Lead Community Service Specialist (Community Service Specialist), University Police

Under supervision of the Parking Manager, the Community Service Specialist II serves as the Lead and main support for the field enforcement team, performing analytical, directional, technical, administrative, and clerical duties. This uniformed non-sworn position provides day-to-day work direction to Community Service Specialist I's, overseeing parking rule enforcement, event logistics, traffic control, public safety support for the Police Department, shift scheduling, and training.

Responsibilities

• Lead and Operational Coordination
  • Draft recommended work schedules, staffing plans, and shift rotations; implement management-approved work assignments; monitor field activities and work quality; coach staff; resolve routine operational issues; and identify training needs.
  • Coordinate with Palm Desert Campus management to ensure continuity of operations, including shift-to-shift information sharing, operational updates, and consistent enforcement practices.
  • Collaborate with the Events Analyst, Equipment Specialist, University Police personnel, and campus partners to develop and implement operational plans for campus events, construction projects, utility outages, and other activities.
  • Coordinate the acquisition, distribution, and accountability of uniforms, equipment, and operational supplies.
  • Conduct monthly audits of parking citations, voids, and appeals to ensure compliance with California Vehicle Code, CSU regulations, and departmental procedures; recommend corrective actions.
  • Develop, coordinate, and deliver onboarding and field training programs for Community Service Specialists and Community Service Officers, including evaluating trainee progress and maintaining training materials.
• Program Administration
  • Conduct first-level administrative reviews of parking citation appeals by evaluating evidence, applicable laws, and departmental procedures.
  • Coordinate with the Office Coordinator to schedule and facilitate second-level administrative hearings; represent the University during third-level Superior Court hearings.
  • Maintain and administer the Bicycle Patrol Program and Field Training Manual, including coordinating certifications and monitoring employee participation.
  • Conduct operational research to develop recommendations for improving parking enforcement operations, business processes, equipment, and facilities.
  • Coordinate with campus partners and vendors to resolve operational issues, support parking facility improvements, and troubleshoot License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology.
  • Support Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations by coordinating field personnel and implementing emergency response activities.
• Field Operations and Parking Enforcement
  • Patrol campus on foot, bicycle, and vehicle to enforce parking regulations, deter criminal activity, identify safety hazards, and issue citations.
  • Coordinate traffic and pedestrian control during peak periods, campus events, emergencies, and construction activities.
  • Provide parking information and customer assistance, including interpreting regulations and resolving routine customer concerns.
  • Conduct inspections of departmental vehicles, emergency telephones, exterior lighting, parking facilities, and traffic control equipment; document deficiencies and coordinate corrective action.
  • Conduct parking occupancy surveys and operational inspections to support planning and enforcement deployment.
  • Apply and remove vehicle immobilization devices and assist with parking permit dispenser cash collections as assigned.
  • Serve as the departmental subject matter expert on California Vehicle Code, CSU parking regulations, and university parking enforcement procedures.
• Clerical and Administrative Support
  • Assist in general office or administrative duties, including filing documents, writing reports, and answering phones.
  • Attend scheduled meetings and training assigned by the Manager or Director.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience.
• Thorough knowledge of procedures and regulations related to parking, traffic control, security, and/or public safety.
• Familiarity with the California Penal Code.
• Ability to read and interpret laws, rules, and regulations.
• Working knowledge of police department radio codes and equipment.
• Ability to use automated and computerized public safety systems and databases.
• Ability to plan and schedule unit work and provide lead work direction to others.
• Ability to independently make effective decisions and judgments in emergency situations.
• Ability to analyze operational issues and recommend procedural changes.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the campus community, public, and law enforcement agencies.
• Ability to convey clear, concise communications and conduct training for staff and the campus community.
• Ability to write reports and draft operating procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum 3 years’ work experience in the parking industry or security and special events management, with at least 1 year of supervisory experience and possession of a California Driver’s License.
• OR High school diploma and 5 years of related experience in the parking industry or security and special events management, with at least 1 year of supervisory experience and possession of a California Driver’s License.

Special Conditions

• Successful completion of a background check, physical and psychological exam, and/or ability to attend Police Officers Standards & Training (P.O.S.T.) programs related to public safety support and dispatch activities.
• May need to drive department’s pickup trucks.

Pay

Anticipated hiring range: $3,930 per month for qualified candidates. Classification hiring range: $3,703 (Step 1) - $5,395 (Step 20).

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).
• Sick and vacation time, plus 15 paid holidays per year.
• Eligibility to participate in the fee waiver education program.

Schedule

• Academic year schedule: Monday through Friday (08:00 am – 5:00 pm), some evenings/weekends.
• Summer schedule: Monday through Thursday (7:00 am - 5:30 pm), some evenings/weekends.