The Community Service Officer (CSO) is a civilian, non-sworn position within the North Liberty Police Department that provides support services to City departments, sworn officers, and the public. The position performs a variety of specialized duties focused on customer service, animal control, ordinance enforcement, and non-emergency public assistance, including enforcing animal control ordinances; responding to and following up on animal and parking complaints; providing non-emergency assistance to motorists; conducting parking enforcement; handling and processing evidence; assisting with special assignments and investigations; participating in community outreach activities; and providing public education related to animal regulations. The CSO serves as an important link between the Police Department and the community by promoting public safety while supporting education and outreach efforts.

Responds to animal-related complaints from the public, including abuse, neglect, injuries, and bite incidents. Enforces local and state animal control laws and ordinances; evaluates animal health and behavior. Safely captures, transports, and impounds animals to shelters or veterinary facilities as required.
Provides customer-focused, non-emergency assistance to the public, including parking enforcement, stalled or disabled vehicles, vehicle unlocks, directions, traffic control at motor vehicle crash scenes, coordination with tow services, and placement and data retrieval from the speed trailer.
Assists sworn officers and department personnel with special assignments, investigations, and operational support, including vehicle impoundment and storage, traffic-related assistance, and other duties as requested.
Completes minor crime reports, non-action field reports, and required documentation related to animal complaints, licensing, bites, and follow-up actions in accordance with department procedures.
Assists the Evidence Custodian with the processing, handling, securing, releasing, and disposal of evidence, ensuring proper documentation and chain-of-custody requirements are met.
Collects, inventories, stores, and releases abandoned, found, or stolen bicycles and other property in compliance with department policy.
Provides front desk and clerical support as needed, including answering phones, notifying dispatch of calls for service, assisting walk-in visitors, and supporting administrative and front office operations.
Works collaboratively with City departments and external partners, including Police, Fire, Health, Streets, Parks, Dispatch, veterinarians, animal shelter staff, the court system, prosecution, the City Attorney, and the general public to support department operations and community needs.
Provides credible testimony in court or administrative proceedings when required and handles sensitive or confidential information in accordance with department policy.
Performs all other related duties as assigned.

High school diploma or GED, college coursework or degree preferred, and a minimum of six (6) months of experience in a customer service–related role.
Experience working with animals, including unlicensed, stray, or uncontrollable animals, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Working knowledge of animal behavior, health, and temperament, including the ability to recognize normal and abnormal conditions and safely handle and restrain animals for treatment or transport.
Working knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations applicable to police operations, including animal control and municipal ordinances.
Familiarity with City streets, parking regulations, and traffic laws.
Proficiency with standard office equipment, computer software, and basic data collection and recordkeeping systems.
Experience preparing accurate reports, records, and documentation.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with the public, coworkers, supervisors, and law enforcement personnel.
Ability to operate an emergency vehicle and police radio and to handle evidence and confidential information in accordance with policy.
Valid Iowa driver’s license or eligibility to obtain one upon hire.
Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification.
Minimum age of 18 at the time of hire and successful completion of a background investigation and drug screening.

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

The position requires a valid Iowa driver’s license, reliable transportation, and availability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Functional literacy in written and spoken English is required, along with the capacity to read, understand, interpret, and apply federal, state, and local laws and regulations, as well as Police Department policies and procedures.

Work involves the safe operation of a motor vehicle and performance of patrol and field activities throughout City streets, neighborhoods, businesses, and surrounding areas. Duties include handling, capturing, transporting, and caring for domestic and wild animals that may be injured, aggressive, or unpredictable, as well as assessing animal health and recognizing emergency conditions.

The position requires physical mobility and the ability to lift, push, pull, and carry objects weighing up to 10 pounds regularly, up to 50 pounds occasionally, and up to 100 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Hand dexterity, balance, and strength are essential for animal handling, along with the routine use and basic maintenance of assigned tools, equipment, and vehicles. Work is frequently performed outdoors for extended periods in adverse weather, hazardous conditions, varying temperatures, and environments with elevated noise levels.

The role requires sound judgment, effective decision-making, task prioritization, and the ability to work calmly in dynamic and sometimes stressful situations.

City of North Liberty jobs

Community Service Officer