Community Service Officer

Description Performs a variety of working-level surveillance and enforcement duties related to the enforcement of local nuisance laws and ordinances, animal welfare, and parking enforcement duties.

Essential Duties

Essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Investigates local code violations and enforces local codes regarding nuisances and noise as detailed in Chapter 11 and 13 of the Municipal Code. This includes, but is not limited to, junk and abandoned vehicles, weeds, brush and rubbish, structural hazards, animal control, and prohibited noise, and takes necessary enforcement actions according to the department’s policy and procedures.
• Patrols the corporate limits of the Town to detect and identify violators of municipal nuisance ordinances including vehicle owners, property owners, businesses, and residents. Informs citizens of ordinance violations and issues written notices of violations. Documents all situations and actions taken by the officer or property owner.
• Investigates local code violations and enforces local codes regarding parking violations as detailed in the Model Traffic Code detailed in Chapter 18 of the Municipal Code.
• Maintains knowledge of Town ordinances and laws as well as department and Town of Pagosa Springs policies and procedures.
• Maintains knowledge of Police Department policies and procedures.
• Research property ownership using maps, assessor GIS records or by other means necessary.
• Prepares detailed code enforcement investigative reports, takes photographs, and follows up on cases.
• Issues citations and summons for failure to comply with pertinent laws, ordinances, and/or codes.
• Enforces Town ordinances and state laws relating to animal control and welfare as detailed in Chapter 4 of the Municipal Code. Investigates reports of animals at large, cruelty, and neglect. When necessary, captures at large animals and transport them to the animal shelter. If the situation warrants, issues summons to appear in court, and transports animals for medical attention. Mediates neighborhood disputes over animal issues. Provides information to and educates the public concerning the well-being of pets and livestock. Removes dead animals, when necessary, from public roadways.
• Appears in municipal court to testify relative to the investigation and charging of individuals with offenses.
• Consistently provides professional and responsive customer service to internal and external customers including but not limited to effectively listening and communicating, providing accurate information, offering solutions, assisting in resolution, and ensuring timely follow-up as needed.
• Takes proper safety precautions, anticipates unsafe circumstances, and acts accordingly to prevent accidents or injuries.
• Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications Education and Experience

Graduation from high school or GED plus sufficient training to demonstrate an aptitude and ability to perform above and related duties AND one (1) year of work experience preferably in a field related to above duties, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Knowledge, Skills, Interests and Abilities

Working knowledge of administrative practices, state and local regulations governing animal control programs; basic public relations principles, methods, practices, and procedures; and interpersonal communication methods. Some knowledge of computerized management information systems; personal computers and various applications for work processing, data management, and spreadsheet operations.

Skills in record keeping and report writing.

Ability to deal effectively with stress related to public safety employment; deal effectively with the public in hostile interactions; maintain accurate records; be firm and courteous with the public; develop effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, and the public; use discretion and good judgment; follow written and verbal instruction; operate a two-way radio and understand common radio code; learn quickly the laws, ordinances, and regulations governing animal control, parking enforcement and code enforcement; communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.

The Town of Pagosa Springs is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package including paid leave, health insurance, retirement options, an Employee Assistance Program, life insurance, and supplemental insurance for eligible employees.

what BENEFITS are available to me?

• Medical administered by Cigna
• Dental administered by Delta Dental
• Vision administered by Vision Service Plan
• Life Insurance/AD&D both employer paid and voluntary
• Short Term Disability after six months of employment
• Retirement administered by Colorado Retirement Association (CRA)
• FPPA Statewide Defined Benefit Plan for full-time Sworn Police Officers
• Paid Time Off (PTO) general leave to use for vacations and illness
• Holidays ten paid holidays
• Voluntary Benefits including Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, & Emergent Ground/Air Transportation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) administered by Mines & Associates
• Wellness Program to assist employees to achieve their individual wellness goals

when am I ELIGIBLE for benefits?

Employees are eligible for group health, voluntary, and life insurance benefits the first of the month after your date of hire. There is no waiting period for PTO, Holidays, EAP, or Retirement benefits. Employees are covered under Disability on the first day of the month following six months of actively working.