Community Service Officer - Entry Level or Experienced

To view the full job announcement and to apply online visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sumnerwa

The City is currently recruiting to fill 1 vacancy for the position of Community Service Officer. 

2025 Pay Range: $35.40 - $43.33 per hour plus potential for education premiums.

This position is a full-time, Fair Labor Standards Act non-exempt position. The regular work schedule for the Community Service Officer (CSO) is Monday-Friday. Alternative work schedules may be authorized upon mutual agreement. Attendance at evening meetings or other special events may require attendance outside of the normal work schedule.  This position is a Civil Service position and is eligible for representation through the Police Guild.

General Purpose:
This is an armed "specially commissioned peace officer" position that performs a variety of duties relating to the investigation of potential violations and enforcement of municipal codes, ordinances and regulations; including the investigation and enforcement of parking violations. Performs transports of in custody prisoners to and from corrections facilities to court and may also transport in custody prisoners from the field to corrections facilities. Assist police officers and citizens in non-emergency situations and performs special assignments as directed.

Supervision Received: 
Works under the supervision of the Deputy Chief or designee.

Supervision Responsibilities:
Inmates and defendants under the CSO's custody.  

Experience Levels: 
Experienced Candidates: 
If you currently hold a Peace Officer Certificate or Corrections Officer Certificate, please submit your application and attach a copy of your certificate to be considered for the Experienced CSO Candidate process.

Entry-Level Candidates:
If you do not hold a Peace Officer Certificate or Corrections Officer Certificate, please follow the Entry-Level Candidate application instructions provided below.

Entry Level Candidate Application Process:

1. Testing
Begin by registering at PublicSafetyTesting.com to complete the Community Service Officer (CSO) testing.
     - Be sure to select City of Sumner when choosing agencies so your scores are forwarded to us. 
     - The City of Sumner uses a continuous testing process through Public Safety Testing (PST).
     - PST administers both the written exam and the physical agility test, and applicants must pass both before applying with the City.
     - For details about testing dates, requirements, and FAQs, please visit the PST website.

2. Application
Once you have successfully completed testing, submit your application directly to the City of Sumner using our online application system.

3. Interview
After we receive your PST scores and application, qualified candidates may be invited to an oral board interview.
     - Candidates are considered in rank order based on PST scores.
     - Please note: not all applicants will advance to the interview stage.

Examples of Duties

 

The job duties and responsibilities represented in this job description in no way imply that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees occupying the position will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by a supervisor. While requirements may be representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and abilities to perform this job successfully, the employee will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty with average proficiency.

• Responsible for municipal parking enforcement, including patrolling for / investigating; parking violations, abandoned or junk vehicles, unsafe traffic conditions caused by the parking of vehicles, issuing parking tickets and impounding vehicles;
• Responds to public nuisance violations, including patrolling for / investigating citizen complaints of nuisance violations or unsafe / unsanitary conditions, and issuing official orders, notices and / or infractions;
• Coordinates the enforcement of codes with other agencies and / or with departments within the City;
• Maintains code enforcement and parking cases and prepares those cases for hearings or court proceedings;
• Inspects property for inoperative vehicles on private property, issues notices for vehicle abatement if necessary, oversees abatement and removal of vehicles; Appears in court as required;
• Prepares and maintains detailed records and/or statistics related to enforcement activities;
• Develops and maintains positive public relations with an emphasis on customer service and mutual problem solving;
• Performs fingerprinting services for members of the public;
• Transports in custody prisoners to and from corrections facilities to court and aides in courtroom security;
• May perform prisoner transports from the field to corrections facilities or from one corrections facility to another;
• Assists police officers as requested;
• Performs crime prevention and community outreach as requested;
• Other duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications

 

Education and Experience:
Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent.  Must be 21 years of age or older and eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of application.

Necessary Special Requirements:
Must hold a valid Washington State driver's license with a driving record free from serious or frequent violations.
Must successfully pass a criminal justice applicant background check, including a polygraph, and medical screenings.
Must successfully complete an approved WSCJTC Reserve Officer Academy or Corrections Officer Academy and any other training requirements prescribed by the Department.

Desired Qualifications:
A degree or college course work related to criminal justice.
Previous law enforcement or corrections related experience.
Currently possess a WSCJTC Reserve Officer Certification or Peace Officer Certification.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

Knowledge of:

• Modern office practices, procedures, equipment and record keeping including basic computer skills; Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel;
• Local and State laws pertaining to public nuisance, noise, and parking regulations and enforcement penalties and procedures;
• Emergency first aid and CPR;
• Principles and practices of investigation and evidence law;
• Constitutional safeguards and search and seizure;
• Elements of effective public education and community relations;

Ability to:

• Work in a diverse community; demonstrate interpersonal skills using tact, patience, courtesy and de-escalations skills;
• Safely operate a motor vehicle during duty, including a transport van;
• Work independently in the absence of supervision, exercising good judgment in determining when issues require involvement of supervisors;
• Gather data and evidence, prepare clear and concise reports, and maintain and update records;
• Respond to inquiries, complaints and calls for service in a fair, tactful and firm manner;
• Enforce pertinent codes, ordinances, laws and regulations with impartiality and sound discretion in judgment;
• Recognize and provide intelligence information for officers or other City departments, within the perimeters of the community service officer's authority, especially with regard to dangerous subjects, activities, or conditions;
• Qualify with department firearms annually;
• Communicate effectively, both in speaking and writing English;
• Safely search, secure, and transport defendants and inmates; 
• Contribute to the department's overall mission.