Community Service Specialist

Community Service Specialist

Location: City Hall, Missoula, MT

Salary: $22.20 – $24.39 per hour

Job Type: Regular, Full‑Time

Job Number: 00634

Department: Police Department – Civilian

Opening Date: 01/12/2026

Closing Date: 1/26/2026 11:59 PM Mountain Time

The Community Service Specialist is a key support position within the Missoula Police Department, performing public safety and enforcement functions that contribute to the efficient operation of the Department and the safety of the community. Responsibilities include patrolling assigned areas, enforcing city ordinances related to parks, animal control, and parking, directing traffic, collecting and logging evidence, and taking non‑emergency police reports.

The role requires strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to interact effectively with diverse populations, including individuals experiencing distress or crisis.

• Patrol or respond to an assigned area of the City on foot, bike, or motor vehicle; respond to questions and requests from citizens.
• Operate a portable or vehicle radio using proper radio codes.
• Enforce ordinances related to parks, animal control, and parking; direct traffic at accidents and other events, setting up temporary stop signs or street barricades.
• Collect and log evidence and property.
• Assist with searches for missing persons.
• Provide crime prevention support.
• Respond to various quality‑of‑life issues as assigned.
• Prepare documentation of activities performed and information gathered.
• Provide support to the City and County Attorneys’ Offices in trial preparation and prosecutions; testify in criminal and civil trials as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned, based on training and qualifications.

• Knowledge of law‑enforcement principles, methods, techniques, and practices, including court procedures, community relations, identification, patrol, traffic control, report preparation, custody of persons and property, and crime prevention.
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret federal, state, county, and city laws and ordinances to be enforced.
• Knowledge of and ability to learn equipment used in law enforcement, including communications equipment and automobiles.
• Skill in providing effective customer service, including serving distressed citizens professionally and sensitively.
• Skill in operating office equipment, various computer software and databases, including Microsoft 365, and the ability to learn job‑specific applications.
• Skill in preparing reports documenting facts and actions regarding criminal and civil law‑enforcement incidents.
• Skill in negotiating and communicating, in person and in writing, with the proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals.
• Ability to maintain and exhibit integrity and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information of police records.
• Ability to resolve conflicts while maintaining a calm demeanor.
• Ability to have a keen attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to learn street names and locations throughout the Missoula community.
• Ability to learn departmental and city practices and procedures, including Montana Code Annotated and Missoula Municipal Code pertaining to police activities and public safety.

• Work environment may involve occasional exposure to unavoidable seasonal weather conditions, occupational hazards, biohazards, and physical risks, requiring basic safety precautions.
• Duties involve significant contact with the public, including agitated or intoxicated individuals and persons with mental disorders.
• A large portion of the workday is spent patrolling on foot and/or bike for eight months of the year.

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to two (2) years of criminal justice, social services, or another relevant field.
• Must have a valid Montana driver’s license with a verified acceptable driving record or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Must obtain Criminal Justice Information Network (CJIN) certification within six (6) months of hire.
• Must be able to pass a police…