Find The RightJob.
Community Safety Officer (CSO) - Day, Evening, and Overnight 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.
General Information
The City of Ames Police Department is currently accepting applications for Community Safety Officer. Under direction, our Community Safety Officers will patrol assigned areas and issue tickets for parking violations, handle all parking calls and complaints tactfully, in a calm and respectful manner and respond to calls that do not require a sworn police officer. This position also performs other duties as required.
1) Various fluctuating shifts between 8 am and 11 pm, includes day and evening hours, and weekends.
OR
2) Overnight shifts are a set schedule, between 11pm to 6am, including weekends. These shifts are on a set rotation as follows: Monday/Friday/Saturday, second week is Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday, both weeks are still between 11pm to 6am. If selecting option 2, this is a set schedule after initial training.
Candidates may choose to be considered for both shifts options.
On-the-job training is provided. Due to the extensive training program and scheduling needs, all applicants are requested to commit to employment for 12 months or longer.
In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must submit an online application by the deadline listed on this posting. The application must include complete responses to the supplemental questions. A submission of a resume in lieu of work history on the application or answering the supplemental questions is not sufficient.
Applications submitted for this position by the application deadline may be considered for other openings in this classification for up to 6 months.
This position is an ongoing, part-time, less than 20 hours per week position, that is not benefit or paid leave eligible.
Examples of Essential Job Functions
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. Provides transport of prisoners, as needed. May be responsible for the removal of hazardous items and clean-up of transport vehicles after use. May testify in court regarding parking and other witnessed incidents.
Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data-driven decisions; championing employee involvement; striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respect and dignity for one another; promoting safety and wellness; and cultivating teamwork. For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience:
- High school diploma, HiSet, or GED.
- One year of experience in customer service and/or a field related to safety, enforcement or security.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must possess a valid driver's license.
Preferred:
- 3+ years of customer service experience, including problem solving and de-escalation of challenging situations.
- Currently enrolled in criminal justice field of study or completion of a criminal justice degree.
- Previous experience in a law enforcement field or military background.
- Any specialized training related to the position or emergency response.
- Familiarity with the City of Ames streets or parking ordinances.
- Bilingual abilities.
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 with minimum supervision and resources. Skill in the completion of detailed records and reports.
Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to understand and follow detailed verbal and written instructions. Ability to walk for extended periods of time under adverse weather conditions. Ability to write quickly, legibly and accurately when completing tickets and other forms. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with supervisors, coworkers, and the general public. Ability to respond tactfully and calmly to citizens during explanation and enforcement of City policy and regulations. Ability to take initiative and appropriate action when under pressure. Ability to be assertive in uncertain situations. Ability to take control during emergency situations. Ability to work independently and with a team.
Supplemental Information
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); may have exposure to pepper spray, and other 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. Safety equipment such as safety vest, flares, and barricades.
Selection Process:
The selection process consists of an evaluation of education and experience, phone interview, on-site interview which will include a manager meeting, and completion of a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry check, and motor vehicle records check, and fingerprinting. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.
Preference may be given to applicants possessing qualifications above the minimum requirements.
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.
Similar jobs
No similar jobs found
© 2026 Qureos. All rights reserved.