Position Information

The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) is currently seeking motivated and service minded individuals for to join our team of over 460 employees who serve a diverse and engaged community by upholding the core principles of the department. ACPD is currently hiring Public Service Aides to serve as active contributors to the Police Department's mission of reducing crime and improving the quality of life by creating an environment where all people may live safely and without fear.

ACPD's Public Service Aides are non-sworn uniformed employees within the Police Department and provide service to the community by performing several enforcement and support functions to the department and its sworn Police Officers. Public Service Aides assist the overall mission of the department and its Three Key Initiatives by enforcing parking regulations, providing vehicle and pedestrian traffic control at incidents, supporting special events, and providing information and assistance to members of the public while being present and visible members of public safety within the community.

Public Service Aides are highly visible representatives of Arlington County Government and the Police Department to promote safety, security, and competence through their active presence and service within the community. They will provide service to County residents and visitors, and promote safety by being responsible for the following:

• Assisting the public by providing directions and general information while on patrol;
• Patrolling assigned areas within the County to investigate or identify parking violations;
• Providing traffic control and security assistance at events and accidents including deploying traffic cones along roadways and directing traffic;
• Reporting traffic hazards or violators to Police Department officers for further assistance;
• Placing portable traffic signs in designated areas and tracking vehicles parked in temporary No Parking zones prior to posting of signage;
• Issuing electronic parking tickets accurately for vehicles violating parking laws and preparing notices for vehicles violating County license plate ordinances;
• Coordinating the impounding of vehicles, and installing and removing parking boots on cars that are in violation of parking laws; and
• Testifying in Traffic Court when citizens contest tickets.

Qualified candidates will have strong written and verbal communication skills to accurately complete forms and reports, as well as exceptional inter-personal skills to diffuse tense interactions with the public while enforcing parking regulations, providing directions or information on parking restrictions, and explaining County or State licensing requirements.

All Public Service Aides are eligible for County government employee benefits that includes health, dental, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, as well as a generous retirement plan.

Selection Criteria

Minimum:

• High school diploma or GED; and
• Demonstrated desire to assist the community in a public-facing capacity; use problem solving and interpersonal skills to assist and inform others; and enforce Virginia and Arlington County parking, traffic, and license regulations.

Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following:

• Traffic and parking enforcement;
• Interacting and with the public in stressful or potentially confrontational situations;
• De-escalating situations where you are interacting with upset or confrontational individuals; and
• Explaining rules and procedures to others.

Special Requirements

Work environment: Public Service Aides conduct their work in an environment that involves walking several miles per day for extended periods of time while outdoors in all types of weather to include heavy rain, extreme heat and extreme cold and frequently operate motor vehicles. Other physical aspects of the position include bending over and lifting parking boots that weigh up to 35 pounds, and carrying, lifting, and loading stacks of traffic cones and barricades that weigh up to 40 pounds per stack from beds of pick-up trucks and rapidly deploying them along the roadway.

Background check: Due to the sensitive nature of this position, candidates receiving consideration will be required to undergo a pre-employment polygraph examination and a character/background investigation conducted by the Police Department. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record, criminal history, background check, and polygraph.

Certifications and licenses:

• Candidates must have the ability to obtain Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) State Operator Certification.
• A valid license to operate a motor vehicle required. The applicant must provide or authorize Arlington County to obtain a copy of the applicant's official state/district driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent on a favorable review of the applicant's driving record and criminal history.

COVID Vaccination: Arlington County Government is committed to the health, safety, and wellness for all staff. In support of that commitment, all current and newly hired employees are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. For those qualified employees with a disability or sincerely held religious belief which prohibits them from receiving a vaccine, you will be able to contact the Office of Human Rights to request a reasonable accommodation. Adherence to this policy is a condition of employment.

Additional Information

Work hours: Specific work hours vary and is determined at the time of hire. Position requires shift work and working weekends, evenings, holidays, special events, and scheduled and unscheduled overtime.

Work location: ACPD main office is based at 1425 North Courthouse Road. However, job duties are performed throughout the county including patrol both on foot and while driving a County-issued vehicle.

Salary: The salary range listed in this the announcement reflects the bottom of the Public Service Aide I salary range to the top of the Public Service Aide II salary range. All new employees are hired at the Public Service Aide I classification level and salary range. With satisfactory performance, including attaining a pre-determined skill level, employees are eligible for consideration for movement from the Public Service Aide I to the Public Service Aide II class at 18 months after hire. The salary range for the two levels are as follows:

• Public Service Aide I: $43,950.40 - $67,142.40 Annually
• Public Service Aide II: $48,796.80 - $74,443.20 Annually

Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• The pay ranges listed above are effective June 19, 2022.