Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from City of Salinas
Job overview
The Community Service Officer role supports the Salinas Police Department by performing various law enforcement support tasks, contributing to community safety and department efficiency.
Responsibilities and impact
The officer will handle customer service, minor investigations, report writing, traffic control, fingerprinting, offender registrations, evidence collection, and booking, while possibly working special events and shift schedules including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Compensation and benefits
The position offers a 3% base pay increase starting July 2025; other benefits are not specified in the description.
Experience and skills
Applicants must provide proof of education such as a high school diploma or equivalent and pass a thorough law enforcement background check; experience requirements are not detailed.
Work environment and culture
The role involves working under general direction with occasional assistance, supporting law enforcement in a community-focused environment with varied shifts and special event duties.
Company information
The City of Salinas operates the Police Department which this role supports, focusing on community law enforcement and public safety.
Job location and travel
The job is located in Salinas, with duties potentially requiring shift work including nights, weekends, and holidays, and participation in special events.
Application process
Applicants must submit proof of education with their application and pass a background investigation; recruitment includes a written exam and interviews with tentative dates provided.
Unique job features
The role is a journey level paraprofessional position in police support, distinguished by routine and complex tasks with some autonomy and occasional instruction.
Company overview
The City of Salinas is the municipal government serving Salinas, California, known as the “Salad Bowl of the World” due to its prominent agricultural industry. The city government provides essential public services including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, parks and recreation, and community development, funded primarily through local taxes, fees, and state or federal grants. Salinas has a diverse population and a rich history tied to agriculture, notably as the birthplace of author John Steinbeck, and has focused in recent years on revitalizing its downtown and addressing housing and economic development. Working for the City of Salinas involves contributing to a community with deep agricultural roots and ongoing initiatives to improve quality of life for residents.
How to land this job
Tailor your resume to highlight your customer service skills, experience with minor investigations, report writing, and familiarity with law enforcement support tasks such as traffic control and evidence handling, as these are core duties for the Community Service Officer role at City of Salinas.
Emphasize your ability to work flexible schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays, and your readiness to participate in special events, reflecting the job’s shift work and event support requirements.
Apply through multiple channels including the City of Salinas official employment website and LinkedIn to maximize your application’s exposure and ensure you don’t miss any updates or opportunities.
Connect with current employees or supervisors in the Salinas Police Department or Community Service division on LinkedIn, using ice breakers like asking about department culture, recent community initiatives, or tips for succeeding in the recruitment process.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'law enforcement support,' 'customer service,' 'minor investigations,' 'report drafting,' 'traffic control,' and 'evidence collection' to improve your chances of passing automated screenings.
Use Jennie Johnson’s Power Apply feature to automate submitting tailored applications across multiple platforms, identify and connect with relevant City of Salinas contacts on LinkedIn, and ensure your resume is optimized for ATS, saving you time and increasing your chances of success.
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