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Knowledge of:
General security practices and patrol procedures.
Resource and referral information.
Effective customer service techniques.
Ability to:
Learn relevant park rules and regulations, municipal codes, air traffic codes, police policy and procedures, penal codes, vehicle codes, health and safety codes, and business and professional codes.
Interact and provide information and direction and to assist the public and City staff.
Learn about City attractions and services.
Make and record accurate, detailed observations.
Monitor and operate radio equipment, learn appropriate radio codes, procedures.
Use good judgment, grasp information quickly, and take appropriate action.
Work independently.
Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees and the public.
Provide effective customer service.
Skill in:
Reading, writing and communicating at an appropriate level.
The use of personal computers and applicable software applications.
Working with various segments of the population in difficult situations.
Determining priority calls to police.
Determining when to elevate incident.
Riding a bicycle and operating a motor vehicle.
Performing mathematical calculations at an appropriate level.
Education, Training and Experience:
Graduation from high school or the equivalent.
One year of recent, paid related work experience involving heavy public contact.
Licenses and Certificates:
Possession of a valid Class C driver license.
Completion of a POST approved Bicycle Patrol course for non-sworn employees within six months from the date of hire.
A standard first aid certificate, CPR and POST Penal Code 832 certificates must all be obtained within the first twelve months from date of hire.
NOTE: Only permanent employees are eligible for a transfer. Employees submitting transfer applications must notify the recruitment analyst via email upon submission of their application.
SELECTION PROCESS: All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Testing will consist of the following:
Medical Examination: Prior to appointment, candidates must successfully complete a thorough examination, including a drug screen, to determine if they meet the City's medical standards.
Public Services Officer
Santa Monica, CA$66K - $81K / yearPosted 3 weeks ago
OTHERonsiteentry
Job Description
Join the Santa Monica Police Department as a Public Services Officer (PSO)!
Looking for a meaningful career, great pay, and excellent benefits? The Santa Monica Police Department is hiring Public Services Officers. A key role supporting public safety and serving our community.
Why Apply?
- Make a difference through daily public interaction and community support
- Work in Santa Monica, a vibrant, diverse coastal city
- Competitive salary & benefits with long-term career growth
- Be part of a respected, community-focused police department
If you have recent paid experience involving public contact and enjoy helping people, this role may be a great fit.
Below is what you can potentially be making annually at Step 1 and Step 5 of the Public Services Officer salary range.
Salary and Benefits Breakdown | Step (1) | Top Step (5) |
Annual Base Salary | $65,736 | $81,156 |
Education | $1,315/annual 2% - Bachelor’s degree 1% - Associate’s degree | $1,623/annual 2% - Bachelor’s degree 1% - Associate’s degree |
Bilingual Pay | $1,800/annual (for Spanish, $69.23 paid bi-weekly) $600/annual (for non-Spanish, $23.08 paid bi-weekly) | $1,800/annual (for Spanish, $69.23 paid bi-weekly) $600/annual (for non-Spanish, $23.08 paid bi-weekly) |
Uniform Allowance | $910/annual ($35 paid bi-weekly) | $910/annual ($35 paid bi-weekly) |
Bio-Hazard & Safety Pay | $1,950/annual ($75 paid bi-weekly) | $1,950/annual ($75 paid bi-weekly) |
Total | $71,711 | $87,439 |
Additional Compensation Opportunities:
Other incentives not included in total above: Fully-paid Medical Insurance Premiums, Wellness Benefit of $100 annual, Paid Winter Closure, Overtime, Shift Differentials, Call Back Pay, Filming Assignment, Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA), Holiday Pay (13 Holiday Pay plus 3 non-cashable), Military Leave, Paid Parental Leave, Personal Leave, Family Leave, Bereavement Leave, Sick Leave Buy Back, Vacation Cash-Out, Employee Parking, City Paid Deferred Compensation, Tuition Reimbursement, Training/Professional Development.PLEASE REVIEW THE IMPORTANT INFORMATION BELOW:
The job posting will remain open on a continuous basis. However, the initial cutoff for screening applications is 11:59 PM on May 10, 2026. Applications received after this time will be reviewed in the next screening cycle. Please ensure your application is submitted by the 10th for consideration in this round.
PLEASE NOTE TEST DATES:
- Written Exam: June 9, 2026
(Application window: April 20 – May 10, 2026)
- Performance Test (Bicycle Obstacle Course): July 7, 2026
Please ensure you are available on the respective dates.
For more information about the Santa Monica Police Department, visit Join SMPD.com
Job Summary: Patrols all areas of the City, including parks, airport, beach, downtown business district, alleys, parking structures, light rail, and other City facilities by foot, bicycle, and other vehicles to provide general security services, perform facility inspections, enforce park rules, City ordinances, laws, and regulations.
Patrols all areas of the City, including parks, airport, beach, downtown business district, alleys, parking structures, light rail, and other City facilities by foot, bicycle, and other vehicles to provide general security services, perform facility inspections. Enforce City municipal codes, laws, rules and regulations of areas assigned. Conducts general crowd and traffic control, reviews permits, monitors park fields and other City facilities for irregularities or unauthorized use.
Interacts with City staff regarding general operations at assigned areas, assisting with the securing of fields, parking lots, gates and unattended property, and other City facilities as designated. Monitors storage containers and releases property when properly identified. Monitors police radio calls and responds to situations as needed. Resolves non-violent disputes and minor disturbances. Performs general crowd and vehicle traffic control as directed.
Issues notices of violation, parking citations and other applicable citations, including but not limited to administrative citations to individuals in violation of municipal codes and infractions on the beach, parks, parking structures, and other areas patrolled City-wide. Writes minor non-custody reports. Utilizes noise decibel meter to test noise level. Appears in court as needed.
Follows applicable safety rules and regulations.
Reports hazardous, unsafe or irregular conditions within the patrol area.
Provides information, direction and assistance to the public and local merchants.
Responds to medical aid calls as a first responder.
Performs other related duties, as assigned.
Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:Interacts with City staff regarding general operations at assigned areas, assisting with the securing of fields, parking lots, gates and unattended property, and other City facilities as designated. Monitors storage containers and releases property when properly identified. Monitors police radio calls and responds to situations as needed. Resolves non-violent disputes and minor disturbances. Performs general crowd and vehicle traffic control as directed.
Issues notices of violation, parking citations and other applicable citations, including but not limited to administrative citations to individuals in violation of municipal codes and infractions on the beach, parks, parking structures, and other areas patrolled City-wide. Writes minor non-custody reports. Utilizes noise decibel meter to test noise level. Appears in court as needed.
Follows applicable safety rules and regulations.
Reports hazardous, unsafe or irregular conditions within the patrol area.
Provides information, direction and assistance to the public and local merchants.
Responds to medical aid calls as a first responder.
Performs other related duties, as assigned.
Knowledge of:
General security practices and patrol procedures.
Resource and referral information.
Effective customer service techniques.
Ability to:
Learn relevant park rules and regulations, municipal codes, air traffic codes, police policy and procedures, penal codes, vehicle codes, health and safety codes, and business and professional codes.
Interact and provide information and direction and to assist the public and City staff.
Learn about City attractions and services.
Make and record accurate, detailed observations.
Monitor and operate radio equipment, learn appropriate radio codes, procedures.
Use good judgment, grasp information quickly, and take appropriate action.
Work independently.
Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees and the public.
Provide effective customer service.
Skill in:
Reading, writing and communicating at an appropriate level.
The use of personal computers and applicable software applications.
Working with various segments of the population in difficult situations.
Determining priority calls to police.
Determining when to elevate incident.
Riding a bicycle and operating a motor vehicle.
Performing mathematical calculations at an appropriate level.
Education, Training and Experience:
Graduation from high school or the equivalent.
One year of recent, paid related work experience involving heavy public contact.
Licenses and Certificates:
Possession of a valid Class C driver license.
Completion of a POST approved Bicycle Patrol course for non-sworn employees within six months from the date of hire.
A standard first aid certificate, CPR and POST Penal Code 832 certificates must all be obtained within the first twelve months from date of hire.
HOW TO APPLY: An on-line City application and required supplemental questions must be completed for this position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified for the position on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.
NOTE: Only permanent employees are eligible for a transfer. Employees submitting transfer applications must notify the recruitment analyst via email upon submission of their application.
SELECTION PROCESS: All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Testing will consist of the following:
- Written Examination: 100%
- Performance Examination (Bicycle Obstacle Course): Pass/Fail
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS: Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.
Medical Examination: Prior to appointment, candidates must successfully complete a thorough examination, including a drug screen, to determine if they meet the City's medical standards.
NOTE: If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority, in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.
Equity & Inclusion Statement
The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!
The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!
REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS: Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246 (Hearing Impaired Only).
Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is generally performed inside and out in seasonal climate and weather conditions where noise, dust, dirt, vibrations, odors, and fuel fumes are generally encountered. Physical demands included walking, climbing, running, bending, riding a bicycle, standing for prolonged time periods and moving of objects requiring motions such as dragging, bending and carrying and lifting up to 25 lbs. May be required to work weekends, evenings, holidays, on-call and overtime. For more comprehensive information, click HERE to access the Essential Functions Job Analysis for this job classification.