracks occurrences of animal issues, identifies possible cases of chronic abuse or neglect; coordinates with City Prosecutor regarding cases requiring legal action with respect to animals.

• Notifies owners of stray animals found bearing license tags or identification; collects feed and fines in accordance with Department policy.

• Maintains regular attendance and punctuality on the job.

Knowledge, Skill and Ability Requirements

• Ability to obtain knowledge of departmental procedures, rules and regulations.

• Ability to obtain knowledge of street layout and geography of the City.

• Some knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.

• Some knowledge of modern law enforcement practices and methods.

• Ability to deal firmly and courteously with the public.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Ability to maintain required records and to prepare reports,

• Ability to operate a personal computer and to operate a computer-aided dispatch program.

• Ability to meet such physical requirements as may be established by the City.

• Ability to operate both audio and video recording equipment.

• Ability to handle animals in a calm and effective manner.

• Ability to act without direct supervision and exercise independent judgment in meeting both routine and emergency situations.

• Ability to understand, interpret and communicate code requirements thoroughly and accurately.

• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with City officials, City employees and the general public

• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality of work-related information in a professional manner

• Ability to read City maps

• Ability to deal with stressful situations involving the need to make discretionary decisions based on information at hand

• Ability to follow oral and written directions

• Ability to work with minimal supervision

• Ability to learn computer applications

• Ability to hear, talk, walk significant distances, bend, stoop, stand, sit, ride and kneel

• Ability to operate general office equipment, such as photocopier, scanner, voice mail systems and personal computers, and lift or move 50 lbs. by self

• Ability to perform repetitive motion (keystroke) for prolonged periods

• Ability to travel from site to site working in inclement weather.

• Ability to work in the capacity of an emergency Dispatcher.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent

• Valid Nebraska Operator's License and good driving record

• Must have computer/word processor experience and be able to prepare and file his or her own correspondence.

• Pass background check and any required physical exam.

Preferred Education and Experience Requirements

• Some Law Enforcement-related experience

• Previous course of work or experience with in the care or handling of pets or farm animals

• CPR certification

• Emergency Dispatch experience

Working Environment

Work is generally performed in a standard office setting or building facility with normal conditions of heat, humidity, fumes, odors, or dust. But will regularly involve driving and working in a variety of weather conditions outside. Work also involves exposure to various hazards involving animal bites, exposure to diseases and parasites carried by animals; as well as walking, stooping, bending and moderately heavy lifting.

Work involves considerable interdepartmental and public contact; dealing with members of the public who may be agitated or emotionally frustrated.

To be considered for this or any position with our organization, candidates must complete and submit an official City of Fremont Application for Employment, available through the City's official website (https://fremontne.gov/881/Employment-Opportunities). If you are viewing this posting through any other website (Indeed, ZipRecruiter, etc.) please visit our website to submit your application.