A Community Service Officer (CSO) performs a variety of fieldwork in the enforcement of City ordinances and other laws and regulations relating to animal calls for service and/or complaints and parking enforcement. CSO’s perform other duties such as assisting with calls for service pertaining to found and/or lost property. CSO’s also assist patrol officers as trained Crime Scene Investigators.
Scope of Responsibility:
CSO’s work under general supervision of a Sergeant, who is often not immediately present during all of their work activities. Work includes engaging with citizens and answering questions in regards to animal and parking complaints. CSO’s are governed by Fargo Police Policies and are responsible for all assigned equipment related to their position.
The job requires a high school diploma and one year of previous experience in the handling and/or care of animals, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. A valid driver’s license is also required. Job holders must become trained in the use of an animal tranquilizer gun within 12 months of employment.
Knowledge, skills and ability include:
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Knowledge of common breeds of animals and their behavior;
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Knowledge of City ordinances pertaining to animals and parking;
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Knowledge of chemical and safety applications for tranquilizer gun;
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Knowledge of proper traffic control techniques;
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Computer knowledge for information research/follow-up purposes;
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Skill in handling animals and in the use of capture/storage equipment;
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Skill with firearm (tranquilizer gun);
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Skill in written English sufficient to read and understand ordinances and to write reports;
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Skill in communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction;
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Skill with personal defensive equipment and knowledge of when it is appropriate to use it (pepper spray, expandable baton);
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Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
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Complete internal training as a Crime Scene Investigator.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions:
Most work is performed in field conditions. Driving is daily. Work is medium with considerable variety. There is intermittent heavy effort associated with pursuing, controlling or transporting animals. The job may involve dealing with and calming individuals who are emotionally charged over an issue. There is occasional moderate attention to detail and deadlines. There may be intermittent exposure to very disagreeable working conditions.
Activities include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing.
Medium Work: Work is classified as medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.
