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Community Service Officer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of Riverside

Community Service Officer

Riverside, CA · On-site

$53K - $75K/yr

The Community Service Officers perform and provide specialized para-professional and technical civilian police support duties in various divisions of the Police Department. Provides support and ...

City of Oxnard, CA

Community Service Officer

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$51K - $78K/yr

Under general supervision, a Community Service Officer performs a variety of non-sworn assignments in support of the City's law enforcement activities, including vehicle maintenance/inventory, false ...

City of Colton

Part-time Community Service Officer

Colton, CA · On-site

$4.3K - $5.7K/mo

The Community Service Officer is a non-sworn position class responsible for law enforcement and crime prevention duties. Essential Functions EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following duties ARE ...

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Community Service Officer information

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How much do community service officer jobs pay per month?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average monthly pay for community service officer in California is $4,903.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $4,191.67 and $5,550.00 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a community service officer?

Community Service Officers (CSOs) are non-sworn law enforcement personnel who assist police departments in various non-emergency and administrative tasks. They often handle duties such as taking reports, conducting traffic control, assisting at crime scenes, and providing community outreach. While they do not have arrest powers or carry firearms, CSOs play a vital role in supporting public safety and enhancing police-community relations. Their work allows sworn officers to focus on more serious law enforcement responsibilities, making them an integral part of many police agencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a community service officer?

To thrive as a Community Service Officer, you need a good understanding of law enforcement procedures, community relations, and public safety, typically supported by a high school diploma or associate degree and relevant training. Familiarity with police radio systems, incident reporting software, and basic emergency response tools is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, conflict resolution abilities, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for effectively engaging with the public and de-escalating situations. These skills and qualifications are important because they enable officers to maintain public safety, foster trust, and handle diverse situations professionally.

What are some common challenges community service officers face when interacting with the public?

Community Service Officers (CSOs) often work directly with diverse members of the public, which can present challenges such as de-escalating tense situations, addressing community concerns, and communicating effectively with individuals from various backgrounds. They must remain calm and professional, even when faced with emotionally charged or stressful circumstances. Building trust and maintaining a positive relationship with the community is essential, and CSOs frequently receive training to help them navigate these interactions successfully.

What is the difference between Community Service Officer vs Police Officer?

AspectCommunity Service OfficerPolice Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require additional certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; police academy training required
Work EnvironmentCommunity settings, non-enforcement roles, public interactionsLaw enforcement agencies, patrols, emergency response
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal governments, community organizationsPolice departments, law enforcement agencies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for community engagement rolesLaw enforcement and crime prevention

Community Service Officers focus on community engagement, non-enforcement duties, and public assistance, while Police Officers are responsible for law enforcement, crime prevention, and emergency response. Both roles serve public safety but differ in scope and responsibilities.

How to become a community service officer?

To become a community service officer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some agencies prefer prior experience in law enforcement, social work, or customer service. Many positions require passing a background check, completing specialized training, and obtaining relevant certifications such as first aid or CPR. Strong communication skills, community awareness, and the ability to handle diverse situations are also important for success in this role.

What cities in California are hiring for Community Service Officer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Community Service Officer job openings:

Community Service Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Service Officer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,847 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Community Service Officer

The University of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$27.30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

University Of San Francisco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

236th of 629 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Title:
Community Service Officer
Job Summary:
GENERAL SCOPE OF POSITION:
A Community Safety Officer follows a leadership model that practices values based and community policing principles when responding to the needs of the community. In following this model, a Community Safety Officer practices leadership that is collaborative, creative, adaptive, based on influence, is multi-directional, and non-coercive. A Community Safety Officer provides services with the understanding that leaders, followers, and participants develop a common purpose to achieve mutual goals.
A Community Service Officer is responsible for parking enforcement in campus parking lots as well as observing and reporting to Public Safety Dispatch all suspicious occurrences and personal and physical security matters that need the attention of university authorities. A Community Service Officer also assists Public Safety Officers direct participants at special events.
As part of the larger staff in Student Life, Public Safety employees collaborate and cooperate across divisions and departments to create a supportive University community which encourages student learning and development in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. The mission of Student Life is to fully support holistic student development within a social justice framework centered in preparing students to be caring, socially responsible citizens in our global and local community.
Full Job Description:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Write parking citations on USF Campus Property.
  • Provide security at campus functions such as dances, athletic events, receptions, special presentations, and escorts.
  • Monitor and report violations of University rules, regulations and applicable criminal laws while performing duties.
  • Drive the night safety shuttle within a general mile radius of campus and provide safety escorts to the USF community.
  • Assist the Public Safety Systems team with support and maintenance for the campus emergency phones and departmental panic buttons
  • Provides front desk and building security at designated USF property, ie. 101 Howard St., San Francisco. This security includes ensuring only approved students, faculty, staff, building tenants, and visitors are allowed entry.
  • Upon the Sergeant/OIC discretion, assist with low level door access/lockouts.
  • Create positive, collaborative, and professional relationships with the university community

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education High School Diploma or GED
Strength and Agility Possess sufficient strength and agility necessary to perform the duties of a CSO. May include walking buildings, climbing stairs, carrying heavy objects, etc.
Certifications Valid California Driver's License, current Consumer Affairs Guard registration card, Department of Justice Straight Baton Certification card. Red Cross Basic First-Aid and CPR Certification is PREFERRED.
SELECTION PROCESS:
This process consists of three parts:
Review of resume/application
Interview with Director
Reference check that may consist of a review of character references and work history
Candidates who successfully complete phases may be hired on a part-time basis to fill in
Full-Time/Part-Time:
Full time
Pay Rate:
Hourly
Salary Range :
$27.30 per hour

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