Community Service Officer

Job Title: Community Service Officer

Department: Police Department

Supervisor: Patrol Lieutenant

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Grade: 26

Union Code: Public Safety

Revised: 04/17/2024

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Patrol Lieutenant, the Community Service Officer is responsible for the planning, directing, coordinating and participation of parking enforcement, animal control, minor civil and traffic control services and code enforcement duties to the citizens of Brookings. The position will primarily be Monday through Friday but may require working various shifts and workdays as assigned including day and evening shifts, weekends and holidays.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's degree in a law enforcement or animal related field or equivalent from an accredited college, university or technical school preferred, but may be substituted for applicable experience and/or training in code enforcement or related land use experience.
• Possession of a valid South Dakota Driver's License or ability to obtain one within forty-five days of appointment and an acceptable driving record.
• First Aid and CPR certification or ability to obtain certification within six months of appointment.
• Obtain Animal Control Officer I&II certification through the National Animal Care & Control Association within one year of employment.
• Obtain ICC/AACE Certified Code Enforcement Officer (CCEO) within one year of employment.
• Must be a United States citizen. This position does not support sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience handling animals, both domesticated animals and wildlife, preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to assume responsibility and discretion in decision-making and supervision of subordinate personnel which impact the daily operations of a full-service law enforcement agency preferred.
• Knowledge of the principles, policies, codes, laws and statutes relating to code enforcement and or animal control operations preferred.
• Knowledge of computer hardware, software and accessories.

Major Duties

• General
  1. Coordinates staffing and activities for the Community Service Unit
  2. Advises the Patrol Lieutenant on any issues
  3. Maintains chain-of-command between the Patrol Lieutenant and subordinate officers.
  4. Conducts routine patrol and investigations into animal complaints, public complaints, parking code violations and other matters as directed; obtains statements, issues citations, takes enforcement action, interviews witnesses, testifies in court, and completes all necessary paperwork.
  5. Inspect establishments, housing or exhibiting animals to ascertain compliance with local laws and ordinances.
  6. Assists law enforcement when directed.
  7. Assists with traffic control during funeral processions, incidents, and temporary road closures, and/or otherwise directed.
  8. Responds to traffic/road hazard complaints, conducts necessary traffic control, and makes necessary notifications.
  9. Represent the department in public relations activities and educational forums.
  10. Conducts security checks on residences placed on the vacation home list.
  11. Receives reports and files necessary documentation for reports of lost property or incidents that are civil in nature.
  12. Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all situations.
• Code Enforcement
  1. Explains ordinance requirements regarding lawn maintenance, snow removal regarding sidewalks, abandoned property and parking.
  2. Ensure compliance with housing and zoning regulations through voluntary action, court action, or Board of Adjustments.
  3. Prepare forms and correspondence advising property owners and tenants of possible violations and time allowed for correcting deficiencies.
  4. Consult file of violation reports and revisit premises at periodic intervals to ensure violations are corrected
• Animal Control
  1. Operates, maintains, and cleans the City Animal Shelter.
  2. Feeds and cares for animals housed at the Shelter.
  3. Captures and impounds animals that are at large and in violation of laws and ordinances.
  4. Aid animals in distress by feeding starving animals and freeing trapped animals.
  5. Remove animals from inhumane conditions and transport animals to provide shelter for treatment and care.
  6. Euthanize and/or dispose of feral animals.
  7. Educate animal owners of applicable City Ordinances and laws.
  8. Maintains records of animals brought into the Shelter.
  9. Responsible for the receipt of payments.
• Supervisory
  1. Direct and oversee the Part-Time Community Service Officers
  2. Carry out responsibilities in accordance with the City’s policies and applicable laws
  3. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, orientating, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Marginal Duties

• Attend training, seminars and workshops as deemed necessary.
• Perform all duties in compliance with safety standards and policies established by the City.
• Perform other job-related duties as deemed necessary and additional duties, tasks, or responsibilities as assigned.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Talk and hear noises to include conversations, radio and phone transmissions.
• Stand and walk in uneven terrain.
• Work in varied weather conditions to include heat, cold, rain and snow.
• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
• Have close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Eyesight correctable to at least 20/40 in each eye.
• Operate a motor vehicle to include a full-sized pickup truck.

Mental Complexity/Interpersonal Contacts

• Mental Complexity
  1. Understanding municipal codes, ordinances, and regulations related to property maintenance, zoning, public nuisances, as well as animal control laws including licensing, leash laws, and dangerous animal ordinances.
  2. Understanding animal behavior, welfare standards, and appropriate handling techniques for various domestic and wild animals.
  3. Analyzing complex situations to determine the appropriate course of action, considering legal, ethical, and community impact factors.
  4. Evaluating the level of risk posed by code violations and/or animal encounters; ability to determine the urgency of response.
  5. Effectively communicating with diverse stakeholders including residents, property owners, businesses, animal shelters, veterinary services, law enforcement, and other city departments.
  6. Resolving conflicts between residents, property/animal owners, and city authorities regarding code violations, enforcement actions, and animal control activities.
  7. Maintaining detailed records of code violations, enforcement actions, animal control activities, complaints, outcomes, and communications with stakeholders.
• Interpersonal Contacts
  1. Interacting with residents and owners to address complaints and violations, educate about requirements, and facilitate compliance.
  2. Liaising with internal and external city departments to coordinate enforcement efforts and address systemic issues.
  3. Partnering with animal welfare and organizations and veterinary professionals to promote responsible pet ownership and care.

Pre-employment Screening

Pre-employment screening may include, but are not limited to, the following: references, criminal background, credit history, drug and alcohol screening, medical history questionnaire, and pre-employment physical.