
Posting number: 264122-07
Department: Police
Division: Special Operations
Job classification: PUBLIC SERVICES OFFICER
Posting type: Open
Categories: Public Safety, Law Enforcement, Customer Service
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?
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
$67,044
$82,776
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
$73,019
$89,059
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.
Knowledge, Abilities and Skills
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.
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.

Santa Monica is an 8.3 square mile city situated at a gateway to the Pacific Ocean on the west side of Los Angeles County. Offering an environment of unparalleled natural beauty, the city is home to a mix of residential communities, commercial districts, and recreational and art venues. Named by National Geographic as one of the Top 10 Beach Cities in the World, Santa Monica is home to three miles of wide beaches and the Santa Monica Pier, and attracts over 6 million visitors annually. Santa Monica’s residential population is approximately 90,000, increasing to an estimated 250,000 during the day with visitors and employees.
The City of Santa Monica is a national leader in environmental, economic and social sustainability. The City has reduced water usage community-wide and is working toward water self-sufficiency by 2020, has increased solar capacity, and has adopted policies prohibiting single-use plastic bags and motorized leaf blowers to promote sustainable practices.
Partnerships with local schools and Santa Monica Collage have created top-notch educational institutions, complemented by public libraries that are rated among the nation’s best. Outstanding educational opportunities are a prime reason that families choose Santa Monica.
Learn more at www.santamonica.gov and follow the City on Twitter (@santamonicacity).