Community Peace Officer

The Town of Ponoka is currently recruiting for a permanent full-time (1.0 FTE) Community Peace Officer 1 in the Protective Services Department.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Manager of Protective Services, the Community Peace Officer (CPO) supports community safety through enforcement, education, and proactive engagement. This role works collaboratively with internal departments and external agencies, including the RCMP, Sheriffs, Fish and Wildlife, and other municipal partners.

The CPO is responsible for investigating bylaw complaints, resolving disputes, and promoting compliance through enforcement, education, and community-based initiatives.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

• Enforce municipal bylaws and applicable provincial legislation
• Conduct patrols (shift work) for enforcement, prevention, and community safety
• Investigate complaints and determine appropriate resolutions (education, warnings, orders, or fines)
• Provide animal control services
• Serve legal documents as required
• Attend court proceedings and maintain accurate documentation and reporting
• Collaborate with RCMP and other enforcement agencies
• Deliver public education and community safety programs
• Participate in community events, schools, and committees
• Support policy development, research, and bylaw updates
• Issue orders under the Municipal Government Act
• Build and maintain positive relationships with community stakeholders

• Operate in alignment with the Town of Ponoka Mission Vision, Values and Corporate Philosophy

   

Minimum Requirements

Education

• High school diploma plus a Diploma in Police and Justice Studies (or related field)
• Current Community Peace Officer appointment (or ability to obtain upon hire)
• Completion of all training required under the Peace Officer Act (Alberta)
• Valid and current:
  
  • P.A.R.E. test
  • Baton and OC Spray certification
  • EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operation Course)

  • Defensive tactics training

     

Experience

• 1–3 years of related enforcement or policing experience
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience preparing reports suitable for court proceedings
• Ability to interpret legislation, bylaws, and policies

Other

• Clean Criminal Record Check
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License with clean driver’s abstract
• Current First Aid and CPR certification

Competencies

Knowledge

• Sound judgment and decision-making in complex, high-pressure, or ambiguous situations, including enforcement and education-based outcomes
• Ability to work within a collaborative policing model and make difficult or unpopular decisions when required
• Strong understanding and application of policies, bylaws, and legislation
• Effective conflict resolution and emergency response skills
• Ability to gather evidence and prepare clear, accurate reports suitable for court proceedings
• Strong communication skills, including public speaking, community education, and stakeholder engagement
• Ability to manage workload fluctuations, remain proactive, and demonstrate initiative
• Active listening skills with the ability to assess situations and determine appropriate actions
• Professional, calm, and unbiased approach when interacting with the public
• Strong relationship-building skills with internal and external partners
• Emotional intelligence to respond appropriately in sensitive situations
• Clear and adaptable written communication across various formats
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• High level of confidentiality and professionalism
• Ability to present information or reports to leadership, including Council
• Willingness to perform additional duties within the scope of the role

Working Conditions

Work conditions typically include office and outdoor conditions. The following is also noted:

• Shift work is mandatory;
• Outdoor work is required;
• Care and attention will be required when working with animals;
• The work will have periods of high volume generated by reactive complaints, coupled with high volumes of self-directed work;
• The work will have conditions that change constantly;
• The work will require liaison and collaboration with all internal departments and allied agencies on a continuous basis;

Further details pertaining to the physical demands of the position can be found in the Physical Demands Analysis included with the Town’s Health & Safety Program.

Health and Safety

Provide our community with quality services in a responsible manner within a healthy environment.

Ensure the Town of Ponoka’s health and safety policies, procedures, and safe work practices are followed in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations.