About the position
The Seattle Police Department is actively seeking motivated and people-oriented individuals to join our team as Parking Enforcement Officers. This role is integral to maintaining public order and ensuring compliance with parking regulations in the city. As a Parking Enforcement Officer, you will work in a technology-driven environment, utilizing various tools and systems to perform your duties effectively. The position requires excellent public contact skills, the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced setting, and a stable work history. Officers are represented by the Seattle Parking Enforcement Officers Guild (SPEOG), and the selection of shifts and vacation days is based on seniority within the unit. Parking Enforcement Officers are expected to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required by the demands of the job. The role involves patrolling assigned districts, issuing citations for parking violations, and maintaining good public relations. Officers must be prepared to work mandatory overtime and respond to various situations, including traffic incidents and public inquiries. The job also requires the ability to document activities accurately and respond to subpoenas when necessary. In addition to enforcement duties, Parking Enforcement Officers play a vital role in community engagement, assisting residents and visitors with directions and information. The position demands a high level of professionalism and the ability to handle difficult situations with composure. Successful candidates will undergo a comprehensive training program and must pass a series of background checks and medical examinations to ensure they meet the standards required for this critical role in public safety.
Responsibilities
- Enhance and maintain good public relations while taking enforcement actions.
- Patrol an assigned district by foot or vehicle, issuing citations and warnings for ordinance violations.
- Independently plan and organize work to effectively react to changing priorities.
- Investigate suspected abandoned vehicles and take appropriate action for removal.
- Cite vehicles to clear streets during designated peak hours to ensure traffic flow.
- Document citations and daily activities in a computerized handheld ticket device and on manual reports.
- Perform queries for law enforcement information using secure computer systems.
- Respond to subpoenas and testify in court regarding issued citations.
- Report unlawful activity, malfunctioning traffic signals, and defective parking devices.
- Monitor police radio activity and respond to requests for assistance.
- Direct traffic during special events, natural disasters, and traffic accidents.
- Respond to medical emergencies with CPR and AED capabilities.
- Assist lost or stranded residents or tourists with directions.
Requirements
- One year of experience in public contact work.
- Current State of Washington driver's license.
- Pass a Seattle Police Department competitive background investigation.
- Pass medical examination by a city-approved doctor.
- Complete an eight-week unit training program.
- Pass and maintain annual defensive driving certification for fleet vehicles.
Nice-to-haves
- Three or more years of experience in public contact work, including dealing with difficult citizens.
- Experience communicating effectively within a multi-cultural organization.
- Demonstrated experience using mediation and negotiation skills.
- One year of experience with Android-based handheld devices.
- Familiarity with the geography of Seattle.
- Ability to work well under pressure and multi-task.
Benefits
- Disability insurance
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Uniform allowance
- Vacation leave
- Holiday leave
- Sick leave
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability insurance
