Traffic Services Officer

Full Job Description

Join our dynamic team as a Traffic Services Officer and play a vital role in ensuring the safety and smooth flow of traffic in our city.

You'll be responsible for enforcing parking control laws and ordinances, issuing parking warnings and citations, and performing traffic control duties to maintain safe flow of traffic while enjoying competitive pay and benefits.

As a Traffic Services Officer, you'll have the opportunity to work both independently and collaboratively with law enforcement personnel to report illegal activities and provide assistance when needed.

Whether you're patrolling the city on foot, bicycle, or in a three-wheeled vehicle, you'll be making a meaningful impact by enforcing parking regulations and addressing public inquiries with professionalism.

This role offers a dynamic work environment where no two days are the same. From directing vehicle and pedestrian traffic to responding to parking enforcement calls for service.

If you're someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys engaging with the public, and is committed to upholding safety standards, we encourage you to apply and be part of the Santa Monica Police Department, Traffic Services’ dedicated team.

NOTE: The eligibility list established for this position will be used to fill permanent, full-time, benefitted and as-needed - non-benefitted positions for this classification.

Requirements

Directs vehicular and pedestrian traffic by providing manual direction and/or operating automated traffic control signals to restrict traffic flow at specified locations.

Patrols city on foot, bicycle or in a three-wheeled vehicle to enforce parking control ordinances and laws.

Issues parking warnings and citations; has cars towed and impounded, when needed; and performs required follow-up activities.

Receives parking enforcement related calls for service; reports problems and status; and requests information.

Appears and testifies in court and at depositions.

Provides information and assists the public with a variety of requests and inquiries. Assists in locating lost vehicles and individuals.

Reports hazardous, unsafe or irregular conditions, when necessary.

Applies boot device to vehicles with confirmed unpaid parking violations. Releases impounded vehicles, when appropriate.

Follows applicable safety rules and regulations.

Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

Knowledge of:
English grammar and composition.
Safe work practices.
Effective customer service techniques.

Ability to:
Learn applicable laws, regulations, codes, policies and procedures.
Write reports and maintain records.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Observe and report hazardous conditions.
Follow oral and written instructions.
Use police radio and portable radio transceivers.
Safely operate City vehicles.
Ride a bicycle.
Interpret and apply applicable provisions of the Santa Monica Municipal Code,
State laws and County regulations.
Maintain composure during stressful situations.
Work closely and coordinate with law enforcement personnel.
Learn and use law enforcement telecommunication databases and other applications in an appropriate manner.
Work independently.
Provide effective customer service.
Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees and the public.

Skill in:
Reading, writing and communicating in English at an appropriate level.
Using a personal computer and applicable software applications.

Education, Training and Experience:

High school graduation 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.

Additional Information

SELECTION PROCESS: All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding their qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Testing will consist of the following:

• Written Examination: 100%

(THE IN-PERSON WRITTEN EXAMINATION IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 27, 2026)

• Performance Examination (Bicycle Obstacle Course): Pass/Fail

(THE IN-PERSON PERFORMANCE EXAMINATION (BICYCLE OBSTABLE COURSE) IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR MAY 11, 2026)