Community Peace Officer 1 — Two (2) Positions

Community Peace Officer 1 — Two (2) Positions

Town of Ponoka

Position Summary

Reporting to the Manager of Protective Services, the Community Peace Officer (CPO) supports community safety through enforcement, education, and proactive engagement, working as part of a small, close-knit protective services team. This role works collaboratively with internal departments and external agencies, including the RCMP, Sheriffs, Fish and Wildlife, and other municipal partners.

The CPO investigates bylaw complaints, resolves disputes, and promotes compliance through enforcement, education, and community-based initiatives. In Ponoka, this work is primarily complaint-driven and bylaw-focused: day-to-day priorities come through the Town's online complaint portal (AccessE11) and commonly involve matters such as unsightly premises, noise, and property standards, alongside traffic and provincial enforcement duties. This work extends beyond a simple traffic-enforcement role, giving officers a visible presence and a meaningful impact across the community as a whole.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

• Respond to and investigate bylaw complaints submitted through the Town's online portal and other intake channels, prioritizing based on urgency and community impact
• Enforce municipal bylaws and applicable provincial legislation
• Conduct patrols (shift work) for enforcement, prevention, and visible community safety presence
• Determine appropriate resolutions to complaints (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

Minimum Requirements

Education

• High school diploma plus a Diploma in Police and Justice Studies (or related field)
• Current Community Peace Officer Level 1 (CPO1) appointment under Alberta's Public Security Peace Officer Program, or eligibility to obtain a CPO1 appointment within 6 months of 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), and Defensive tactics training

Note: Correctional Peace Officer (CPO1/CPO2) certification, private security licensing, and Special Constable appointments are different designations and do not satisfy this requirement.

Experience

• 1–3 years of related enforcement or policing experience
• Municipal government, bylaw, or local government enforcement experience is preferred and will be given priority consideration
• 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

What Makes a Great Fit for This Team

• Comfortable balancing provincial enforcement authority with day-to-day bylaw and complaint response; this role has a meaningful, community-wide impact well beyond a simple traffic-enforcement function
• Able to work effectively as part of a small team reporting to a non-uniformed manager
• Approaches enforcement through education and relationship-building before escalation
• Early-to-mid-career officers looking to grow with a small, stable, and supportive team are encouraged to apply

Our Culture

The Town of Ponoka's vision is to be a thriving community with a hometown feel. Our mission is to provide accessible, responsible local government that delivers quality services within a safe and healthy environment.

Everyone on our team operates under the Town's Corporate Philosophy: service excellence in all we do, through integrity, respect, and a shared commitment to people. We are One Team. We are Accountable. We are Aligned.

As a Community Peace Officer, you'll be expected to:

• Act with Integrity – act with honesty, accountability, and transparency in every decision and interaction
• Foster a Culture of Respect – treat every resident, colleague, and partner with dignity, and listen to differing perspectives
• Commit to Excellence – strive for continuous improvement and hold yourself to a high professional standard
• Invest in People – support and mentor colleagues, and stay open to growth and feedback
• Teach by Example – model the behaviour you expect from others, on and off duty
• Serve with Purpose – treat every complaint and interaction as a contribution to the community's wellbeing

Competencies

• 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

Recruitment

• Two (2) permanent full-time (1.0 FTE) positions
• $36.57 – $53.94 per hour
• Full benefits package including group life insurance, dental, extended health care, and a flex health and wellness account
• Participation in Local Authorities Pension Plan
• Paid vacation
• Annual clothing allowance
• The Town will cover CPO appointment and weapons training costs (e.g., P.A.R.E., Baton and OC Spray certification) under a training agreement with the successful candidate

This recruitment is being conducted on behalf of the Town of Ponoka by Transitional Solutions Inc. (TSI).

Please submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected] by October 22, 2026.

The Town of Ponoka thanks all applicants in advance; however, only those being considered will be contacted.